Saturday, December 13, 2008

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.....

by Joanie T

"It’s the Holiday season with a whoop-de-do and a hickory dock….. "

Yes it is! Time for lots of fa la la-ing, decking the halls, wishing you a Merry Christmas and presents under the tree.

I started out composing this post with the thought of focusing on one aspect of Christmas—ornaments for the tree. But as I started Googling them I ran into first one then the other fascinating sites talking about all sorts of Christmas traditions. And I could not stick with only one aspect. So as with my opening lines (The first is from a favorite, jazzy song by Andy Williams called the “Happy Holidays” song) I’m going to just throw out a hodge podge of my thoughts on this “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

I’ll start with the tree. We all know that as with many of our modern day traditions, the Christmas tree has its roots (pun intended) in Celtic/Pagan traditions. Kind of appeals to my Irish genes, don’t you know. And yes, Germany had a hand in getting it all started especially with glass blown ornaments.

This year I decided to buy one of those pre-lit, simple three piece Christmas trees. My brother dutifully helped me out, put it together, stared at its sparse foliage and said “It’s a Charlie Brown tree!”

I took a deep breath and said “That’s why God invented tinsel.”

I set about making my little tree beautiful. It’s true, a little tinsel will go a long way into sparkling up the place. I found out that the Germans, once again, were the first ones to use tinsel only they used REAL silver shredded into thin strips.

I used Walgreen’s garlands.

Next came the ornaments. Now ornaments are a lot like the Christmas tree lights. In one camp you have the people who want only coordinated, satin or glass balls. It probably goes with their tasteful white only lights. No doubt about it, those are beautiful trees.

And then there are people like me :-)

Multi-colored lights all the way, baby! And the ornaments? A montage of my interests, my friendships, my life. I have a collection of homemade ones and ones representative of my interests, most notably my reputation as a baker. I even bought myself one that was an oven mitt with whisks, spatulas etc. poking out of it. Did ya’ll know I bake chocolate chips cookies? Then that would explain the rotund Santa with a see through belly filled with chocolate chip cookies and the little chipmunk sitting ON a chocolate chip cookie.

I have a group of snowmen with my CP’s names, one of two elegant lady deer sipping cocktails over lunch. Tucked away in the branches are a small cross-stitched bell given by a friend who has since passed on and one that says “Mom”.

My tree is as individual as me and I think that is cool.

Add a twinkly star and a traditional red and green tree skirt and voila….I join Snoopy in winning the decorating contest.

I could go on and on about Christmas but we have ten more days of the Banditas Twelve Days of Christmas to go so I’ll leave with a little Christmas trivia quiz:

1. Which of Santa’s reindeer is named after another animal?
2. Which Christmas song holds the credit as the highest selling Christmas single of
all time?
3. Which company made the concept of Santa Claus popular in America?
4. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees?
5. When is Santa Claus’, i.e. St. Nicholas’s birthday?

Answer the questions as best you can,
The elves of The Lair may give you a hand,
The gift for today, we cannot let lay,
So give it a shot and come on and play!

108 comments:

Unknown said...

Did I get the Rooster!

Unknown said...

This was a great post. Here are my answers.

1. Which of Santa’s reindeer is named after another animal? Vixen
2. Which Christmas song holds the credit as the highest selling Christmas single of
all time? White Christmas
3. Which company made the concept of Santa Claus popular in America? Coca Cola
4. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees? Canada
5. When is Santa Claus’, i.e. St. Nicholas’s birthday? Dec. 5

MJFredrick said...

1) Vixen
2) White Christmas
3) Coke
4) Canada
5) Dec. 6

Joan said...

Yes, Virginia. You DID get the rooster!

Oh, wow...that is so cool that a Virginia came in first.

Good job with the questions too.

For those still "snug in their beds with vision of Sugarplums dancing in their heads"...

1. What is Santa Claus called in France?

2. Which Christmas song did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 12 years old?

3. How many ghosts are there in the Christmas Carol?

4. What are the most popular Christmas colors after red and green?

limecello said...

For set one...
1. Which of Santa’s reindeer is named after another animal? vixen (female fox?0
2. Which Christmas song holds the credit as the highest selling Christmas single of
all time? White Christmas
3. Which company made the concept of Santa Claus popular in America? Coke! (Coca- cola0
4. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees? Canada
5. When is Santa Claus’, i.e. St. Nicholas’s birthday? Dec 5th

For set two:
1. What is Santa Claus called in France? Père Noél


2. Which Christmas song did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 12 years old? I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus

3. How many ghosts are there in the Christmas Carol? Four

4. What are the most popular Christmas colors after red and green? Silver and gold

:P

Helen said...

