Here we are! Finally to day 25 in our Christmas-themed special blog series. I hope that everyone has had fun reading, watching and listening to these last posts from almost a month.

It's been real. It's been fun. And I have enjoyed writing each piece.

But now, with Christmas day upon us, we have come to a close. So, I hope that you and your family have a very Merry, safe, fun, family filled and friend filled Christmas day.

With that said, I shall leave you with this...

25 Days of Christmas (Day 24)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

YAY!!! We have now come to the end of our "Twelve Days Of Christmas" trivia. I hope you have enjoyed learning some of the facts and trivia bits behind this very popular song. And also, NO BIRDS are involved in the last line either. 

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

Information provided by http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html


The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Now, for the entire song... Muppets and John Denver style! Enjoy. We've earned the ability to giggle and laugh.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 23)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.


Information provided by HUB PAGES



At the big feasts held during the holiday celebrations the guests were often entertained by musicians, dancers, jugglers, etc. as well as singing and dancing themselves.

Bagpipes and their younger cousins the musette (an instrument similar to a bagpipe but the air for the sound came from bellows rather than blowing into the instrument) were popular instruments for dance music.

While we usually associate the bagpipe with Scotland, they were also a common instrument in France as well. Since Queen Elizabeth I was succeeded by the Stuart kings of Scotland, bagpipes and other aspects of Scots culture were common among the upper classes in England as were elements of French culture due to intermarriage of the English and French nobility.

The pipers referred to in the song would be the professional bagpipe musicians hired to entertain the guests with their music and provide music for dancing.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 22)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The following is provided by Hub Pages ...


The ten lords a-leaping most likely refers to leaping dancers (called morris dancers) who performed leaping dances between courses at feasts. This type of wild and strenuous dancing probably evolved from more ancient war and fertility dances and would have been a popular form of entertainment for this type of function. Unlike the nine ladies dancing in the previous stanza where the dancers appear to have been guests dancing for enjoyment, these were professional dancers brought in to entertain the guests while they dined.

Morris dancing itself was a popular form of folk dancing in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and possibly earlier. Both King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I had professional morris dance troupes perform as part of the entertainment at feasts. Many parish church records from this period show both expenses for the purchase of costumes and the bells that the dancers wore while performing as well as income from the rental of the costumes to neighboring parishes.

While the royal court and other nobles would probably hire professional morris dance troupes to perform at social functions year round, local amateur groups seem to have done most of their performances in conjunction with annual May Day and other outdoor spring festivals. Morris dancing declined following the English Civil Wars of the mid-seventeenth century which brought Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans to power with their dislike and banning of any type of frivolity such as singing and dancing.

The twentieth century brought a revival of the morris and other folk dancing traditions in the UK and other parts of the world including the U.S. Today there are local morris dance troupes and competitions in the UK as well as other parts of the world.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 21)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The following is provided by HUB PAGES.


The nine ladies dancing evokes images of music and dancing which were a big part of the celebrations at this period of history in England.

The term ladies probably refers to noble ladies as in a Lord and his Lady or a lady in waiting (high born ladies who waited on the queen at court – not servant women).

In this case ladies would be women dancing socially and not professional entertainers. For the most part women were not entertainers in this era so it is unlikely that this refers to a troupe of dancing women.

Another interpretation of the nine ladies dancing would be high born ladies dancing for the entertainment of the men much as people today will often provide impromptu entertainment at parties and other social gatherings.

Again, the emphasis is on celebrating and having fun during this nearly two weeks of non-stop nightly partying.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 20)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Thank God!! No more birds. At least for the time being. I'm about ready to go grab the nearest hunting rifle and go out hunting those dad-burned birds.

From... On The Eighth Day Of Christmas site.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas...Eight Maids A-Milking

The eight maids a-milking addresses two of the major themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century English celebrations and parties during the Christmas holidays – food and romance. What is a feast or party without food? Especially foods that are not common and are reserved for special occasions.

Until the advent of refrigeration, milk was not a common drink because it spoiled quickly. However, milk based products that did not spoil, such as cheese, sour milk (which is actually a cultured milk much like yogurt
and is neither sour tasting nor spoiled) and custards were prized treats. Cheese and sour milk are the result of processes that expose milk to so called friendly bacteria which convert the milk to a state where it can be preserved for a longer period and is also tasty. Custard is similar but this involves the cooking of the milk, which kills the harmful bacteria thereby extending the period during which it can be safely consumed.

