Category Archives: Holidays

Happy New Year!

2015 with heart and goldHappy New Year to all my family, friends, fellow writers and bloggers.

Wishing everyone excellent health, joy, love, and success.2015 new year in green

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Happy Holidays

Christmas bells with orbsHappy Holidays to all my friends, fellow writers and bloggers.

And to everyone, a good night.

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Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

winter soltice at stonehenge broader view

Today, December 21, 2014 is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year north of the Equator. Tonight will be the longest night of the year. This year’s winter solstice will begin at 6:03 p.m. EST (3:03 P.M. PST). When the sun is exactly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn tonight, it will happen at 23:03 UTC. From earth, its position makes it seem to stand still. Solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium which means the sun stands still.

One of the most famous celebrations of the winter solstice takes place in the ancient ruins of Stonehenge, England. Thousands of people gather to chant, dance, and sing until sunrise. The all night vigil is to make certain that the sun will rise again at the end of the longest night. Another custom is to burn a Yule log or to bake a yule log-shaped cake. If you have a fireplace, build a fire in it or if you have no fireplace, light a special candle. Since the solstice symbolizes the regeneration of life with the longer days beginning, celebrations with feasting are common. The Caribbean tradition is a street festival and masquerade similar to our Mardi Gras.

Solstice celebrations and traditions would make an interesting backdrop for a short story or a chapter in a novel.

Are you celebrating the winter solstice?  I am lighting candles.

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Happy Thksgiving with leavesHappy Thanksgiving to you all.

Thank you for reading my blog.

May you feel gratitude every day.

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Veterans’ Day

On this Veterans’ Day and everyday, I thank all military members, past and present, for their service. Veteran's day

Did anyone wonder what is the difference between Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day? Veterans’ Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day is celebrated to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.

Before June 1, 1954, Veterans’ Day was called Armistice Day and honored veterans of the First World War. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking the word “Armistice” and replacing it with “Veterans.” November 11 became the national holiday to honor all American veterans of all wars.

My step-dad, Leland Sengstock, is a navy veteran. Thanks, Dad. Veterans' heart

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