Well done Virginia he is probably getting a little tired at my place with trips to the hospital we are still waiting on the birth of our grandson he is taking a while.

I love the post Joanie and I knew the answers to the first lot of questions I will try these next lot

1. ?
2. ?
3. Two
4. Silver and Gold

I will try and get back soon
Have Fun
Helen

jo robertson said...

Great post, Suzanne. I love to hear how other people decorate their houses and Christmas trees.

Hmmm, I think the highest selling Christmas song is "White Christmas." And I have no idea about the others. Woe is me, I'm sadly ignorant about Christmas trivia.

Congratulations on getting the rooster, Virginia. I hope you put him to work wrapping your presents!

jo robertson said...

Wow, Virginia, you are smart. At least I think so. Your answers sound right LOL.

Unknown said...

I have been after that rooster all week. I don't think I am going to make him wrap presents. I think I will let him rest today because Helen has worn the poor rooster out.

Donna MacMeans said...

Yes Virginia - There is a Golden Rooster! How did you sneak by Helen?

Joannie - one of my favorite ornaments in a little plastic Pillsbury dough boy. You press the button on his stomach and he goes "oh-ho!"

I love ornaments and, like you, each one has a story attached. I like those personal trees much better than the elegantly color-coordinated or theme oriented trees. My newest addition this year is an ornament in the Santa Claus from Mary Englebright's BELIEVE.

Keira Soleore said...

JoanieT, ornaments are my favorite things to talk about Christmas. We don't have any ornaments that are alike, or even similar. Each is an individual piece brought back from our travels from as exotic as Denmark and Singapore and as pedestrian as the small local town. So each ornament has a story attached to it, and as we put them up on the tree we remind each other of the stories.

Last year, we bought a small artificial tree for our daughter so she could hang her own handmade or character ornaments. Well, her tree gets redecorated every day from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's, I got a tad tired of trying to "save" the delicate ones. Now she has her tree and we have the family one.

Except this year, since we're away, we have zero decorations. It's been tough on us to be away for all the holidays.

Now for the answers to your questions...

1. Which of Santa’s reindeer is named after another animal?
--Vixen

2. Which Christmas song holds the credit as the highest selling Christmas single of
all time?
--I am dreaming of a White Christmas.

3. Which company made the concept of Santa Claus popular in America?
--White Rock Beverages was the first; Coca Cola was the biggest; Salvation Army for charity. (The latest news is that Santa has asked Paulson for a bailout for his Free Toy Enterprise. Ahem.)

4. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees?
--Our neighbor to the north, Canada

5. When is Santa Claus’, i.e. St. Nicholas’s birthday?
--December 6

Keira Soleore said...

Virginia, congrats on the Rooster.

Joanie, and to the rest of your trivia questions...

1. What is Santa Claus called in France?
--Pere Noel

2. Which Christmas song did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 12 years old?
--I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus

3. How many ghosts are there in the Christmas Carol?
--Four

4. What are the most popular Christmas colors after red and green?
--Silver and Gold

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Virginia.

1. Vixen
2. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 5th

1. Père Noél
2. "I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus"
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Minna said...

And did you know that the guy who designed Coca Cola Santa's red suit was from Åland, Finland?

Laurie G said...

1. Vixen
2. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th (Feast Day in Milwaukee, WI where I grew up) You put gifts out on the 5th for the kids to open the morning of the 6th.

1. Père Noél
2. "I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus"
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Laurie G said...

1. Vixen
2. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th (Feast Day in Milwaukee, WI where I grew up) You put gifts out on the 5th for the kids to open the morning of the 6th.

1. Père Noél
2. "I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus"
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Minna said...

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th -also the independence day in Finland

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Maureen said...

Although we do use white lights on our tree our ornaments are a variety of different types. Many of the ornaments were given to my kids so when they move out we will have a lot less ornaments for the tree. Your questions were interesting and here are my answers;
1. Vixen
2. White Christmas
3. Coca-Cola
4. Canada
5. December 5th

Minna said...

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th -also the independence day in Finland

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

pjpuppymom said...

