Welcome, December – the month of holiday cheer!
Ah, December, the darkest month with the brightest holidays. From the single candle marking World AIDS Day on December 1st – to the eight candles of the Hanakuh menorah – to the galaxy of Christmas lights decorating homes and cities, we fight the night with light.
Speaking of Christmas, did you know…
That every elf has the same bell on the tip of their shoes?
That the two most popular Christmas colours after red and green are … silver and gold!
Donner and Blitzen are named for weather phenomenon … Donner means thunder in German and Blitzen means lightning! So fog isn’t the only challenge for Reindeer!
The two most common words on gifts tags are “To” and “From”
The 12 days of Christmas, aside from being the Holiday’s most annoying Christmas Carol, is the period that in Christian theology marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi — the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany)
Here are your December quotes to help get your festive season off to a merry inspirational start!
And the thought I’d like to leave you with this month is:
December is one of my favourite months for many reasons. Principally though, it’s because the holiday spirit of generosity is infectious.
People are divided into those who are generous and those who are not – ‘philanthropist’ versus ‘miser’. The former views giving as a gift. The latter views it as a loss.
How often have you called someone who is stingy a “Scrooge”?
The world’s most famous miser is of course, from Charles Dicken’s classic, “A Christmas Carol .” It was published on the December 19th, 1843 and the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve. By the end of 1844 thirteen editions had been released.
The story of a miser and misanthrope who finds redemption has inspired hundreds of artistic interpretations for over 170 years.
“What’s today, my fine fellow?” said Scrooge.
“To-day!” replied the boy. “Why, Christmas Day.”
“It’s Christmas Day!” said Scrooge to himself. “I haven’t missed it.”
And here’s a thought from Mr Dickens to light your way into the new year through this dark month, through these dark times.
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.” Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol
What is your favourite version of The Christmas Carol?
- The 1951 version starring Alastair Sim
- Scrooge (1970), the musical film with Albert Finney
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983),
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- or Scrooged, the eighties adaptation starring Bill Murray
My favourite is the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim. But the most fun is The 1988 adaptation with Bill Murray – Scrooged. Very 80’s.
My favourite is the 1951 version. Nothing beats a classic!
That’s for sure! Classic all the way!
I have such a hard time with favourites, even though I declare one every month! Just too many!
The 1951 version starring Alastair Sim!!!! THE BEST!!! We watch it every Christmas Eve as a family.