Archive for the 'Heart of the Holidays' Category
Attitude Follows Perspective
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Attitude Follows Perspective
Shifting The Mood
We all have days when we are faced with chores, errands, or responsibilities that we don’t want to do. At times like these, it’s easy to get into a bad mood and stay in one as we tackle these tasks. However, given the fact that our bad mood will not change the fact that we have to do these things, and will most likely make things worse, we could also try to shift our attitude. Many wise people have pointed out that it is not so much what we do as it is how we do it that makes the difference in our lives.
It’s important when we’re facing something that’s really hard for us, whether it’s doing taxes, paying bills, or visiting a challenging relative, that we lovingly support ourselves through the process. The more supported we feel, the easier it is to open our minds to the idea that we could change our way of looking at the situation. In truth, most of the chores we don’t like doing are intimately intertwined with our blessings. When we remember this, we feel gratitude, which makes it hard to stay in a dark mood.
We can shift our attitude by considering how much we love our home as we clean it and how lucky we are to have a roof over our head. Any task can be transformed from a burden to a necessary aspect of caring for something we love. All we have to do is shift our perspective, and our attitude follows shortly behind.
Submissions due July 14 for Heart of a Woman in Business Book
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, Share Your Story| 4 Comments »HEART OF A WOMAN IN BUSINESS
Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success
Deadline for submissions —- July 14, 2008.
Supporting today’s women in business and her unique needs, professional speaker and internationally top-rated trainer Sheryl Roush is accepting submissions for the forthcoming publication in the Heart Book Series, entitled: Heart of a Woman in Business.
Sheryl is the President of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, working with organizations around the globe to improve morale, boost attitude, and increase productivity through communication and customer service skills. Her conference keynote programs and on-site trainings, rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement.
The Heart of a Woman in Business book is “sisters sharing with sisters” at its core…. lessons learned, tips, insights… those precious conversations.
“If I knew then what I know now!”
How to get started in business… how YOU got started
How you found your ideal niche, clients and industry
How you are using your unique talents and gifts in service
How you nurture your mind, body and spirit
How your business has changed/evolved over the years, and why
Contributors are encouraged to submit success stories, tips, ideas… You will join colleague Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors, Employees, Speakers, Trainers, Coaches, Mentors, Entrepreneurs, Self-Employed…
CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED:
• Original Women in Business Stories, up to 1,200 words
• Original Poems, Cherished Scriptures/Proverbs, Quotations
• Advice, Anecdotes, Philosophies, Ideas, Suggestions, Quick Tips
• Best Practices, Insights, Sage Wisdom, and?Success Stories
SUBMISSION IDEA STARTERS:
- Attitude and Boosting Morale
- Customer Service, Sales, Marketing and Dealing with Difficult People
- Communication Skills
- Creativity & Innovation Tips
- Diet, eating healthfully at the office, snacking suggestions
- Dressing up your office (personalizing your area)
- Exercise for Busy People, Quick Tips
- Funny things that have happened
- Interviewing Tips, Recruiting New Team Members
- Giving back…the heart of charity, mentoring others
- How to keep the passion alive for what you love
- How to Re-Center Your Energy throughout the Day
- Keeping Employees Happy
- Lessons Learned from being in business
- Life Balance (work and personal)
- Networking from authenticity
- Professional Play-novelties, toys, hats, shoes
- Public Speaking Tips, using your voice in today’s marketplace
- Retreats, Special Celebrations, Holidays, Traditions
- Stress Reduction & Relaxation Techniques (easy things you can do at your desk)
- Supervising others, Teamwork, Cooperation, Trust
- Tips for working with someone very different than yourself
- Travel Tips and Favorite Places to Rejuvenate
- Using Creative Visualization, Guided Imagery, Meditation, Treasure Mapping
- Youth/Seniors in business – getting started at any age
Suggestions from YOUR perspective?
What would YOU want to read about, being a woman in business?