Wonderful blog, JT! I love Christmas. It's a joyous time in my house. My main tree has multi-colored lights and a hodge podge of ornaments from the past 32 years. Some I've bought myself but the vast majority of them have been given to me or made for me. There's a story attached to each one and I stop to re-live them every year. Takes a long time to decorate the tree! lol Like you, I seem to have accumulated a lot of the baker/cooking ornaments!

pjpuppymom said...

My answers to your questions...

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Sue A. said...

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 6th

1. Père Noël
2. I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Gillian Layne said...

Ok, (huge yawn and stretch....), I'm going out on a limb and saying everyone else is probably right... ;)

1) Vixen
2) White Christmas
3) Coke
4) Canada
5) Dec. 6

Love it that your tree has everything--so does ours! I love remembering the "how, when and why" of each ornament.

We're off to our high school early this morning, my oldest daughter is an elf in the Breakfast with Santa play. Doughnuts and coffee for Mom, bring it on!

Have a great Saturday, Ladies!

Helen said...

I have just got back from the hospital Corey Jackson was born at 10-25 pm 13th Dec weighing in at 6lb 1 oz (3.1kg) and is 49cm long not sure what that is in inches and he is beautiful mother and son are doing well so is Nana just a bit tired it has been a long 2 days.
I will read everyones posts in the morning

Have Fun
Helen

Unknown said...

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 5th

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Anonymous said...

I didn't copy anyone's answers, promise! ;)

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas
3. Coca Cola
4. Canaday
5. December 5th

Lois

Louisa Cornell said...

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Golden Rooster and you got him! What will you do with him today?

Okay, lets see about these questions.

1. Vixen
2. Gotta be White Christmas
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada - those gorgeous blue spruces!
5. December 5th

And Joanie I LOVE your Christmas ornaments. My tree is the same. I have several sets of themes, but my favorite way to decorate is to take some from each theme and put things on the tree to remind me of my friends and family and the places I have been.

And the second set of questions :

1. Pere Noel
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four ghosts if you count Marley
4. Silver and Gold

And Congratulations Helen on the birth of your grandson!!

Joan said...

Good Morning Banditas, BB's and elves!

Wow, ya'll went right through 'ole Santa's trivia. The head elf is impressed but now he wants to up the ante a bit. Try these on for size:

1. Who lost $8,000 in "It's a Wonderful Life"?

2. In "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" which biological shortcoming made him so mean?

3. Who kept time with the Little Drummer Boy?

4. What country started the tradition of exchanging gifts?

5. Who was the first English monarch to have a Christmas tree.

The cabana boys will be serving eggnog shortly...Oh, no...it's not spiked {averts eyes}

Joan said...

limecello you're spot on with the answers....

Aren't you suppose to be studying?

:-)

Helen! I'll just jump into two posts and say CONGRATULATIONS on your new precious grandson, Corey!

What a WONDERFUL holiday gift.

Joan said...

Jo, now I just don't believe you are as uninformed about Christmas trivia as you say...my gosh, woman! You raised 7 children!

I bet you know all the words to "Up on the Housetop" and have sewn more angel/elf/snowmen pagent costumes than a Broadway producer!

Joan said...

LOL, Virginia.

You rose to the challenge and counquered the rooster!

Good for you!

Joan said...

Donna,

The Pillsbury doughboy ornament sounds so cute!

I have five in one of the Hallmark series based on Hershey's candy. Each ornament is some form of Hershey's candy...can of cocoa, chocolate bar, kiss, syrup with two teeny white mice holding on.

Joan said...

Keira

My friend let her 4 and 5 yo little girls decorate their tree. They were SO proud of it and showed it off to me with such excitement! Totally covered with ornaments fashioned by their eager little hands....

It was beautiful.

I'm totally bummed you have no decorations up! I know you're travelling but....can't you put a twig up at least?

:-(

Joan said...

Jane,

Way to go on the questions.

There may be more in your stocking so check during the day.

Joan said...

Minna,

I've learned so much about Finland!

So what are some Finnish Christmas traditions?

Joan said...

Laurie,

You know we always considered
Dec. 6th to be St. Nicholas day too growing up. (My brother's b-day is the 5th and he wasn't named Nick :-)

Only one time did the good Saint leave us anything for his day though. I came home from school all excited telling my Mom about this new tradition and put a sock out "secretly" in my bedroom to test the theory.

I'll be darned if I didn't find a chocolate Santa in it the next morning!!!!

Mom's are not only perceptive but a bit sneaky as well :-)

Joan said...