The maids, of course, refer to the women who would milk the cows to obtain the milk in the first place. In times past milking of cows or goats was typically a job for women. However, the term maid is also the shortened form of maiden which is a young, unmarried, woman. By combining the images of maiden and milk (which can also bring to mind a woman's breasts), it is easy to get the idea that this particular gift has more to do with sex and romance than with cows.

The term eight maids a-milking evokes images of the food, especially the special holiday foods, to be enjoyed at this festive time of year as well as the possibilities for romance, both licit and illicit. While the people of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were not as prudish as the nineteenth century Victorians, there was still pressure, especially for women, to maintain a somewhat chaste image in public.

Young upper class (both merchant class and nobility) women were usually chaperoned when in public and when being courted by young men. However, during the Twelfth Night celebrations not only were many of the rules of behavior relaxed but the environment in which the parties were held provided opportunities to escape the watchful eyes of the public.

In the midst of a large group of people, many of them strangers, who were busy drinking, dancing and having a good time, it was easy to slip away from one's chaperon or spouse. Masked and costumed balls increased the opportunities for secret liaisons as well as providing additional means of denying your actions the next day. With candles and torches the sole source of lighting, it was often difficult to identify people across the room let alone in the numerous rooms and darkened alcoves found in the castles and large manor houses where the parties were held. The opportunities offered for some passionate time alone with a lover or a quick one night stand with a stranger were a major attraction of these parties.

*Please feel free to read the rest of the history at the above link to the site provided in regards to this day's subject.*

25 Days of Christmas (Day 18 & 19)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

Today, I'm doing the "two for one buy" deal, seeing as I didn't log on and write yesterday. It was *MY BIRTHDAY!!* and I felt the need to be a lazy bum. And I did just that. But only on here. I still had to clean and do the Cinderella thing around the house... Go figure, eh?


On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.


And here we go again with the stinking birds! Sorry. But I ain't the one who wrote this song. (=

I used to have to deal with geese back home in California when I went to the park (along with the seagulls, but that's a story for another time). They are loud and at most times mean little suckers. Okay, not so little, but still can chase you like a chicken with it's head cut off.

(From Wiki Dictionary)

The word goose (plural: geese) is the English name for a considerable number of birds, belonging to the family Anatidae. This family also includes swans, most of which are larger than true geese, and ducks, which are smaller.

There are three living genera of true geese: Anser – Grey Geese, including the domesticated goose and the Swan Goose, Chen – White Geese (often included in Anser), and Branta – Black Geese, such as the Canada goose.

Geese are monogamous, living in permanent pairs throughout the year; however, unlike most other permanently monogamous animals, they are territorial only during the short nesting season. Paired geese are more dominant and feed more, two factors that result in more young.


Now, onwards to the seventh day (which also is a flocking mess!)


On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Aren't they beautiful? And they are one of the few birds that are mates for life. This picture makes me think my my husband and I, and how still in love and still seemingly in the "honeymoon phase" we are in, even after being married for eight years now, and will be together for eleven in April.

The following about swans is also going to be found HERE.

A swan is a bird of the genus Cygnus.

Seeing as that site sucked and didn't give anything... We shall go HERE instead...

Classification

Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Cygninae
Species: Whooper, Trumpeter, Tundra, Mute, Black-necked, Black, Berwick, and Coscoroba

A male swan is a cob; a female is a pen, and the young are called cygnets. Description
Swans are the largest of the aquatic birds, closely related to the Goose. They are known for their grace and beauty and have long been considered “ornamental birds” which float on ponds in zoos, parks, and botanical gardens. Swans are long necked and web-footed. The most common swan, the Mute Swan, is a large, all white bird with a pink bill that ends in a black knob. The bill of a swan is so sensitive that it serves as an underwater feeler.

Swans have the longest neck of any bird, with 23-25 neck vertebrae. Swans have as many as 25,000 feathers. They are long-lived birds, and can live up to twenty years in the wild, and even fifty years in captivity!

Habitat

Swans prefer wetlands and land surrounded by water, where they build their nests on mounds. The Tundra swan builds its nest in the tundra wetlands, where they maintain a territory of one square mile and defend it from other swans. Swans prefer cooler environments and avoid extreme heat. The Tundra and Whooper nest all across northern America, the Arctic Islands and Northern Russia. The Black-necked and Coscoroba are found from Brazil southward. The Black Swan lives in Australia and New Zealand. The Mute Swan resides in Europe.