EMAIL your text or Word.doc to Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com, before July 14, 2008.
Include your company name (optional), position/title (optional), website (company or your own), a potential title and suggested chapter in the book.
Contributors maintain all copyrights to submissions. If reprinting your original submission with permission from another publication, indicate name of publication. There is no fee to participate, and no royalties are paid for submissions.
SCHEDULED RELEASE: October 1, 2008.
Holiday Gifts Educating AIDS Orphans in Africa
Charities, Heart of the Holidays, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Educating the Children
Some years ago, I stopped sending holiday greeting cards and most corporate gifts. The budget for these items has been re-purposed (has a nice ring to it) and is now being used to educate AIDS orphans in Africa. An annual gift of $25 provides — you won’t believe this but it’s true — tuition, shoes, books and a uniform for 1 student. Your cards and presents have become educational tools. Thanks.
-John Reddish, Advent Management Int’l.
There are NUMEROUS SITES posted on Google – pick and choose how YOU would like to participate. I Googled "AIDS orphans in Africa" and there were 1,370,000 links.
-Sheryl Roush, Heart Book Series site administrator
Beauty of the Heart
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, Quotations| No Comments »The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart.
~Rumi, Sufi Poet
Breathing in the New Year
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| 2 Comments »
Breathing in the New Year
According to Joseph Sweeney of Erie Massage Therapy in Erie, Colorado, one of the easiest things you can do for the New Year in taking care of your body, is to stretch your muscles frequently, stand up from the computer keyboard, go for short walks outside and get fresh air, and practice breathing exercises.
One of the exercises is to inhale deeply through the nose to the count of six and exhale in out the mouth to the count of four (since it’s faster and more complete). Another tip is to TIGHTEN UP all your muscles on the INHALE, and RELEASE all your muscles on the EXHALE… isometric muscle contraction methods. Immediate benefits to you is instant relief and deeper relaxation, as well as increased muscle regeneration. "These exercises help you to get your muscles into a full and relaxed state" Sweeney comments.
10 Loving New Year’s Resolutions
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Let’s face it. We all make ’em, then we break ’em. That’s life! But mostly it’s because we set unrealistic ones. We’re going to lose that 10 or 20lbs that we’ve been hanging onto for the last five years! We’ll exercise more often. We’re going to change jobs, change our relationships, change habits. Aren’t we?
So here are 10 resolutions to think about…
- I will take better care of myself in whatever form that takes. It doesn’t have to be in large leaps. Small steps are enough.
- I will say NO more often and know that I’m being kind to myself.
- I will write a Gratitude Journal every night and give thanks for all the good things in my life.
- I will stop making excuses and start taking actions no matter how big or small.
- I will acknowledge the place in me that feels small and vulnerable and honor it with compassion.
- I will not apologize for my existence any longer. I’m too old for that.
- I will say THANK YOU when someone gives me a compliment without giving a story about why I don’t deserve it.
- I will treat myself once a week to at least two hours of alone time.
- I will acknowledge my fears, but assume I already have the courage to confront them.
- I will find someone to support me in my changes that will hold me accountable so I can truly step into being FEARLESS.
–Jacqueline Wales, Fearless Fifties womens’ retreat facilitator and coach, Author of When the Crow Sings, www.jacquelinewales.com
Starting New: A Moment of Choice
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Starting New: A Moment Of Choice
There are times in our lives that lend themselves to starting something new. The beginning of a new year, finishing school, leaving a job, or changing homes—these all are times that turn our minds to fresh starts. Their advantage is that they bring with them the energy of that event, creating a tide of change around them that we can ride to our next shoreline. But we can choose to start anew anytime. In any moment we can decide that a bad day or a relationship that’s gotten off on the wrong foot can be started again. It is a mental shift that allows us to clean the slate and approach anything with fresh eyes, and we can make that choice at any time.