Maureen,

White lights lend a sophisticated aura to a tree. My BFF will have nothing but so...when her children (my godchildren) were little I'd always make sure to bring them by to my house to experience the "Wonderful World of Color" LOL

Joan said...

PJ,

Now see, I would have thought you'd have a tree decorated with turtles :-)

I know what you mean about each one having a story. The lady deer having cocktails at lunch? It was given to me by my good friend Suzanne who I lunch with 2-3 times a month. It was the PERFECT symbol of our friendship bond.

Joan said...

Sue A.

Ok, now how come I was the only one who didn't know that Canada is the greatest exporter of Xmas trees???? Huh??? Huh???

I had guessed Oregon :-)

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I think I still have one eye shut this morning. Christmas party time don't you know. Ladies all glittered up, gentleman in their suits and ties, mountains of food, and a lovely time had by all.
Congratulations Helen!! So glad that mommy and baby are doing well. GR must have known that this time was for real so he went to Virginia so you could enjoy the baby.
The questions (both sets) have already been answered correctly so like Gillian I am just going to agree and claim that as my answer.
When my mother was living she liked for decorations to match, she would pick a color or theme and I would make it happen. We had a tradition that when people came to our house during the Christmas season they would leave with an ornament from out tree. My own trees were usually a hodge podge always including ornaments made by my children. My favorites were the ones that had their pictures on them.

Joan said...

Gillian,


Yum, doughnuts. Much better than my 1 cup of Cheerios!

What was that noise? Was that Kirsten? Oh, my.....you know how she likes her doughnuts...

Battan down the Krispy Kreme boxes!

Joan said...

Amy S, Lois and Mary F (who I slid right over....) you all are right on with the answers.

Looks like its about half and half when it comes to when St. Nick's bday is....I'm going to have Prancer look into it.

Joan said...

Louisa,

I like theme Christmas trees sometimes.

Our hospital used to decorate a HUGE one and one yar the theme was Star Trek! Dozens of huge, different colored Starship Enterprises all over.

Hmmmmm....seems that was the last year for the themes. Must not have had a sci-fi fan director that year, LOL

Joan said...

Dianna,

I hear you on the holiday party circuit.

My local RWA chapter had our party at The Melting Pot. I'd never been there before but it was a little bit of food and a lot of work to cook it yourself for the price.

But the comradarie? Priceless.

How cool too that your Mom gifted visitors with an ornament! That is the true holiday spirit.

Christie Kelley said...

Joanie, you're killing me today! I've been absent all week because of work and Christmas stuff and I promised myself I'd come comment today. I don't have time to look up all your questions and I want the answers!

Great post though. I still have batches of cookies to do (that's after 3 batches yesterday) and all the presents to wrap. My goal is to be done this weekend.

pjpuppymom said...

We had our neighborhood Christmas party last night. Great company and DELICIOUS food!

pjpuppymom said...

Congratulations, Helen!

Minna said...

Christmas traditions? Well, since I'm a bit lazy writer today, these are from Wikipedia and Virtual Finland:
In the Nordic countries, the most important Christmas celebration takes place on Christmas Eve.
Since Christmas Eve forms the most important day of the Christmas season in Finland, it is fitting that at noon on the Eve, in Turku, the oldest city in the country, “Christmas Peace” is proclaimed. The tradition dates back to the 13th century.

The bells of the 14th-century Turku Cathedral sound in many a Finnish home as people view the age-old ceremony on television. This is when people usually begin their Christmas festivities.
It is broadcast on Finnish radio (since 1935) and television and nowadays also in some foreign countries.

The declaration ceremony begins with the hymn Jumala ompi linnamme (Martin Luther's A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) and continues with the Declaration of Christmas Peace read from a parchment roll:

"Tomorrow, God willing, marks the most gracious feast of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, and therefore a general Christmas peace is hereby declared, and all persons are directed to observe this holiday with due reverence and otherwise quietly and peacefully to conduct themselves, for whosoever breaks this peace and disturbs the Christmas holiday by any unlawful or improper conduct shall be liable, under aggravating circumstances, to whatever penalty is prescribed by law and decree for each particular offence or misdemeanour. Finally, all citizens are wished a joyous Christmas holiday."
The Ceremony ends with trumpets playing the Finnish national anthem Maamme and Porilaisten marssi, with the crowd usually singing when the band plays Maamme.

Recently, there is also a declaration of Christmas peace for forest animals in many cities and municipalities, so there is no hunting during Christmas.

