Christmas carols are a cornerstone of the holiday season, and hearing your favorite jingle can instantly fill you with holiday cheer. Everyone has their own personal favorite, and your kids will likely find themselves smitten with their own favorite songs. Whether you’re just starting to teach your kids different carols or trying to put together a medley so that you can go caroling around the neighborhood this year, there is no shortage of songs to choose from. Here is a list of the top 10 … [Read more...]
ADVENT begins December 2, 2012
Advent, anglicized from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming", is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi. The Eastern churches' equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast, but it differs both in length and observances and does not begin the church year, which starts instead … [Read more...]
Black Friday, name ‘originated in Philadelphia’
Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days in the USA. There are two popular theories as to why the day after Thanksgiving Day is called Black Friday. One theory is that the wheels of vehicles in heavy traffic on the day after Thanksgiving Day left many black markings on the road surface, leading to the term Black Friday. The other theory is that the term Black Friday comes from an old way of recording business accounts. Losses were recorded in red ink and profits in black ink. Many … [Read more...]
Bahai: The Day of the Covenant – Celebrate November 26
The Day of the Covenant Celebrating November 26 'Abdu'l-Bahá was born on May 23, 1844, the very day that the Báb declared His mission to Mullá Husayn. Although a number of Bahá'ís wished to celebrate the Master's birthday, He wouldn't permit it. That day, He insisted, belonged to the Báb, not to Him. In the face of repeated requests, however, He established the Day of the Covenant as a day Bahá'ís could celebrate in His honor if they wished. Yet it was not for Himself … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving, 5 ways to use Cranberries in Centerpiece
When cranberries start making an appearance in the grocery store it can only mean one thing: the holidays are upon us! These bright red berries have become a staple of the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but they can do far more than just serve as a delicious side dish. Try utilizing the berries vibrant color to your decorating advantage this Thanksgiving by making one of these five different centerpiece ideas. Tall Vase with Cranberries – Start with a relatively large, clear vase – any … [Read more...]
5 Festive Halloween Treats to Give Classmates
Tired of sending the same old cupcakes or cookies to school for the class Halloween party? This year try something different. No trick, these Halloween treats are simple enough to make that the kids can help put them together. You Rule! - Purchase a ruler for each student. On your computer type the message “You Rule! Bats Drool!” and then copy and paste it so it will appear 5 times on a page when printed. The finished strips should be about 2 inches wide and 8 ½ inches long so keep … [Read more...]
World Food Day – October 16, 2012
Nearly one is six people around the world do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life – most of them living in developing countries. It is World Food Day on 16 October as well as harvest festival assembly time, so the Guardian Teacher Network has a bounty of resources to share that introduce and delve deeper into the challenges and injustices that people face over food. Music can be used as a tool to explore global issues with these resources developed by Oxfam … [Read more...]
Parenting – How to host a kid-friendly ‘Afternoon Tea’
While the concept afternoon tea originated in France, contrary to what most people believe, the English made taking an afternoon tea fashionable. The English usually take their afternoon tea between 4 and 5 o’clock in the afternoon, whereas Americanized versions of afternoon tea tend to be held between 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Children may not care for tea, most enjoy the pomp and ceremony that comes with a traditional high tea experience. Here’s how to host a kid-friendly … [Read more...]
World Teacher’s Day celebrated on October 5th, 2012 !!!
WORLD TEACHER'S DAY! October 5, 2012 World Teachers' Day, held annually on October 5th since 1994, commemorates teachers’ organizations worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers. According to UNESCO, World Teachers' Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education … [Read more...]
Rosh Hashana Eve ראש השנה – Yom Kipper
Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה, literally "head of the year"), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora'im ("Days of Awe") which usually occur in the early septentrional autumn. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei. It is described in the Torah as יום תרועה (Yom Teru'ah, a day of sounding [the Shofar]). Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar and eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey. The Mishnah … [Read more...]
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2012: Celebrated Sept. 15 — Oct. 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2012: Celebrated Sept. 15 — Oct. 15 In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 — Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the … [Read more...]
How to celebrate Labour Day – September 3, 2012
Labour Day September 3, 2012 What do people do? Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights during parades and picnics organized by trade unions. These still play a role in Labour Day for some Canadians, but many people see the first Monday in September as an opportunity to take a late summer trip, perhaps to their country cottage, or enjoy the company of family or friends at picnics, fairs, festivals and … [Read more...]