Starting new is most powerful when we focus our attention to what we are choosing to create. Giving all of our attention to the unwanted aspects of our lives allows what we resist to persist. We need to remember to leave enough room in the process of new beginnings to be kind to ourselves, because it takes time to become accustomed to anything new, no matter how much we like it. There is no need to get down on ourselves if we don’t reach our new goals instantly. Instead, we acknowledge the forward motion and choose to reset and start again, knowing that with each choice we learn, grow, and move forward.
Making the choice to start anew has its own energy—it’s a promise made to you. The forward momentum creates a sort of vacuum behind it, pulling toward you all you need to help you continue moving in your chosen direction. Once the journey has begun, it may take unexpected turns, but it never really ends. Like cycles in nature, there are periods of obvious growth and periods of dormancy that signal a time of waiting for the right moment to burst forth. Each time we choose to start anew we dedicate ourselves to becoming the best we are able to be.
New Year’s Introspection
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »January 1, 2008
Insightful Introspection
You may feel introspective today, with a desire for deeper insights about yourself. You may be trying to understand the origins of your desires, overcome limiting behaviors, or seek a better understanding of your motivations.
One of the best ways to feel more connected with your inner wisdom is to spend some quiet time alone in meditation. Simply find a quiet, private place where you won’t be disturbed and focus on releasing any worries or tension from your mind and body. When you feel completely relaxed, turn your attention inward and connect with your inner guidance. In this peaceful silence, you can ask specific questions, or allow insights and hunches to come naturally.
Connecting with our inner wisdom provides the insights and answers we seek in order to live more productive lives. Though we often feel that we know ourselves completely, we can still find ourselves stuck in destructive behaviors or limiting patterns. By taking time to connect more deeply with our inner selves, we tap into a consistent flow of knowledge, insight, and enlightenment that is available to us at any time.
As we connect with this spiritual wisdom, we gain a clearer understanding of our actions, and we can work on dissolving inner blockages and obstacles that may keep us feeling stuck. Our journey through life then becomes focused and productive, as we create lives that fulfill us on a spiritual level. The answers and insights you seek today can be found by tuning into the deepest and wisest part of your inner self.
Quotations: Making Positive Choices
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Quotations| No Comments »Quotations: Making Positive Choices
One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Every act we perform is a choice, even if we are unaware that we have made a choice. Our unawareness of choice at the level of electrons and atoms gives us the illusion of a mechanical reality. In this way, we appear to be mere victims subject to the whims of a "higher being."
–Fred Alan Wolf, Quantum Theorist
New Year’s Heart Message
Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, New Year's| No Comments »
New Year’s is a time of endings and beginnings. One stress we sometimes experience at New Year’s is looking back on our resolutions and goals from a year ago and seeing how we have fallen short. Nothing robs us of Fyera! or ties our growth and fulfillment to a boomerang bungee cord faster than self judgment. The heart rarely judges and measures our progress. Usually, it celebrates our potential, appreciates our strides, and gives us direct and honest feedback about our gaps- all with love for exactly who we are right here right now. A fully blossomed rose is no more beautiful than a tight bud about to bloom- for each step of our progress and experience, the heart is always able to make room.
We do our end of fiscal year financial accounting, but what about our end of year energy accounting? It is our energy that is the most important resource we have. If we have energy, after all, we will be able to generate all the other resources we need including problem solving skills, hope, innovation, money, and above all, the stamina to ride through the tough times and remain committed to our visions and dreams long enough to see them realized. It is the power of the heart, as accessed through the tools of the beginner HeartMath webinar and the energy accounting tool in the intermediate webinar that replenished those things in me and gave me the power to be writing this for all of you! My heart’s message? “Don’t give up! Keep going! It’s getting easier! It’s getting there! Don’t quit! You’re almost there!”
The nice thing about having the heart on board is that as long as you keep coming back to listen to its signal, it will broadcast its messages to you in everyone you meet and every situation you greet.