Finnish traditions include the Christmas sauna and the preparation of Christmas dinner, which includes time-honoured delicacies such as pickled herring; raw salmon; roe; casseroles of potato, carrot and turnip; Christmas ham; a cold dessert of puréed plums; and cinnamon biscuits.
The highlight of the evening comes when Santa knocks on the door. His words are always the same: “Are there any well-behaved children here?” Naturally, in every home there are only good children and they all receive presents.
Finns love their Christmas carols. Carols are sung enthusiastically in church before Christmas and concerts at other venues are very popular.

And the Christmas tree is usually decorated on Christmas Eve, in my family anyway. they are usually declaring the Christmas Peace in Turku while we decorate.

And Santa lives in Lapland, Finland, not in North Pole. The poor reindeer would starve to death there.

http://virtual.finland.fi/xmas/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Eve

Anyone seen this Finnish animation movie yet about the son of Rudolph?
Niko & The Way to the Stars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LtFFJ39wd0&feature=related

Just for fun... This is a commercial for Finnair, but it's just so cute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BESuwJwI3M

Joan said...

Christie,

It's Christmas...the spirit is in the air....look in the cookie batter and you might find the answers {tinkling magic music}

I hadn't found trivia on the tradition of Christmas cookies. Anybody out there know?

Joan said...

Ok, I hereby declare that Minna's Finland declaration of Christmas peace be proclaimed ALL OVER THE WORLD!

That is beautiful, Minna.

And the feast sounds wonderful..save for the pickled fishies...unless we could batter fry them like we do here in the Southern US :-)

And yummo on the cinnamon biscuits.

I love carols too. We have a radio station here in Louisville that plays only Christmas songs from Thanksgiving Day till Christmas day.

Some of my faves are: Carol of the Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas....

BTW, what movie was that last song first heard in?

And Niko....looks like fun!

Janga said...

Congratulations, Helen, and a big welcome to the world to the new little one!

I love the Christmas trivia.

Who lost $8,000 in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Uncle Billy

2. In "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" which biological shortcoming made him so mean?
His heart was two sizes too small.

3. Who kept time with the Little Drummer Boy? the ox and the lamb

4. What country started the tradition of exchanging gifts?
Italy

5. Who was the first English monarch to have a Christmas tree.
Queen Victoria

Unknown said...

I want to congratulate Helen on the new baby, they are such a joy. Hope everything goes well.

The GR is setting over by the Christmas on a pillow eating corn right now. He is being one lazy bird today!

Minna said...

Almost forgot: today is the day of
Saint Lucy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lucy%27s_Day

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Helen,
SUPER CONGRATS on your new grandson Corey! One down and one to go. :-) So happy to hear that Mom, baby, and Nana are all doing fine.

For those who didn't hear, Jo-Mama's newest granddaughter, Emma was born early Thursday morning! WTG!

GREAT post Joanie, and PFFFT on those color coordinated trees! Who does those anyway? I have ornaments dating back to my childhood (yes, they were probably the first glass ornaments made). My favorite looks like a big ripe strawberry.

AC
still halfway on Turkish time and it's KILLING ME!

Joan said...

Janga, you got them all!

Man, the elves haven't been able to stump one BB yet!

To elaborate on #4...it was indeed Italy but more specifically...the Romans. :-)

My fax machine is going off, must be like the banker on Deal, No Deal....more questions coming in.

Joan said...

Virginia, I hope it isn't magic Christmas corn...cause you know that is what Santa feeds his reindeer to make them fly....

So see, Minna...they do TOO live at the North pole!

Joan said...

AC, just get you some stuffing and sweet potatoes to go with the Turkey...

Sorry :-)

I have two glass ornaments from the 1940's/50's that my Mom had for years on our tree. They are so fragile yet I HAVE to hang them amongst the mice/penguins/santas.

And yeah on JoMama's new arrival. Baby Emma!

Joan said...

The pressure is on. Santa bets a dozen candy canes these questions won't be so easy....

1. When were electric Christmas lights first used?

2. In which newspaper did the editorial "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" originally appear?

3. Near Christmas time, Scottish children may sometimes "cry up the lum" meaning that they:

4. In Syria, Christmas gifts are distributed by:

5. Which country traditionally provides Britain with a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square in London?

Minna said...

The reindeer don't eat corn, they eat reindeer moss and the leaves of willows and birches, as well as sedges and grasses.

Joan said...

Yes, I'd agree that REGULAR reindeer do...