Mating

Swans will both display before mating, then mate for life. They are devoted to each other, and remain together throughout the year. They keep their young with them until they nest again, some staying through a second clutch. If one of a pair of swans dies, the survivor usually takes a new mate, and they form a dedicated pair. Breeding Swans usually mature in two to three years, and breed at around 3-4 years of age. The northern birds do not breed until their fifth or sixth year. Birds kept in captivity take much longer to establish a breeding pair.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 17)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.


YAY!! We have *finally* moved on from the aviary portion of the song and on to something more along my taste. Well, actually, pretty much ANY woman's taste.

GOLD!! And not just any kind of gold. But five...count them, *FIVE* golden rings. Now that's my kind of man right there, ladies!

Being that this is honestly a hard one to explain and has tons of history, I decided to COPY/PASTE information from Google Timeline Chart about Gold

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860 AD
860 AD - The history of the tradition of a man proposing with gold rings can be traced way back as 860 AD. During that time, Pope Nicholas I stated that a man should give his bride a gold ring to show his personal financial sacrifice for her hand in marriage. Such tradition is still ...
From rujordanjODu047 - nike air max Wedding Rings Sets - Types And Materi - Related web pages
blog.foorti.com.bd/11hmh049892/136601 ...
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1477
1477 - Of course, the first engagement ring in recorded history also belonged to royalty; Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond and gold ring in 1477, and perhaps began a tradition of the diamond engagement ring.Another is the engagement ring set with a 12-carat emerald cut diamond that Prince Ranier gave to actress Grace Kelly. Queen Elizabeth's engagement to Prince Philip was also signified by a diamond ring, which carried precious pieces taken from a tiara that belonged to her mother. Of course, the first engagement ring in recorded history also belonged to royalty; Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond and gold ring in 1477, and perhaps ...
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From Celebrity Diamond Engagement Rings - Related web pages
www.engagement-rings-sale.com/celebrity ...
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1518
1518 - The smaller ring engagement registration was granted two years, Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, for their commitment to the French dauphin, son, son of King Francis I in 1518. The small gold ring, fitted to the finger, is set with a precious diamond.At an average age of marriage rings are more composed of colored gemstones. These colorful gems symbolize life. The smaller ring engagement registration was granted two years, Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, for their commitment to the French dauphin, son, son of King Francis I in 1518. The small gold ring, fitted to the finger, is set with a precious diamond. Historians are of the belief that the point of commitment has its origin not to the metal, but parts of the ...
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From Umie Aida | Engagement Rings 4u - Related web pages
www.engagementrings4u.co.cc/tag/umie-aida/
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1750
1750 - Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, Claddagh Ring: Est. in 1750 we are the original makers of the Irish Claddagh Ring. We are the only jewelry company who can stamp our rings original. Our clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Queen Victoria, & Princess ...Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, Claddagh Ring: Est. in 1750 we are the original makers of the Irish Claddagh Ring. We are the only jewelry company who can stamp our rings original. Our clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Queen Victoria, & Princess Grace of Monaco. Shop online and purchase your irish claddagh ring. Thorntons Jewelers, Gold & Silver traditional irish Claddagh & celtic Jewelery Handcrafted in our workshop. Time Knitwear, Hand crafted knitwear made ...
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From Celtic Attic: Olde Worlds - All Celtic: Celtic Jewelry and Gifts - Related web pages
www.celticattic.com/olde_world ...
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1780
1780 - The following is a list of some female contributions in Virginia, made in aid of the war, probably in 1780. Mrs. Sarah Cary of Scolchtown a watch-chain, coat £7 sterling ; Mrs. Ambler fire gold rings: Mrs. Rebecca Ambler three gold rings; Mrs. Nicholas a ...The following is a list of some female contributions in Virginia, made in aid of the war, probably in 1780. Mrs. Sarah Cary of Scolchtown a watch-chain, coat £7 sterling ; Mrs. Ambler fire gold rings: Mrs. Rebecca Ambler three gold rings; Mrs. Nicholas a diamond drop; Mrs. Griffin, of Dover, ten hslf Joes; Mrs. Giliner five guinea* ; Mrs. Anne Ramsay, (for Fairfax.) one half Joe, three guineas, three pUtareens, one bit and upwards of 65000 dollars of paper money ...
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From Introduction to the History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia - Related web pages
books.google.com/books?id=mz0VAAAAYAAJ&pg ...
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1852
1852 - 25 An example of the exceptionally large rings some- times made to commemorate special occasions, rather than for possible wear, is one donated to President Pierce by some Calif ornian admirers in 1852. This somewhat ambitious production scarcely answers the ...At Akkra, and in Liberia, there is quite a manufacture of gold rings, and, to a lesser extent, of silver rings also. 25 An example of the exceptionally large rings some- times made to commemorate special occasions, rather than for possible wear, is one donated to President Pierce by some Calif ornian admirers in 1852. This somewhat ambitious production scarcely answers the requirements of a high standard of art, but its decoration offers a great variety of appropriate designs ...
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From Full text of "Rings for the finger : from the earliest known times to the … - Related web pages
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1950
Jul 23, 1950 - The key contact in the ring involved in the current arrests was Harry Gold, Philadelphia research chemist, who had found in Communist associations an outlet for the frustrations of a lonely, poverty-ridden youth. On Thursday he pleaded guilty to serving as a courier between Dr. Klaus ...
From SOVIET SPIES IN ACTION: ONE RING'S CASE HISTORY; Indictments After ... - Related web pages
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1988
Aug 1988 - His most criticized purchase, however, was made in August 1988 when Alesi ordered seven $478 gold rings for the Port Everglades Commission. Just the kind of guy to reappoint to a county board.
From BOARD MEMBERS READY TO GIVE WHAT SCHOOL CHIEF WANTS - Related web pages
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1996
Apr 1996 - In a separate case, a Ruther Glen man said he asked Hayes to melt four of his gold rings into a single band in April 1996. Wesley Satterwhite said the rings carried a lot of sentimental value; they were his and his wife's wedding bands, a ring that ...In a separate case, a Ruther Glen man said he asked Hayes to melt four of his gold rings into a single band in April 1996. Wesley Satterwhite said the rings carried a lot of sentimental value; they were his and his wife's wedding bands, a ring that Satterwhite's mother wore for decades and another ring his mother gave him when he was a young man. Satterwhite testified that he paid Hayes $165. After he heard about Hayes' disappearance, he decided to get another jeweler's ...
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From CASE AGAINST JEWELER TO GO TO GRAND JURY HEARING IS … - Related web pages
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2010
Jan 2010 - Minelab Safari/Garrett pro pointer. Started metal detecting in January 2010. Ytd clad over $150 6 gold rings. 4 silver rings and necklace, 1 silver earring.
From A little silver on the way home - Friendly Metal Detecting Forums - Related web pages
metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?p=541297