-Sheva Carr, www.fyera.com
New Year’s Resolutions: Attracting Your Soulmate
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Stories, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »New Year’s Resolutions
REPRINTED FROM THE HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS BOOK
Christmas of 2005 I was feeling depressed. All of my younger siblings were scattered around the country celebrating the holidays with their spouse’s families. I, on the other hand, did not have a spouse. I had nowhere to go. I was single and alone, 3000 miles away from “home.”
Being the oldest of five children I always had lots of family around me. But this year was the exception to the rule. As I watched from a distance as my siblings created their own lineages, a friend took pity and invited me to spend the holidays with his relatives. As kind as that was, I found myself feeling even more lonely. As I adjusted to adopting someone else’s kin on Christmas Eve, a spark all of a sudden flickered inside of me. I realized that, more than any other goal in my life, I wanted a family.
I had been living in Los Angeles for 14 years, a town where youth is a top priority. Seasons don’t change and neither do the faces of its inhabitants. Despite the heat, it is a city where time appears to be frozen. And yet, it is a fallacy. Time still marches on. I couldn’t believe that I was 35. For heaven’s sake, I still felt 25! I didn’t comprehend that the years were passing until I would visit with my growing nieces and nephews. It is in children’s faces that the years fly by.
Sitting by the Christmas tree, surrounded by someone else’s family, only served to feed the flame of discontent growing inside of me. I had enough. As fun and exciting as my single life had been, I was ready for the next step. I had done everything I had come to LA to do, and wanted the next adventure. I was over not having to be responsible for anything or anyone. I was actually bored with myself. I was ready to commit to a new future. Yes, finally, I was ready to find my husband and get married.
I had toyed with the idea in the past, but never before had I felt such conviction that now was the time. New Year’s Eve came and, once again, I was saddened to have another holiday pass by with no one to share it with. I sat myself down in the stillness of my empty apartment and wrote out my resolutions for the year.
With conviction and full intent I declared that 2006 was the year that I would meet and marry my soulmate! I wrote out a detailed list of what it was that I wanted to create for my future. I also devised a plan of how I was going to manifest my desires. This affirmation set that little flame ablaze and I was propelled into action.
I started to clear out everything from my past that might be perceived as an obstacle blocking me from being seen by my soulmate. I was determined to be the best that I could be so that I would attract the best man for my greatest Self. I had been practicing The Law of Attraction for about 8 years and I knew that if I wanted to create an extraordinary man than I would have to BE an extraordinary woman.
I knew that The Law of Attraction worked because I had created an exceptional life so far. I had all sorts of remarkable experiences in my work and traveling the world, although they had mostly been sole ventures. Now, I knew that it was time to focus my attention on designing my life partner. For I knew he was out there looking for me, just as much as I was looking for him.
After begrudgingly checking out online dating sites a few months earlier, I decided to revisit the web with a new attitude and responded to three prospects. I told all three that I “didn’t do email’ and if they’d like to talk they could call me. On January 5th, 2006, he called. It was only five days after I had written my New Year’s resolutions. He had just returned home from the holiday celebration of Paramahansa Yogananda’s birthday at his church when he received my email. He too had been feeling lonely over the holidays, wondering when I was to come into his life, and moved himself into action to go out and find me.
He drove up from San Diego for our first date on January 6th. There was an instant connection and recognition. For our second date he flew up to San Francisco, where I was working for the week, to take me out to dinner. We knew right away it was meant to be.
We were engaged by Easter and married in August. It only took me seven months to accomplish my New Year’s goals. We traveled to nine countries together in the year and spent each and every holiday together. The secret to my success was The Law of Attraction. Now, I am getting ready to start to manifest my next goal… a family.
I now know that my holidays will be lonely no more. New Year’s resolutions can be very powerful if you hold a strong intention, and next year it is my intention to hear the pitter-patter of little feet running around the tree on Christmas morning.
