As the Earth’s poles reach the maximum tilt away from the sun, we experience the winter (hibernal) solstice. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern). Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a moment, the term sometimes refers to the day on which it occurs. At the winter solstice, the sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky and the date […]
In the 1930s the Chicago retailer, Montgomery Ward, gave away children’s Christmas-themed coloring books each year as a promotion. By 1939, after the Depression ended, the department store decided to save money and publish a coloring book in-house.
Robert L May, a 34-year-old copywriter and aspiring writer who had entertained his boss at Montgomery Ward with his limericks, was given the task of writing the story. Inspiration came when Mr. May looked out […]
Many of you are familiar with the Seinfeld episode “Strike” in which the Costanza family initiates Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine into the traditions of Festivus. So, is Festivus really a “thing”?
As depicted in the Seinfeld episode, Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd as an alternative to the often pressure filled, commercialized, and hectic winter holidays we celebrate. The celebration includes a Festivus dinner, meatloaf; an […]
Centuries before the birth of the central figure of Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth, many countries and cultures celebrated the promise of light and rebirth that would follow the Winter Solstice.
The end of December was a perfect time for a celebration in most areas of Europe. Most cattle were slaughtered before they had to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply […]
Kwanzaa, an annual holiday that begins on December 26 and lasts through January 1, is a relatively new creation, though it has its roots in the traditions of community and cultural spirit of the African harvest festivals going back generations. The name comes from the Swahili phrase “mutanda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits”.
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, and families who celebrate it often celebrate it in addition to Christmas, Hanukkah, […]
Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas on December 26th, is a centuries-old public holiday and gift-giving day that originated in Britain. Most offices are closed on this day in Commonwealth countries.
Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and fun. Because it is traditionally the cook’s day off, the menu, usually includes left-over turkey from Christmas.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the custom arose […]
Come join us on January 12th to learn about a variety of Senior Services available to seniors and families in Montgomery County.
Afterward, meet and speak with a variety of vendors who provide home health care services. Learn how to apply for up to 140 hours of respite care for caregivers supporting an aging spouse, partner, or parent. Receive health care screenings and explore additional wellness resources.
Register Here for the Event!
Enjoy Line Dancing with Ashley Kelch this Friday, December 19.
Register here!
Many of the rights and liberties which Americans cherish—such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process of law—were not enumerated in the original Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, but were included in the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.
In 1941 U.S President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Bill of Rights Day, the annual observance of the ratification of the first ten Amendments to our Constitution on […]
The Ursids meteor shower is active annually, approximately between December 17 and December 26. In the Washington area, the shower should peak before Christmas between 5:00 p.m. on December 21st and 7:00 a.m. on December 22nd. At its peak, observers may be able to view as many as 10 meteors in an hour.
The shower is named the Ursids because the meteors seem to radiate from the direction of the constellation Ursa Minor […]