Merry Christmas!

As 2012 starts to wind down, we once again find ourselves moving into the busy hustle and bustle that is often associated with this time of year. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice or a number of them, I wish you all a peaceful happy time. I do hope that in among the busy-ness of this season you will find time to rest, relax and reflect on the true meaning of the season.


Some interesting facts around the month of December.

• The name comes from decem, "ten". December was originally the 10th month of the year. Apparently the original Roman calendar consisted of 10 named months and 2 unnamed months. The year also began in March or “Martius” because this was the time when spring began. The months of January (Januarius) and February (Februarius) were added to the calendar during the Julian calendar reform around 700 BCE by Numa Pompiliius, the second king of Rome. January also became the starting month of the year. The addition of January and February moved the months September, October, November and December to no longer correspond with their meaning.

• December's Birth Flower is the Narcissus, which has the meaning of respect, modesty and faithfulness.

• December's Birth Stone is the Turquoise.

• December's Full Moon is called the Full Cold Moon. It is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full Moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love.

Ada V. Hendricks

Merry Christmas!