:-)

Unknown said...

Well ladies I just caught the Golden Rooster in my great nieces Christmas bag that has the book of The Little Red Hen in it. I wonder what he is up to.

Shari C said...

My answers:
1)vixen
2)White Christmas (a favorite of mine)
3)Coca Cola
4)our neighbor, Canada
5)December 6

Dina said...

Hi all!!!

I'll offer my answer :

My answers:
1- Vixen
2-White Christmas Bing Crosby's version is my fav
3-Coca Cola my fav drink!
4- Oooooooh Canada
5-December 6 (even thoguh when I was young in Chgo, I didn't cecebrate this day, Santa came on 12/24 with gifts and filled the sockings.

Dina

December 13, 2008

Dina said...

ok, I guess I shouldn't have started drinking the spiked eggnog so early, can't spell, lol.

Minna said...

Santa and his reindeer live in Lapland. Go to see if you don't believe me. *g*

http://factsaboutfinns.org/
http://virtual.finland.fi/xmas/31.html
http://virtual.finland.fi/xmas/8.html

Joan said...

Christmas bag that has the book of The Little Red Hen in it.

LOL, Virginia...no telling with our bird! (He probably just wants to read the articles VBG)

Joan said...

Shari C,

You're right on the money though the actual St. Nick Day seems to waver back and forth from the 5/6th

Nobody up for the latest batch of questions?

(Calm down, Santa...I'm sure they will try in a while) You'll have to forgive the big guy...he's hyped up on sugar cookie sprinkles.

Joan said...

Dina! So that WAS you with the bottle of rum by the punch bowl!!!!

Be careful and don't drink and blog.

Unknown said...

Here are the answers to the new questions.
1. 1882
2. Newseum
3. Shout their Christmas Wishes up the chimney
4. One of the Wiseman's Camels
5. Norway

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

You beat me to it Virginia, you are really fast off the mark today! First the GR then getting the answers first. I have GOT to wake up!!

Joan said...

ALMOST got them all right, Virginia....

One and two are incorrect.

And dianna...eat more doughnuts and join Santa on a sugar high :-)

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Oh, I still have a shot at the questions then?? Oh my, now where did I put that search??

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Joan said....BTW, what movie was that last song first heard in?

It was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 MGM musical "Meet Me In St. Louis.

Dina said...

I thought I was a good multi tasker, but guess not. ;)

Jane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jane said...

1. 1890
2. New York Sun
3. Shout their Christmas wishes up the chimney
4. One of the Wise Men's camels
5. Norway

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Joan said....1. When were electric Christmas lights first used?
1895

2. In which newspaper did the editorial "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" originally appear?
New York's Sun

3. Near Christmas time, Scottish children may sometimes "cry up the lum" meaning that they:
Shout their Christmas wished up the chimney.

4. In Syria, Christmas gifts are distributed by:
One of the Wise Men's camels.

5. Which country traditionally provides Britain with a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square in London?
Norway

Joan said...

Ding, ding, ding (dong) ding!
You were the first to get them all correct, dianna! (Jane, you missed the year by 5)

And there wasn't a trace of Googling on the post :>

Ok, racking brain, racking brain......

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Joan said...
Ding, ding, ding (dong) ding!
You were the first to get them all correct, dianna! (Jane, you missed the year by 5)

And there wasn't a trace of Googling on the post :>

Ok, racking brain, racking brain......

Woo Hoo!! How many candy canes do I get??

Joan said...

Dianna...you get.....um, a DOZEN virtual candy canes.

If you get these next ones about Christmas Carols correct....I'll throw in a private shield sledding lesson with Demetrius ;-)

Ok Complete the following


1 What did the night wind say to the little lamb?

2. In "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" what is it that the kids in Boy and Girl land will have?

3. In "Let it Snow" what consumable product does the singer offer as an inducement to his love interest to stay by the fire?

4. In "Sleigh Ride" the snow is falling and friends are calling what?

5. "Jingle Bell Rock" tells us it's a bright time, the right time to what?

Dina said...

Hey Lauire,

I live in Milw Wi. and try to remember to do it thatnight, but still forget, lol.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Joan said...
1 What did the night wind say to the little lamb?

Do you hear what I hear?

2. In "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" what is it that the kids in Boy and Girl land will have?
A Jubilee


3. In "Let it Snow" what consumable product does the singer offer as an inducement to his love interest to stay by the fire?
Corn for popping

4. In "Sleigh Ride" the snow is falling and friends are calling what?
Yoo hoo

5. "Jingle Bell Rock" tells us it's a bright time, the right time to what?
Rock the night away.

