December, according to Wikipedia, is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.
As we all know, in Latin, decem means "ten". December was also the tenth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February. December's flower is the narcissus or holly. December's birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite. It is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, and it starts on the same day of the week as September.
It is also a gathering of threads, an assembly of relatives, a time for "snow and mistletoe". That last phrase, cold snow, warm kisses, conjures up the oxymoron that is Christmas. Faith and frivolity join hands to bring a fusion of fidelity to family gatherings. This year, by virtue of the economic pendemic traversing the world, we may have less commercialism and more carolling and comradery. A delightful site, for those of you interested in the panoply of Christmas, will provide fun and information to share around the various dinner tables this season.
I hope that you are all up to your elbows in sugar and spice and that, throughout this month, we can all take time to seize the moments to enjoy one another, with whatever traditions are part of our families, including snowball romps, snow angels, and lots of hugs and kisses.
As we all know, in Latin, decem means "ten". December was also the tenth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February. December's flower is the narcissus or holly. December's birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite. It is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, and it starts on the same day of the week as September.
It is also a gathering of threads, an assembly of relatives, a time for "snow and mistletoe". That last phrase, cold snow, warm kisses, conjures up the oxymoron that is Christmas. Faith and frivolity join hands to bring a fusion of fidelity to family gatherings. This year, by virtue of the economic pendemic traversing the world, we may have less commercialism and more carolling and comradery. A delightful site, for those of you interested in the panoply of Christmas, will provide fun and information to share around the various dinner tables this season.
I hope that you are all up to your elbows in sugar and spice and that, throughout this month, we can all take time to seize the moments to enjoy one another, with whatever traditions are part of our families, including snowball romps, snow angels, and lots of hugs and kisses.
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5 comments:
Marylou, I like your new site pic!
Enjoyed the interesting info on the Calendar as well as your musings on "snow and mistletoe" what delightful images that phrase conjures up! The Christmas site is just chock-a-block full of interesting bits! Wot fun ;-)
Thank You!
Sending warm Christmas wishes and Light from the Wet Coast,
Cathleen
Welcome back, Marylou. I love the new picture from the cottage. Is that ice near the shore already?
Thank you, Tessa. Yes, the picture was taken after last winter's ice storm. I thought it a more seasonal picture, but it seems more appropriate to the title and subtitle of my blog as well...
'Cold snow, warm kisses' ...well, we have the kisses and lots of cold rain so far here in Victoria(grin). Maybe a little snow around Christmas time if we are lucky!
'Faith and frivolity...fusion of fidelity to family gatherings.'
Hope your trip to the 'wet coast' was lovely Marylou.
I am enjoying your newest post and have delved into your marvelous Christmas link in between buzzing about getting ready for Christmas. Your winter lake photo is beautiful!
Thank you for the interesting December background as well.
Back to my job list now . Will try to remember to take the time to seize and enjoy the moments as you say . I wish that for you as well, Claire
The leadup to Christmas, with all the play of decorating, (same materials but different configurations every year), the baking and the anticipation of my children and grandchildren charging through the front door, is the best part of the season for me...Hope you are enjoying these days with your "job list" as well...
Thank you for your lovely thoughts, Claire. When my book is ready for marketing, can I hire you as my publicist?
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