— Karen Kripalani, Relationship and Life Coach, Author of “The Secret of How To Attract Your Soulmate and Get Married Within a Year,” www.BeautyEverywhere.com
REPRINTED FROM THE HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS BOOK
Recipients of Heart of the Holidays Book Give Touching Praises
Book Signing Events, Heart of the Holidays, Readers Respond| No Comments »"Everyone who has received your books has been ecstatic about receiving them. The personal inscriptions were the finishing touch for them! They were, and still are, so thankful you took the time to write to "them" personally. Thank you, again!"
-Thomas Kavanaugh
Dear Bev–I got home today at 5:30 to find the most wonderful surprise! The book is just lovely, and I’ve started taking a peek already. It was nice to see Sheryl’s note, and your dedication to "my sister." You’ll never know how much I appreciate that sentiment, and it is returned to you in kind. You’ve been important since we were about 19 years old!! Think of it, and it doesn’t seem possible, does it? Anyway, your a blessing to me, and I’m thankful–which I think would fit with the theme of the little book. Thank you for it.
Love, Carolyn
These books are wonderful just sitting on the coffee table to grab for a quick moment throughout the day.
Cheers
Judy Mooney, Canada
New Year’s Eve Humor from Kids
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Stories| No Comments »New Year’s Eve
Humor from Kids
Smarter then he should be, David Brett (age 10), watching the countdown to the ball dropping on T.V. from Time Square in New York on December 31, 2006, "How can it be a good year if we begin it by "dropping the ball?" "Good question" was my reply. "Outwitted by a 10 year old" was my thought.
~Michael Bruce
My first husband and I were never big party goers. We never went out on New Year’s Eve. As our daughters got bigger, we started staying up to watch the New Year’s Eve shows on TV. I would buy sparkling cider and we’d celebrate with toasts at midnight. I had only done this for a couple of years. It turned into a girls’ night when my husband stopped staying up with us. One year, as New Years approached, I had not really given it any thought. The girls were about 8 and 10. My younger daughter asked if we were ready for New Years? I asked what she was talking about and she said, "You know, the sparkling cider!" I had no idea we had a started a tradition, but apparently we had. I rushed out that afternoon and when the crystal ball dropped at midnight at Times Square, we were ready with our champaign glasses filled to the brim with sparkling cider. My daughters are grown and married with their own children now, but we still get together for girl’s nights with a video, popcorn and yep, sparkling cider!
~Joan Enguita, www.joanenguita.com
Reprinted from Heart of the Holidays gift book, by Sheryl Roush
Christmas Story: Do You Believe?
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays| No Comments »Christmas Story: Do You Believe?
The family attended Christmas Eve service together, bringing my nephew Peter, and niece, Alison, to their first Christian services, since moving from Australia to the US. When the minister invited the small children forward to hear the story of the birth of Christ, little 3-year-old Alison went to the front of the pulpit and attentively listened.
Back to the pews, we stood and sang numerous hymnals, followed by the outdoor candle lighting service and more songs. Driving back to my parents house in a quiet moment Alison broke the silence with her precious Aussie dialect, “Auntie Sheryl, do you believe in Jesus?” “Yes I do.” With self-assuredness she replied, “I thought so!” (I silently gasped for air to keep myself from crying deeply at this momentous occasion.)
~Sheryl Roush, Speaker, Author, Proud Aunt
www.SparklePresentations.com
Published in Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl L. Roush.
Order here for autographed gift copies.
Christmas Story: 365 Days of Sparkle
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Stories| No Comments »Christmas Story: 365 Days of Sparkle
Published in Heart of the Holidays
Believing strongly that the true essence of Christmas is not only on ONE day every year, my white spiral lighted Christmas is up all year long, in my TV room, donned with cherished ornaments of great sentimental value from my travels and dearest of friends. Christmas lives on for me – every day! Whenever I pass by it, any day of the year, I remember that friend and the heartfelt love we share. And yes, having the tree up all year through DOES let the cat play with the lower ornaments for more than the typically designated two week period… so he’s a happy kitty, too!
