Merry Christmas

December 25th, 2008 at 09:46am Jodi

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas!

-The Atlanta Fabs

WESOTYCH SWIAT! - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 25th, 2008 at 12:40am Regina

A Polish Blessing - May the love of God rest within these wall. May Jesus and Mary come and always dwell in this home. My there by plenty of wheat and rye. In the New Year plenty of everything!

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS OF POLAND

December 24th, 2008 at 08:45am Regina

The first star in the Christmas Eve sky signals the beginning of the Wigilia (Christmas Eve) celebration. Before the Christmas Eve meal is served, the head of the house distributes an oplatki (peace wafer) symbolizing friendship and peace. A straw-strewn place setting is reserved for the humble Christ. Decorations include an elaborate creche and choinka (Christmas tree), straw stars, and colorful wycinanki (paper cut-outs). Often young men carry a lighted star on a pole to Pasterka (Shepherd’s Mass) at midnight.

OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

December 23rd, 2008 at 11:28am Regina

Legend says that St. Luke painted the portrait of Mary and Jesus known as Our Lady of Czestochowa. It was brought to Poland in 1382 and kept at the shrine of Jasna Gora. In 1430 an attack on the shrine left the image with several gashes to the Madonna’s face. Despite repeated attempts to repair them, they have always reappeared. Since that time there have been many miracles attributed to the painting. In 1656 King Jan Kazimierz proclaimed the shrine to be a spiritual capital for Poland. Through Poland’s often painful history, it has been a symbol of hope in times of hardship. Today the shrine of Jasna Gora in Czestochowa continues to attract millions of visitors annually who honor its miraculous image.

SYMBOL OF THE CARDINAL

December 23rd, 2008 at 07:38am Regina

Christened the Christmas bird for its spectacular red color, the cardinal has become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray wintry day. As nature’s reminder for us to focus on our faith, the cardinal’s scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind.

STORY OF THE MAGIC SANTA KEY

December 21st, 2008 at 12:26pm Regina

Dear Santa, we have no chimney as you can plainly see, and I was terribly worried that you’d pass over me. We hung this very special key outside right by the door. Then mom told me to jump in bed; not to worry anymore. Your magic will make this key fit, to open up our door. So you can come inside tonight and tip-toe across the floor.

TRADITION OF THE SNOWMAN

December 20th, 2008 at 07:27pm Regina

For centuries, children have gleefully awaited the winter’s first snowfall. Rolling large balls of that fluffy gift from heaven, they delight in making their own special companion. Complete with a carrot for a nose, coal for the eyes and mouth, and sticks for arms, the snowman truly does come to life for the children who created their frosty friend.

TRADITION OF THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

December 19th, 2008 at 09:28am Regina

The chocolate chip cookie was inadvertently created in 1930 by Ruth Graves Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, MA. Lacking baker’s chocolate for her cookie recipe, she substituted a chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar, expecting it to melt into the batter during baking. The chocolate did not melt, and the cookie became an instant American classic. Ruth received a lifetime supply of chocolate for the rights to publish the recipe.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!

December 19th, 2008 at 09:24am Regina

Hope you have a wonderful day! I must say, all this snow is a little extreme to get a day off on your birthday!!

ST. NICHOLAS…SANTA CLAUS

December 18th, 2008 at 10:57am Regina

The concept of the American Santa Claus originated with St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor in 280 A.D. He was known as a kind, benevolent man; indeed made a saint because of his generosity. In honor of St. Nicholas, December 6 became the traditional day in Europe for the exchange of Christmas gifts and the beginning of the holiday season. Dutch immigrants to the United States brought with them their version of the gift-giving St. Nicholas, known as Sinter Klass. Americans, unaccustomed to the Dutch pronunciation, turned this into “Santa Claus”, who is beloved as a symbol of Christmas by children of all ages.