Told ya!! Lots of information.

Now, if you have not yet done so, I highly suggest you check out a WONDERFUL place where us Blogging peeps can come together and find new reads, promote our blogs and make some great new FRIENDS.

It's called For The Love Of Blogs.

And today, they are hosting Fab Friends Friday (every Friday!).


BUT!! Before you do that, be sure to also check out my newest blog pal, Donna over at Write Now, Write Later. She is super awesome and has a heart of gold (gee lookie there!) who writes from the heart and would practically give you the shirt off her back if she could.

Also...ONE LAST THING! Be sure to LINK UP with me (below) by posting a link to YOUR blog as to pimp it out. The only thing I will ask of you is that you don't be a "user/abuser" by doing a 'link and run'. I want to hear from my readers who link up. Makes it more fun this way.

Now, run along and visit Donna and Vic/Ashley. Go on now... See ya tomorrow. That is after you link up with me below. (=

25 Days of Christmas (Day 15 & 16)

Sorry folks! I had a really, REALLY busy day yesterday and was too pooped to type.

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

A French Hen is also known as a Faverolles, which is a French breed type of chicken. They were originally bred to be utility chickens.

They have a beard and muffs. And they have FIVE toes instead of only four.


On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

What the heck is up with these dang birds?? Yet again we shall look in to another one. This time the Calling Birds. And if you think that birds REALLY DO sit on a phone and make calls, you have a SERIOUS problem, my friend.

A calling bird is also more commonly known as a Song Bird. And their original name was "Colly" Birds. They were considered "coal" birds due to their color. Colly means "black as coal".

In the UK, they are a delicacy.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 14)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

Today, we are doing "second day of Christmas".


 On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The Turtle Dove is also known as European  Turtle Dove. It is in the bird family Columbidae. They are of a smaller build.

Unlike the Partridge Bird, the Turtle Dove IS a migratory bird. They have been known to fly to Turkey and even North Africa!

The Turtle Dove rarely appears in Northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again in September.

