Must watch Christmas Movies- Lifestyle

A Christmas Carol (1938)

'A Christmas Carol' is one of the all-time hits, based on the festival. Although the story

told by 'A Christmas Carol' has been redone for a number of times, the version filmed in

the movie has touched millions of hearts. It remains one of the classic Christmas

movies. Produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and directed by Edwin L. Marin, Reginald

Owen played the lead role of 'A Christmas Carol' (1938). The movie is an adaptation of

Charles Dickens's novelette.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Another classic Christmas movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a story about a man facing the

hardships of life. The 1946 movie was produced and directed by Frank Capra, with the

star cast including James Stewart and Donna Reed. The film is loosely based on the

story "The Greatest Gift", authored by Philip Van Doren Stern. If you want to watch a

family entertainer on Christmas, then this movie is what you need. The film is listed as

one of the all-time hit Christmas movies.

A Christmas Story (1983)

To share lighter moments with your loved ones, you may watch a classic comedy, this

Christmas. The Bob Clark film 'A Christmas Story' would serve the purpose. Peter

Billingsley, Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon fitted into the lead roles of the film. It is

the narration of a young boy during the 1940s, which tells us his experience in the

holidays, leading up to Christmas and ultimately, Christmas day itself. The story has

been written in the point of view of the child.

Home Alone (1990)

'Home Alone', a Chris Columbus movie, is based on the adventures of a mischievous

boy Kevin McCalister (Macaulay Culkin), alone at home during the holiday season,

when his big family leaves for a vacation. Although the film doesn't depict any legendary

character, nor does it tell a Christmas story, it gives you the feel of the festival. Thus, it

makes itself one of the all-time hit Christmas movies. If you want to laugh out loudly with

your family, then 'Home Alone' is a must-watch, during the festive season.

The Santa Clause (1994)

Released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1994, the English movie 'The Santa Clause' is truly

a family entertainer. The comedy flick features Tim Allen as a divorced father - Scott

Calvin and his spoilt brat son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). The movie catches the real essence

of Christmas and invokes the festive spirits in its audience. The legendary character

Santa Claus is depicted in this movie. Hence, 'The Santa Clause is a must-watch during

the holiday season.

The Story behind Santa Clause- Lifestyle

The matter of Santa Claus being a mythological character is often debatable. While

some people claim that Santa was once a real character who has now been made

fictional with mythological tales and stories, many others claim that Santa was never

real and is the result of the commercialization of Christmas. Several similar characters

are also popular in Europe and other parts of the world. Santa is also known as Saint

Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle. The legend may have its origin in the

hagiographical stories relating to the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas.

It is said that Santa Claus loves children and brings gift for them on December 24 (late

evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve) or on Saint Nicholas Day i.e. December

6. Though formerly Santa was illustrated wearing the bishop's robes, along with time

Santa's character changed into a jolly, white-bearded man with a red coat and white

collar along with white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. He also

carries a huge bag with him in which he is said to store all the gifts he wants to

disseminate on earth. Gradually this image has been popularized through song, radio,

television, and films. In Europe too, a similar character commonly called Father

Christmas is popular.

Christmas Symbols- Lifestyle

Popular Christmas Symbols

Christmas Tree: Christmas tree is the most popular symbol associated with the

Christmas celebrations. It is basically an evergreen coniferous tree which is decorated

with lights, stars and colorful ornaments during the days around Christmas. One can't

even imagine Christmas ambience without Christmas tree.

Christmas Star: The Christmas star is an unavoidable part of Christmas ambience. It is

associated with the spirit of the celebration, big hopes and high ideals. There are

several legends associated with this star which relate it to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe is associated with the Christmas festival since a time immemorial.

This plant is said to have mystical power of saving life and securing peace. There are

several Christmas folklores associated with this plant. Kissing under Mistletoe is a

popular ritual.

Holly: Holly is an inevitable symbol of Christmas. It is said to be a man's plant and is

considered to bring good luck and protection to men. It is said that whoever in the family

brings the first sprig of Christmas holly into home, will wear the pants that year.

Christmas Rose: Christmas rose is a European evergreen plant with white or purplish

rose look-alike winter flowers. As in U.S.A and surrounding countries, the Poinsettia has

become synonym of the Christmas flower, in Germany and other European countries;

the flower of Christmas rose is the Christmas flower. It can be seen on Christmas table

clothes, napkins, wrapping paper and cards.