Unknown said...

I don't know if these are right because I thought I had the last ones right but here goes.
1. do you see what I see
2. Jubilee
3.corn for the poping
4. Yoo Hoo
5. Rock the night away.

Helen said...

Everyone is so clever today and the questions are really good Joanie but I don't think I am thinking right this morning.

I do love all the special ornaments that we have most of which are things that the kids made when they were young and ones that have been given to us by my girlfriend who is very crafty we do have 2 special glass balls that my daughter had made after I lost my Mum and Dad that have Nan and Pop written on them and they take the best spots on the tree. As for lights at the moment we have all white lights but have had coloured lights before and I really like them.
Thanks for the congrats everyone as Aunty Cindy 1 down 1 to go she is being induced tonight.

Have Fun
Helen

Susan Sey said...

Wonderful post, Joan!

I won't even try to answer those questions! It makes my head hurt just trying to think on a Saturday. :-)

But I, too, am in the tacky tree camp. My mom did an all-white tree one year & got so much grief from us kids that she gave up trying to impose any class on us. Pass the tinsel, please.

Joan said...

Agh....dianna you were THIS close.

See Virginia's for the answer to number one.

(I have this carol burned into my brain as that radio station has been playing multiple renditions of it)

So, if you ask real nice, Virginia may let you share the shield sled ride.

What's that Demetirus? You want to know if she wants the front.....or back?

Joan said...

Helen, my gosh! Can't they give the Nana a rest?

Good luck with number 2!!

Joan said...

Hey Susan!

Now I don't call my tree tacky. No, not at all. I like to think of it as my creative expression.....

Ok, yes {hangs head} I've been in the eggnog.....

Hic

Estella said...

Helen,
Congrats on your new grandson!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Joanie, you are the Christmas Elf for sure! I love all this trivia. I'm learning stuff too...Didn't know the thing about shouting up the chimney. :> And Minna, I love the Finnish traditions!

I'm racing out the door, so I won't try to answer the others, but I DO love all the tree and ornament talk. And Carols. And...

Oh, Helen, HUGE congrats on the new addition to the family!

Fedora said...

Wow, what a lot of Christmas things I had no clue about! Thanks for the decorating fun, Joan!

Congrats, Helen!

And congrats on the GR, Virginia!

Anonymous said...

1. Vixen
2. White Chrisatmas
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. Dec. 6

Anonymous said...

1. What is Santa Claus called in France?
Pere Noel

2. Which Christmas song did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 12 years old?
I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus

3. How many ghosts are there in the Christmas Carol?
Four

4. What are the most popular Christmas colors after red and green?
Silver and gold

Anonymous said...

1. Who lost $8,000 in "It's a Wonderful Life"?
Uncle Billy

2. In "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" which biological shortcoming made him so mean?
His heart was two sizes too small

3. Who kept time with the Little Drummer Boy?
The ox and the lamb

4. What country started the tradition of exchanging gifts?
Italy (Romans)

5. Who was the first English monarch to have a Christmas tree.
Queen Victoria

Anonymous said...

1. When were electric Christmas lights first used?
1895

2. In which newspaper did the editorial "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" originally appear?
The New York Sun

3. Near Christmas time, Scottish children may sometimes "cry up the lum" meaning that they:
Shout their Christmas wishes up the chimney

4. In Syria, Christmas gifts are distributed by:
One of the Wise Men's camels

5. Which country traditionally provides Britain with a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square in London?
Norway

Caren Crane said...

Oh, Virginia, good job grabbing the bird from Helen!

Of course, I'm sure you've all heard that Helen has a new GRANDSON! I saw on her Facebook page that baby Corey was born on Dec. 13, weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz and mother and baby are doing well. This means, of course, that the GR is totally up for grabs! Now Virginia is the competition! *g*

I'm not playing your reindeer games, Joanie! After watching my husband "fluff" branches for HOURS, my excitement for getting the tree put up has waned. Once the lights are on, I'll frolic and play with my eclectic assortment of ornaments. Until then, a humbug on the excruciatingly slow tree assembly process. Pfffft!

I do love our Christmas tree, though. It is all multi-colored lights and nothing that matches anything. We have ornaments that are homemade, store bought, made in preschool, painted by moi, and received as gifts. Many came from Big Lots and various after Christmas sales at Garden Ridge. *g*

I went to a fab Christmas party at the (gorgeous) home of the Incomparable Claudia Dain. The most fun of the month!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Caren Crane said...