It lives in the dense wooded areas and eats from the ground.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 13)

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A Partridge in a pear tree."

For these last twelve days, leading up to Christmas Day, I'll be piecing together the song's lines and explain as they come what each verse means and it's origins.

A Partridge in a pear tree...Hmm. We all know what a Pear Tree is. But what in the world is a "Partridge"? No goofy! I'm not talking about the Partridge Family (think David Cassidy and his "I Think I Love You" crooner).

The "partridge" that I am talking about from the infamous Christmas Carol is this one...

Yes, it is a bird, folks. A Partridge Bird is what the first line of the song is speaking of.

A Partridge Bird is within the Pheasant family. They are non-migratory birds as well. In other words, they don't fly south for the winter. Partridges are medium in size.

The bird was initially referenced in 1780 in the book "Mirth Without Mischief" (author unknown).

As for it's placement within the famous Christmas Carol, "The Twelve Days Of Christmas", it was initially part of a GAME that a group of children (or adults) would play. The leader of the game would start off with the line, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... A Partridge in a Pear Tree". From there, the players would take turns building on to the lines. If there is a "mess up", then that first player that does so must forfeit. And the game is deemed over.

The line was around though, long before the game or the song. So, we may never know it's core history in its entirety.

Find more info here...

Partridge Birds

Partridge in a Pear Tree History

25 Days of Christmas (Day 12)

Tomorrow, I will start doing the actual "12 Days Of Christmas" where each day, right up to Christmas Day, I will focus on lines from the Carol. "Lords a leaping"?? What is that? Why FIVE golden rings? Don't worry, because as the days go on, you WILL find out the meaning behind them all.

But today, I think that I will give you these to watch and maybe have a few memories come back of watching these as children yourselves.

I'm only posting PART ONE of each. If you wish to see the entire episode, please go to YouTube and place in the show in the search bar and it will give you more options.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 9, 10 & 11)

Yes, I have three days in one post to do for the "25 Days Of Christmas" series, seeing as I have been WAY too busy to get anything done this past week.

First up, Day 9...More Christmas Decorating; The Outdoors Edition. In pictures mind you.

                  The newest edition (up to that point) was the Skiing Santa.

                      Yes, his arms REALLY DO move as if he really is skiing!

                        Meet our newest and latest edition to the Yard Deco Family...18 Ft. Frosty the Snowman!


Now, for "Day 10"... "Christmas" (Holiday/Winter) Party Planning... Wanna Trade Places?


School. The place where young minds go to learn and grow socially. And a place for a Room Mother to dread planning parties for twenty-two children aging between five and six years old.

Yep, that time again to plan another party. We have to call it Winter Holiday party of course, seeing we HAVE TO BE all PC about it.

And let me tell ya right here and now, I have some of the BEST parents to work with this year. In the three years since moving to this school and taking responsibility as "Head Parent" in the classrooms of my kids, I have NEVER seen as much devotion to and willingness to help and support myself and the kids in the class as I have in Skyler's Kindergarten classroom.

We're going to have craft time, Christmas music, all kinds of goodies to eat, pass out Christmas cards and presents, and goody bags filled with candy and trinkets. These kids are going to have a WONDERFUL time. I'd say that this will be  one of the best parties I have ever put together or have seen for a classroom to have.


Last, but most certainly NOT least..."Day 11", A TRUE Christmas Miracle.


As many of my FaceBook Friends know, we in our area have been passing around and getting other friends from all over the USA to share an Amber Alert about 12-year-old Brittney Smith. Her mother was found dead in their home, and that the live-in boyfriend who is 32, took Brittney and ran off.

For a week, there has been a nation-wide manhunt for Jeff Easley and his hostage, Brittney. They were last seen on a WalMart video surveillance tape leaving the store with a ton of groceries and a tent that was purchased with Tina Smith's (mom) credit card.

Last night, it was reported that Brittney Smith was FOUND, as was Jeff Easley. Best of all, she is ALIVE and to the furthest of knowing, doing well and doesn't look to be injured. They were spotted by a store clerk over 2,700 miles away from here, in San Francisco.

Not many children are lucky to be found alive and unharmed. Being just two weeks shy of Christmas, this is truly a Christmas Miracle.

Welcome home, Brittney! It's good that you can be home and be here for your mother's funeral. I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your brother was horrible enough.

My thoughts and prayers are with Brittney and her grandmother, who apparently will be the one taking her in, after the loss of HER only child.













