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The holiday season is steeped in tradition, and some traditions have a lengthier history than others. Fans of the Christmas carol 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen' may be happy to hear that the song's history dates back several hundred years. The carol dates all the way back to the 1650s and is even briefly alluded to in Charles Dickens' beloved novella 'A Christmas Carol.'
Read moreThe tradition of academic and literary excellence endures among Oklahoma Baptist University’s faculty with the recent announcements of national book awards.
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Greeting cards are among the first signs that the holiday season has arrived. Mailboxes are filled with cards and email inboxes have new messages popping up each day wishing others well. Many of these greetings feature family photos.
Read moreIt is common for us all to indulge in some high-calorie foods during the holidays, but what about our pets? Can they join the feast? Oklahoma State University assistant professor of behavior science Dr. Leticia Fanucchi advises against it and offered five tips to consider when it comes to food and pets this holiday season: 1. The No. 1 culprit is my favorite item … chocolate.
Read moreMany hallmarks of the holiday season, including Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and festive meals, present potential fire hazards that contribute to an annual increase in U.S. home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for home fires.
Read moreWho wouldn't love the holiday season to unfold similarly to the plot of a madefor- TV movie? In such films, families get along, townsfolk are overcome with the holiday spirit and even minor obstacles all get worked out by the time the credits roll. Hosting the holidays in the real world doesn't always go so smoothly.
Read moreChristmas trees are a key component of many people's holiday season. It's a family tradition to choose (or take out) the tree each year and then adorn it with ornaments, tinsel, family mementos, and a beautiful tree topper. In regard to tree toppers, most people fasten the top bough with an angel or a star. The first tree toppers were the infant Jesus, but toppers are now available in other options symbolic of the Nativity of Jesus. The star refers to the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The angel represents the messengers of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would be giving birth to the Son of God. People can choose whichever topper they prefer, but many refer to the religious significance of Christmas.
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For some people there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than to spend time with friends and loved ones around the dinner table. Although cooking and dining at home are popular this time of year, some celebrants may not have the time or the inclination to host the holidays at home. Preparing and serving holiday meals to guests can be time-consuming. In fact, many holiday hosts and hostesses lament that hosting duties can compromise the time they get to spend with the ones they love each year.
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