Well, I saw Helen announced the birth on her own. I can't believe you've been on the computer, Helen, after the baby drama! Congratulations again and kiss the baby for me!

Caren Crane said...

Kimmyl, I just read yesterday that Norway provides the Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square each year and has since 1948. It serves as a thank you to Britain for helping Norway during WWII. I thought that was a wonderful, generous gesture for Norway to make!

Kammie said...

What fun! I love trivia.

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 5th

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and Gold

1. 1895
2. New York Sun
3. Shout their Christmas wishes up the chimney
4. one of the Wise Men's camels
5. Norway

Beth Andrews said...

Fun post, JoanieT! Your question about St Nick's birthday reminded me that I missed it this year *sigh*

When my kids were younger, I'd have them set a shoe out by their bedroom doors and St Nick would come and leave them new PJs (for Christmas morning) and candy. This year, I totally forgot.

But I did remember to buy them all new PJs :-)

Helen! Congrats on your new grandbaby! Wonderful news :-)

Caren Crane said...

Joanie, Judy Garland sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in Meet Me In St. Louis. Ah, Judy...

Oh, and I heard the most gorgeous version of my favorite carol today. My older daughter was playing piano at a retirement community and her piano teacher played while two of her friends sang "Oh, Holy Night". As always, it made me feel as if I were hearing angels sing. That is a song that should never be performed by pop singers, IMO. It is so beautiful and really feels like sacred music. It should not be performed by, say, Christina Aguilera. Oops! Too late...

Caren Crane said...

Okay, is St. Nick's birthday a Catholic thing? Having grown up in the South, I never heard even a mention of St. Nicholas' birthday. Too many Baptists, I suppose!

Joan said...

Jeanne.....elf?

No, no....I'm just contracted to them. They are, um, kinda busy this time of year.

Fedora, I didn't know some of this trivia either though I just Googled St. Nick's birthday and it says the 5th is the EVE of his birthday and that's when Beth's children should put out their empty shoes....

I can't imagine where you'd find matching PJ's for all ages, Beth?

Joan said...

kimmyl and kammie, good job with the answers!

I'll admit to being a bit trivial-ed out but here's one more. I just finished watching "Holiday Inn"

What was the name of Fred Astaire's character?

Joan said...

I'm not playing your reindeer games, Joanie! After watching my husband "fluff" branches for HOURS, my excitement for getting the tree put up has waned.

Ahhh, come on Caren! I'll let you win!!

:-)

When I had my old, 1,000 limb tree my brother was in charge of fluffing. He whipped that puppy into the most beautiful shape.

"Retail," he'd mutter, "Floor displays at Kmart for 8 years".

Every year I had to think of something else to trick...er, I mean get him to fluff for me :-)

O, Holy Night is beautiful as is Angels We Have Heard on High. I actually can hold sing the refrain without taking a breath.

TICD had a party? And didn't bring it to The Lair? (sniff)

Glad you had a good time...

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Joan said...
Agh....dianna you were THIS close.

ACK!!!! That's what I get for going to fast. ---->Dianna sitting on side watching Virginia and Demetrius shield ride.

Caffey said...

Here you go! I was under the weather yesterday but still wanted to play. I love this!

1. Vixen
2. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
3. Coca Cola
4. Canada
5. December 5th

1. Père Noél
2. I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus
3. Four
4. Silver and gold

Caffey said...

Too I wanted to say there's so much I'm learning this year about Christmas and various traditions that were brought down historically that I didn't know about at all! I didn't know of the roots of the tree being Celtic/Pagan! I keep learning lots here, love it!

Since my two cats had a wonderful night two years ago with my big artificial tree (yes, it was in the living room and ended up between the dining room and kitchen in the morning and had to be totally thrown out as a whole) So I now have a small tree and we don't put it up until a couple of days before Christmas, then we lock the cats up in a room with their needs at night. I have the small one with the lights already with them. So much easier but too looks so much nicer because its evenly lit. As I might have mentioned before, we put a new angel ornament each year in memory of my mom on it, and this year we are adding ornament 8, and the rest are special ornaments that I have gotten as gifts so its all very special but it is small. It takes me time to get back into the holidays with having lost my mom before Christmas. Thanks for sharing the pics of the ornaments and your all with this post. Great to read!