                       

25 Days of Christmas (Day 8)

Wordless Wednesday... The Tree Trimming & Decorating. They may not be completely in order, so bear with me. (=

                            This is the tree at my children's school. One of the Pre-K Teacher Assistance used to do decorating for Macy's and other Department stores. So, they asked her to trim the school tree.

                   5th Grade is practicing for their upcoming Holiday Play (this Thursday evening!)

               Before the mass decorating started.

                 If only it were *just* these three boxes. But...

              Here comes Dad with the big, main Christmas Tree!!

                   Just think, those boxes in that corner have ALL been emptied! Including ones you cannot see behind my chair (that got moved down stairs to make room).

                   Miss Skyler is rocking out to "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree". Good pick, kid!

                    NOW do you see just how much crap we have to put up? And just think MORE will be added for NEXT year once CLEARANCE sales start.

               

                 A deco piece in my dining room.

                    Also in the dining room. Main wall, left side.

                 And the right side, of course...

                       My "nook" area's decorations.

                 The "glassless" glass cabinet (that is missing the FRONT piece of glass) also gets pretties placed in to it for Christmas.

                  Skyler has a "new" sweater and shirt that is Christmas themed, that was tucked in to a box. Hayley USED TO wear these just a couple years ago.

                    Speaking of Hayley...

                  I even have my very own Cindy Lou Who!! Can't you see the resemblance?

               This tree is downstairs in the Basement Foyer. The kids got to decorate this one ANY way that they wishes, seeing as it is THEIR tree.

                  The finished product with the lights out...

                 The main tree in the upstairs living room with lights out, finished.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 7)

Present wrapping.. I have to say, I really enjoy it. Love it? No. But I do enjoy it, though I am not the best at it. You can see lines and creases. I don't use ribbons or bows.

It's either just in pretty wrapping paper with a name tag, boxed, or in a gift bag with tissue.

One of the reasons being that with three kids to wrap gifts for, I can't take hours on end of wrapping and wrapping and...

Also, thanks to my back and the fact that my basement bedroom is nothing more than a concrete slab with a carpet on top, I can't sit there for very long. After three epidurals and a spinal in the space of five years, my back is pretty much shot in the lower region.

So, what may take most people no more than maybe two or three hours (if even that), takes me most of the time DOUBLE. Yesterday, I started wrapping presents at 2:30. I stopped at about 8:00 last night. And that was after breaks of about 15 minutes each, every 45 minutes, thanks to my back aching so badly.

Today, I plan on finishing what we have left. Then, once I can shop for my husband, and Hayley can shop for Skyler, being that that is the only kid-to-kid purchase left, I can wrap them and be DONE.

So with that said, how are you with gift wrapping? Do you enjoy it, or loath it? Do you go all out, or just a "plain Jane/Jerry" wrapper (like me lol)?

25 Days of Christmas (Day 6)

I'm sure that like us in my home, you are in the midst of tree trimming, hanging wall decor, trading out your everyday "breakables" with those with a Christmas-like theme and preparing your festive meal plans. Then add in all that gift buying and ensuring that all of your Holiday Cards are written, stamped and ready to hand out or mail to those you hold dear.

But wait! What about those that have no tree? Those that have no money or means to have a good meal? And those that cannot buy ANYTHING for even their own child?

What can YOU do to make a difference? Even in just one child's or senior's life this Christmas season. The season of giving, loving and good will towards others.

Let's see here...

You can donate toys and clothing (new) to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree.

ANGEL TREE INFO

Or you can donate NEW toys to Toys For Tots.(Ran by the Marine Corp)

TOYS FOR TOTS INFO

You can even donate GENTLY used toys, books and clothing to your local Goodwill Center, where people can still buy items, but at a very affordable price.

GOODWILL DONATION INFO

If you wish to donate food items, that is WONDERFUL as well. Many stores in your area are currently holding Food Drives. Kroger, WalMart, Target, Food Lion..just to name a few. Call your local retail grocer of your liking and ask what they are doing and how to donate to their Donation Station.

You could even donate food to your local charity centers and/or Food Bank.

FEEDING AMERICA

FOOD BANK FOR NEEDY *PETS* (They need to eat too!)

Wish to actually donate TIME this year? Why not volunteer in a local Soup Kitchen this Christmas?

