S.A.M. Christmas in Sidney

Christmas in other lands

Candles

Early candles were made from
an oily substance called tallow.
Later, the candles consisted of
beeswax, which the people of that
era preferred, because bees were
supposed to have come from
Heaven.

Traditional candle festivities in
other lands:

— In Labrador, the children
receive candles stuck in tumips.

— Filipmo children place can-
dles in lanterns of various colors,
then march in parades.

— Spanish families place bum-
ing candles over their doors on
Christmas Eve.

— Italian families place candles
in their windows to symbolize that
they are lighting the way for the
Holy Child.

— People in Ireland place can-
dies in their windows as a symbol
of a welcome light to anyone who
may be in need of shelter, just as
Mary and Joseph did many, many
years ago.

Receiving presents

— In Puerto Rico, children
receive presents twice during the
holiday season; on Christmas and
the Twelfth Night (January 6),
during which time they listen to
trullas (carolers.)

— In Belgium, St. Nicholas
makes two visits to a child’s home.
The first occurs on December 4th,
when he checks on how the child
is behaving, on his or her feast day.
Two days later, St. Nick fills their
baskets and shoes with candy and
toys.

If they awaken in the morning
and see a topsy-turvy room they
know that St. Nick has paid them a
visit, but if they have not been
good, they may find a switch (@
wooden stick used for beatings),
which will remind them to shape
up by next year.

Christmas for the animals

— Spanish people are kind to
cows during the holidays in mem-
ory of the cattle whose breath was
said to have warmed the baby
Jesus.

— In Norway, birds have their
very own Christmas tree laden
with their favorite grains.

Santa’s travels

— In Hawaii, Santa doesn’t visit
all the houses by sleigh; the
bearded man sometimes arrives by
boat.

To Christians in the African
Republic of Ghana, Father Chnist-
mas comes form the jungle, and in
Australia he rides on water skis,
sporting a white beard and swim
trunks.

— Swiss youngsters see Santa
traveling with male helpers who
balance strange-looking lanterns
on their heads.

— Santa Claus has many differ-
ent names:

In England he’s called Father
Christmas;

In Russia, children refer to him
as Grandfather Frost;

And in France, he’s called Pere
Noel.

Create your very own
stocking for Christmas

Who hung the first Christmas
stocking, and why?

According to legend, the Christ-
mas stocking dates back to the
times of Bishop Nicholas.

After hearing about the plight of
a local nobleman with three
daughters and no money for
dowries, St. Nicholas secretly
threw a bag of gold into the
window as each girl became of
mamiageable age.

One of the bags fell into a
stocking hung near the chimney to
dry. Thus, this gift-giving tradition

was born.

This Christmas, parents and
children can make their own
stockings from everyday materials
such as felt, bits of ribbons and
glue. To create a personalized
stocking, follow these simple
directions.

For each stocking, either pur-
chase a stocking or cut one out
from cloth or felt, and glue front to
back. Clamp with clothespins or
paper clips until set.

Cut circles, triangles, rectangles,
squares, ovals and other shapes
from felt, and glue to stocking to
form figures. Glue pom poms,
rhinestones and sparkles to add
dimension and glitz.

An interesting stocking cuff can
be formed by gluing eyelet lace
and ribbon to stocking top. Also, a
strip of contrasting fabric can be
glued around top of stocking to
form cuff.

Wednesday, December 2,1992 — 4
.

TheReview

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PEERING OUT from a tow of handcrafted bunnies, with a basket of elephants, is local
crafter Debbie Redlin. She was busy setting the stage for a successful craft sale hosted by
the Peninsula Community Association at Sanscha Hall Saturday. PAUL WYKE photo

The classic French peppermill, for over 100 years. An adjustable grinding system
made of heavy guage processed steel provides for optimum use of your mill. Finished
in light oak or walnut stain in a range of sizes for the table or kitchen. Alarge selection
of pepper and salt mills plus distinctive gourmet peppers and sea salt.

NUTTEL G i © ies

2569 Beacon Avenue Od0-OO11

= Locally owned and operated
Across from Safeway - Customer Parking at Rear

“GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL”

For that special someone or the person who has everything -
give the Gift of Travel - Gift Certificates in any denomination
you wish for any type of travel you choose.

AIRLINES BUS TOURS
CRUISE SHIPS 656-0905 HOTELS

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