DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

    Santa Claus gets a lot of attention during the holiday season.  He deserves it....rumor has it that he takes into account your wish list, helps you improve your behavior from naughty to nice and travels around the world in just one night to deliver all of those presents.  But how could he do all of this by himself???    As it turns out, Santa's not alone.  According to folklore, working hard behind the scenes and under the big guy's shadow are Santa's elves.  Typically under appreciated during the holidays, the amount of labor these tiny, mythical creatures clock in is pretty astounding.  We have to assume that much like Rudolph and his red nose, without the help of the elves, Santa could have a lot more stress leading up to Christmas and wouldn't be nearly as jolly.    But have you ever wondered what the life of an elf is really like?  Sure, there are a lot of stories and movies about Santa's elves...they're feat...

   In the cobwebs and dust of old farmhouse loft in Denmark, it is reported that there lives a mischievous elf named Julenisse , or Nisse.   He is said to wear gray wool clothing, a red bonnet, red stockings, and white clogs upon his feet.  Though he is usually kind and helpful around the farm towards good children, he does love to play jokes.    During the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Danish celebrate Advent.  Each Sunday in Advent, family and friends gather to light candles in the Advent crown.  Refreshments of sweet fruit juices are served to the children, while adults drink a cocktail of red wine, raisins, and spices.  Little fire-baked cakes sprinkled with sugar provide a tasty snack.     On December 13th, Lucia processions are held at many hospitals, schools, and rest homes.  Children's choirs perform a parade in honor of Lucia, "the saint of lights".  The childre...

          We have all heard the silliness of the Twelve days of Christmas and the litany of gifts bestowed by the true love.  Have you ever wondered what that song is really about?  Whether you believe it or not, there is a much deeper message to the song that has spiritual roots. During the Protestant rule of England the teachings of Catholic church were forbidden and the church as a whole was outlawed.  It was during this time that the church went into hiding and sought ways to teach their doctrine in secret.  One of the ways that the doctrine spread was through the Twelve days of Christmas.    Before we launch into the meaning of the song, we need to remember that there were twelve days to Christmas.  These twelve days began on Christmas day and went through the celebration of Epiphany twelve days later.  The song begins on a specific day of Christmas and my true love gave to me.  The true love in ...