NATIONAL FOOD BANK ORG LISTINGS

NATIONAL REGISTRY THAT'S LESS CONFUSING

As far as donations go, other than Goodwill, if you wish to not go national, and KNOW for certain that your contribution is staying local and to those in REAL need, I suggest going through your church or synagogue. Especially at this time of year, most churches and synagogues set up donation stations in their foyers to help fellow members and parishioners (in a confidential means, of course) where all donations stay within the place of worship (and distributed only to members deemed in need of assistance).

I've done my part, as have my kids (Angel Tree..Day 3). Now it's your turn.

Yes, I am CHALLENGING everyone that reads this post to GO OUT and to HELP others in need. Be it volunteering time, your money, buying food for a food pantry/bank/drive, or to donate a NEW toy and/or clothes to a child that may have NOTHING under the tree this year without YOUR help.

Everyone needs a little light in their lives. Will you be their beacon? No child (or senior, or even pets) deserve to not have a touch of happiness in the cold months.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 5)

Today's post will be talking about the history and the origin of what is now a primarily Christian tradition.

"The True Origin Of Christmas"


Christmas traditions date back to the days of Pagan practices. In fact that is where Christmas truly started. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, or His birth.

It was originally an ancient winter festival, the feast of the Son of Isis which was celebrated on December 25th. Partying, drinking and gift exchanging were all a part of the yearly holiday.

Over in Rome, they celebrated the Winter Solstice. That was celebrated many years before Jesus was ever born. The holiday at the time was called Saturnalia, where Saturn was honored as the god of Agriculture. In January they also celebrated Kalends, which celebrated triumph over death. It's entire season was named Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. In ancient Rome, Mummers would dress up and go around the neighborhoods, singing songs. From this "caroling" was given it's birth.

Over in northern Europe many of the traditions were believed to be of Christian worship in it's origins. These to were started long before Jesus Christ came on to the scene. The Pagans of the north celebrated their winter solstice named Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. The custom included lighting candles and hope that Mithras and the sun would make an appearance the following year.

Yule logs at this time that were pretty big in size were burned in honor of the sun. Yule's meaning is "wheel". The wheel is a Pagan symbol representing the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual.

As for the tree which in our current tradition of celebrating Christmas, it is the one symbol that has been able to united almost all the northern European winter solstices. The evergreen trees were brought home and werea reminder to the people that their crops will grow again once more. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees.

Finally, in 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. In doing so, even with no record of the exact date or time of the year Christ was born, though it is strongly believed to be within the Autumn months, the thought of a conversion to Christianity went more smoothly and people were not AS apprehensive. Seeing as their traditions of Paganism were not (at least completely) stripped away.

Christmas as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.

The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.

I encourage those that read this, and have the ability to do so, to watch the 5-part video series about the historical aspects of Christmas from History Channel.












Information for this post to be made possible provided by...

Christmas Pagan Origins

25 Days of Christmas (Day 4)

Ready to get in to the holiday spirit? How about some of my favorite Christmas tunes to get you in to the mood?


I'm sending this one out to Angel over at Angel Believes (blog)...




For my little girl who LOVES this song...




For my son...For the reason being his nose has been reminding me of Rudolph...




Gotta love Achmed!!




You can't do Christmas without the Chipmunks!




A classic by Brenda Lee...




The Mormon Tabernacle...




Nat & Natalie...




For us Redneck Hillbilly types, Larry can't go wrong for the holidays! (The *ONLY* one I don't care for is 'Donny The Retard' for obvious reasons and don't find it funny.)




This is one of my FAVORITE TV specials and one of my favorite Christmas time songs...




Beautiful song..




Whomever she is, this woman has a BEAUTIFUL voice!...




Amy Grant's version is pretty...

25 Days of Christmas (Day 3)

"The Spirit Of Giving vs. Receiving From Others" is what I have chosen for today.


As most of my readers know, just over a year ago, I required an emergency Corneal Transplant. I was needing it at some point. But thanks to complications I went from preparing to "do it now or else" within less than a week.

Since I was eighteen, I have been a Registered Organ/Tissue Donor. I've always been the type of person that took more joy in GIVING to others than I did with taking. It's been this way since I can remember.

Also, for the last three Christmases past, my husband and I had to swallow our pride and apply for assistance for the kids through the Salvation Army's 'Angel Tree' program that has generous people and families donate presents to needy children.

This year, we have turned a tide and did not apply this year. Some may call up nuts because my son being on SSI Disability automatically qualifies him and his sisters. But I am not, nor have I ever been the one to profit from another's suffering. Even if it meant a better Christmas for my children.

