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 […]
Calling all book lovers and avid readers. Whether you have been a regular at our PS! Book Club or would like to join us, we invite you to help us choose our reading list for the 2023 PS! Book Club. In the past year, we read a mixture of genres, non-fiction, novels, historical fiction, and fantasy. The book club gives us a chance to read selections we might not ordinarily choose for ourselves and […]
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 “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits”.
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, and families who celebrate it often celebrate it in addition to Christmas, […]
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 […]
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 unadorned […]
The Ursids meteor shower is active annually between December 17 and December 24. The shower usually peaks around December 23. 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 in the sky. The Ursids are associated with the 8P/Tuttle comet, a celestial body […]
Montgomery County’s Montgonery Connects program to distribute 40,000 computers to Montgomery County residents ages 7 and older without access to a computer. There is a limit of 1 computer per person and every person receiving a computer must have a library card number to make an individual appointment to pick up a computer and must show photo ID at pick-up. If a parent wants a computer for themselves and also wants one for their […]
The Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville is a part of the Medley District’s history dating back to the mid 1700s when a chapel for Anglican parishioners was constructed. A replacement chapel was built in the 1760s and again after its partial destruction during the Civil War.
In 1874, the Monocacy Cemetery Society was formed to manage the cemetery’s operation. Reflecting the sentiments at the time, large stone markers were erected by Ladies groups in […]
Chanukah is the eight-day Jewish, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and fried foods. This year, Chanukah begins on Sunday December 18th and continues through Monday December 26th.
Chanukah or Hannukah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC after it was recaptured from the Greeks by a small, outnumbered and poorly armed Jewish army. […]