Loving the SPARKLE, I also keep up metallic garlands of different colors around the house all year long. It brings joy to my heart. At Thanksgiving the garland is gold, orange, olive green with beautifully color-coordinated Fall leaves. Then there’s purple and bright yellow for Easter. And silver and gold stars through the year.
One of my friends asked me once, “Do you think that you can ever have too much Sparkle?” “I don’t think so!” I think the WORLD could use more sparkle – what better way to see hope, joy, optimism, feel good about yourself even in dull times…
~Sheryl Roush, Speaker, Author, www.SparklePresentations.com
Order your autographed gift copies of Heart of the Holidays here.
POEM: Vegan Christmas
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »Vegan Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Nothing’s overnight baking, not Lamb and not Grouse.
Making plans for the morning, health-conscious are we,
Jotting it down, while sipping White Green Tea.
We’ll start with Wheatgrass – a 2 ounce shot,
Toasting healthy bodies with no meat in the pot.
Most thankful are we as we pause to say grace,
For not getting caught up in the holiday rat race.
Sparkling Pomegranite Juice in a wine glass,
Light up the stove – we’re cookin’ with gas!
Pita chips and hummus are starter pre-meal,
Carrots, Jicama, Bell Peppers – the natural deal.
Uncork the vintage Sauvignon Blanc,
Segura Viudas Spanish bubbly you can take to the bank!
Fresh garden salad, sunflower seeds and sprouts,
There’s enough for everyone – so no one pouts.
Simmer a pot of Cous Cous, or Basmati Rice,
Baked Butternut Squash would surely be nice.
Raw Sugar Snap Peas, and baked Yummy Yam,
Doing well avoiding Duck, Turkey and Ham.
Brown Rice Bread, Lentil Veggie soup, too.
Wow – without meat and dairy – there’s so much you can do!
Chocolate Tofu Mousse Cake – well-chilled,
With graham cracker crust, I’m not that strong-willed!
Organic Pumpkin Pie – served piping hot.
Sugar-free, you ask? I think NOT!
Author of Heart of the Holidays, Sheryl Roush, www.SparklePresentations.com
Christmas: In Three Words
Boxing Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Poems| No Comments »In Three Words
Memories, Flashbacks, Celebrations
Kisses under mistletoe
Cheery red check
Children wide-eyes
Excited laughing children
Frantic rushing parents
Presents under trees
Receiving favorite things
Proposals and rings
Families traveling far
Driving loaded cars
Sweet hot chocolate
Candy cane treats
Apple Rum Cider
Nutmeg and Eggnog
Making plans early
Late night parties
Singing holiday tunes
Cherished friends re-un
Love abundantly shared
Long airplane flights
Snowed-in delays
Families lovingly reunited
Tears of joy
Cats batting ornaments
Dogs chasing cats
Lights flickering on
Angels atop trees
Sweet treats galore
Frosting sugar cookies
Dipping cheese balls
Avoiding fruit cakes
Exchanging holiday recipes
Joyous carols sung
Hope-filled stockings hung
Crisp snowflakes fall
Card sentiments mailed
Monthly earnings spent
Playing in snow
Sparkling garland shines
Shopping last minute
World peace rings
Packing it up
Storing it away
Waiting another year
Anticipating next year
Doing it again
– Sheryl Roush, Speaker, Author, www.SparklePresentations.com
Reprinted from Heart of the Holidays gift book by Sheryl Roush
Epiphany: Three Kings Follow the Star
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Stories, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »EPIPHANY – THREE KINGS FOLLOW THE STAR (see the Light)
Lovers of carols and Christmas parties know that this season has 12 days, packed with golden rings, calling birds and various kinds of gentry, musician and domestic workers. December 25 is Christmas – and 25 minus 12 does equal 13. Do the math and you will see why shopping malls, newspapers, television networks, and other cultural fortresses annually deliver some kind of “Twelve Days of Christmas” blitz, beginning on December 13.
