DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

1. The First Tree    The first tree debuted at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve, 1931. The tree, erected by construction workers eager to receive a day’s pay in the depths of the Depression, stood only 20 ft. tall — a quarter of the size of this year’s holiday specimen.   Here's a look at some of the 79-year-old tradition’s most historic moments: 2. The $1.5 Million Star     In 1931, tin cans and scrap paper were used to adorn the tree — appropriate decorations for Depression-era America. Then came garlands and glass. Colored lights and ornaments in the shape of dogs and sailboats made their appearance in 1934. A 4-ft. plastic star, a white spray-painted tree and 10-ft.-long aluminum icicles were staples of the 1950s. The 1990s took it up a notch with a gold-leaf star. But that was nothing compared to the 550-lb. Swarovski star unveiled in 2009. Created specifically for the tree and standing 10 ft. tall, the estimated $1.5 million...

   The Patras Carnival , Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17th of January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes balls, parades, hunting of hidden treasure, kids’ carnival etc. Its apogee is in the last weekend of Carnival with the Saturday evening parade of carnival groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats and groups, and finally the ritual burning of king carnival at the St. Nikolaos Street wharf in the harbour of Patras. Its characteristics are spontaneity, improvisation, inspiration and volunteerism. History    Most people agree that starting event of the Patras Carnival was a ball given in the residence of the merchant Moretis in 1829. However the carnival, as most carnival events in the Mediterranean and the Balkans, is connected with ancient pagan rit...

   Get in on the fun of the King Cake. Hide a little toy baby in the cake and whoever finds it has one year of good luck! Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 25 min. + cooling Yield: 12 Servings Ingredients 40 25 65              Ingredients 2 packages (1/4 ounce each ) active dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°) 3/4 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°) 2 egg yolks 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 egg, beaten GLAZE: 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 to 3 tablespoons water Green, purple and yellow sugars Directions In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1/2 cup sugar, butter, milk, egg yolks, salt, lemon peel, nutmeg an...