This year, with my children all now being at ages and levels of understanding in regards to helping others, we have decided to give back. On our way out to let the kids shop for one another, we stopped by the mall and found the local Angel Tree for our area.

Each of my kids were allowed to pick a child of their choosing. They all got kids off the tree of their gender and age range (though Skyler had to do a five-year-old, seeing as six was no longer there).

The first ones that they wanted to shop for after we "busted" through the store's doors was get the gifts for their chosen kids. In that moment as their mom, I could not have been more proud. They put OTHERS above themselves and thought of helping another human being BEFORE thinking of THEIR wants.

Each of their kids got a set of clothing and a toy (or make-up) that they made the final decision on (as long as it was within our price range).

After that, then the girls got to shop for their gifts to Bryce as he and I sat in the van. Then, it was vice versa.

Next, the girls have to get one another (seeing as it was getting late and too cold to be out). And knowing my three, separately, Scotty and I will be having to take them all as to be able to shop for us (Mom and Dad) like we do every year.

In the end though, this year, I have seen with my own eyes that the values I have tried hard to instill in to my children are indeed paying off. And it's getting paid forward.

Because this Christmas, three more children in this world WILL have *something* under their Christmas tree. All because three of their peers decided it was better to give than to get.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 2)

For this installment, I wish to share my favorite Christmas themed movies and television shows. A couple are traditional that all of us as a family (as in myself, my husband and our kids) watch every year.

First up is... "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".

I don't care how many times I have seen this one, I laugh until I cry EVERY single time that I watch it. You can't get a more dysfunctional and diverse family as the Griswold's. Plus it is nice to see my cousin Mae Questel, who was the ORIGINAL model and voice for Betty Boop as the crazy, "not-all-there" aunt.

Clark really knows how to put on a show of lights for Christmas to!! Especially when it blinds the neighbors and causes a neighborhood-wide power surge.


Next up is... "Home Alone".

This is no ordinary kid. After being left behind when the rest of his family leaves for Christmas vacation, a couple of burglars invade the home in the hopes of getting some goods. Only their enemy, a ten year old boy is proven to be way too smart for the bumbling pair.

Again, no matter how many times that I have watched "Home Alone" (or it's sequel) you just can't NOT laugh at the stupidity of two grown men being outwitted by a little kid with some of the BEST booby traps I have EVER seen made, and not getting killed in the process.


Now, let's move on to... "The Muppet's; A Christmas Carol".

With a kid-friendly twist on the Charles Dickens classic, this would be a family crowd pleaser. If you love the Muppets (I have since they were on the "Muppet Show"), then I can say you will certainly enjoy the antics and comedy that goes in to setting Scrooge straight.


Now for a family tradition.... "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".

This has been a timeless classic for me to view since I was a small child. Now, I carry along the tradition in my home, with my children. It's one of those times where I share a bit about my mom with my kids and give them a small taste of what my holidays were like with her.

And I swear to you, my youngest, when put in a Santa hat and pink jammies, is a dead ringer for Cindy Lou Who!


Another classic for my time, and more along my enjoyment is... "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" (featuring the late George C. Scott).

I'll be the first to admit, I am not the black and white, golden age movies kind of girl. Only a few b&w movies will I watch. And those, I can count on one hand. And as for classics such as Mr. Scott's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge, he ALMOST got ranked with the classics that I really don't care to see.

That is, until my dad forced me to watch it one year as a teen. I loved it from that point on. Sure it started a bit slow. But the acting, the effects (for it's time) and the cast selection, as well as how they screen played the story grabbed me in, and I was hooked for life.

I'm thinking that I am starting to see a trend here...


Last, but most certainly not least, and yet another family show that my kids watch with me every year is... "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

How can you NOT love Charlie Brown's heart, caring and warmth in finding the "perfect" Christmas tree? All of his friends (Linus, Marcy, Peppermint Patty, etc.) all claim that Charlie Brown will do as he always does... screw up.

In the end, yeah, they are kind of correct. He does screw up. He gets the scrawniest, littlest, weakest tree because there were no other "good" trees available on Christmas. But in the end the gang learned a valuable lesson.

Less is more. It's the meaning, not the actual thing that counts. And something ugly can in turn be one of the most beautiful things of all.

So, there ends my Christmas time favorite movies and shows. Feel free to add your list as well to the comments. Or better yet, try jumping in and doing a "25 Days Of Christmas" with me! It's not too late to join in the fun.

See you all tomorrow!