The problem is that for centuries church calendars in the East and the West have agreed that there are twelve days of Christmas and they begin on Christmas and end on January 6.
The twelve days of Christmas end with the Feast of Epiphany also called “The Adoration of the Magi” or “The Manifestation of God.” Celebrated on January 6, it is known as the day of the Three Kings (or wise men/magi): Caspar, Melchior, and Balshazar. According to an old legend based on a Bible story, these three kings saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star, followed it to Bethlehem and found there the Christ child and presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh.
January 6, the last day of Christmas, comes with its own traditions, rituals and symbols. Carolers are going from house to house; in many homes the Christmas Tree is taken down and in some areas is burnt in a big bonfire. For the children, this is an especially joyous occasion because, associated with taking down the tree goes the “plundern” (raiding) of the tree. The sweets, chocolate ornaments wrapped in foil or cookies (which have replaced the sugar plums) are the raiders’ rewards.
The history of Christmas (the festival of the nativity of Jesus Christ) is intertwined with that of the Epiphany. The commemoration of the Baptism (also called the Day of Lights, i.e. the Illumination of Jesus) was also known as the birthday of Jesus, because he was believed to have been born then of the Virgin or reborn in baptism. In some records, Christmas and Epiphany were referred to as the first and second nativity; the second being Christ’s manifestation to the world.
In the fourth century, December 25 was finally adopted by the Western Christian Church as the date of the Feast of Christ’s birth. It is believed that this change in date gave rise to the tradition of the “12 Days of Christmas.” While the Western Christian Church celebrates December 25th, the Eastern Christian Church to this day recognizes January 6 as the celebration of the nativity. January 6 was also kept as the physical birthday in Bethlehem. In the Teutonic west, Epiphany became the Festival of the Three Kings (i.e. the Magi), or simply Twelfth Day.
~Emily De Shazo
Top 11 Self-Reflection Questions for Years End
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Top 11 Self-Reflection Questions for Years End
by Michelle L. Casto, Ph.D.
1. What worked in my life this past year?
What did not work?
2. What brought me happiness/disappointment?
3. Where was I successful?
4. What were my greatest challenges/lessons?
5. What am I most proud of? What do I most regret?
6. What attitudes and actions will I take with me into the new year?
Which ones do I want to keep in this year?
7. What limiting beliefs did I shift?
What negative emotions did I shift?
8. When did I follow my intuition?
9. How did I grow, improve, and expand myself?
10. How much love did I share?
11. What do I want my intention to be for 2008?
Michelle L. Casto, Ph.D.
© 2007
Dr. Michelle helps you come up with bright ideas for your life, shine your bright light to the world, and graduate from a "default" life to your divine life, the one you were born to live. You can visit her web site at http://www.smartlifechanges.com/academy.htm
Kids Say the Cutest Things: NEW YEAR’S EVE
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Stories| No Comments »NEW YEAR’S EVE
My first husband and I were never big party goers. We never went out on New Year’s Eve. As our daughters got bigger, we started staying up to watch the New Year’s Eve shows on TV. I would buy sparkling cider and we’d celebrate with toasts at midnight. I had only done this for a couple of years. It turned into a girls’ night when my husband stopped staying up with us.
One year, as New Years approached, I had not really given it any thought. The girls were about 8 and 10. My younger daughter asked if we were ready for New Years? I asked what she was talking about and she said, "You know, the sparkling cider!" I had no idea we had a started a tradition, but apparently we had. I rushed out that afternoon and when the crystal ball dropped at midnight at Times Square, we were ready with our champaign glasses filled to the brim with sparkling cider.
My daughters are grown and married with their own children now, but we still get together for girl’s nights with a video, popcorn and yep, sparkling cider!
-Joan Enguita, www.joanenguita.com
Published in Heart of the Holidays