Poinsettia: Poinsettia flowers are beautiful small, and situated in the middle of the

bracts. There is a beautiful legend associated with this flower which explains how this

flower became a bright red Christmas flower.

Glastonbury Thorn: Glastonbury Thorn, generally referred as 'The Holy Thorn of

Glastonbury' is the legend that ties in Christ's death as well as the celebration of his

birth. It is said that Glastonbury Thorn relates to the piece of the Crown of Thorns,

placed on Jesus' head before he was crucified.

Christmas Stocking: On the occasion of Christmas, Children all over the world hang

the Christmas stockings on their window in order to receive gifts from Santa Claus.

Originally, they used their regular everyday socks, however with time special Christmas

stockings were created for this purpose.

Christmas Wreath: Christmas Wreath is a beautiful holiday wreath available in different

types and materials. They can be made with twisted grapevines. However, people

popularly use the artificial Christmas wreath available readily in market. It is said that

these wreaths symbolize life and hope.

Christmas Toys: Christmas toys are one of the most popular items on the occasion of

Christmas. It is actually a popular trend to exchange Christmas toys as a gift. Umpteen

numbers of toys are also available in almost infinite variety of choices on the occasion

of Christmas. Stuffed toys of Santa and electronic toys are popular Christmas toys.

Christmas Quiz- Trivia

1. What's the name of the period leading up to Christmas?

2. How many Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus?

3. How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?

4. What was the name of John the Baptist's Mother?

5. Who brings presents to children in Holland on the 5th/6th December?

6. How many letters are in the angelic alphabet?

7. In what town was Jesus born?

8. How many presents were given in total in the 12 Days of Christmas?

9. In what decade was the first Christmas Card sent in the UK?

10. What country did the family escape to?

11. How many of Rudolph's eight companions names start with 'D'?

12. What country did Christmas Trees originate from?

13. Who was the 'King of the Jews' who ordered the babies to be killed?

14. What's the second line of "I'm dreaming of a white christmas"?

15. What was Joseph's job?

16. Who started the custom of Wassailing?

17. Who were first people to visit the baby Jesus?

18. What's lucky to find in your Christmas Pudding?

19. What Angel visited Mary?

20. Where did the baby Jesus sleep?

Answers

1. Advent

2. More than one, the Bible doesn't say how many!

3. Deep pan, crisp and even!

4. Elizabeth

5. St. Nicholas

6. 25; 'no el'!!!

7. Bethlehem

8. 364

9. 1840s - 1843 by Sir Henry Cole

10. Egypt

11. Three - Dasher, Dancer and Donner

12. Germany - it was Latvia but it was part of German then!

13. King Herod

14. Just like the ones I used to know

15. Carpenter

16. The Anglo Saxons - it means 'good health'

17. Shepherds

18. A six pence

19. Gabriel

20. In a manger

Boxing Day- The Day after Christmas- Forwards

Boxing Day takes place on December 26th and is only celebrated in a few countries. It

was started in the UK about 800 years ago, during the Middle Ages. It was the day

when the alms box, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, were

traditionally opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. Some

churches still open these boxes on Boxing Day.

In Holland, some collection boxes were made out of a rough pottery called

'earthenware' and were shaped like pigs. Perhaps this is where we get the term 'Piggy

Bank'!

It was also traditional that servants got the day off to celebrate Christmas with their

families on Boxing Day. This tradition has now mostly stopped and any Christmas tips,

given to people such as postal workers and newspaper delivery children, are not

normally given or collected on Boxing Day.

Boxing Day has now become another public holiday in countries such as the UK,

Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The 26th December is also St. Stephen's Day. Just to confuse things, there are two St.

Stephens in history! The first St. Stephen was a very early follower of Jesus and was

the first Christian Martyr (a person who dies for their religious beliefs). He was stoned to

death by Jews who didn't believe in Jesus.

The second St. Stephen was a Missionary, in Sweden, in the 800s. He loved all animals

but particularly horses (perhaps why there is traditionally horse racing on boxing day).

He was also a martyr and was killed by pagans in Sweden. In Germany there was a

tradition that horses would be ridden around the inside of the church during the St.

Stephen's Day service!

The 12 Days of Christmas- Spiritual

Day 1 (25th December): Christmas Day - celebrating the Birth of Jesus

Day 2 (26th December also known as Boxing Day): St Stephen’s Day. He was the first

Christian martyr (someone who dies for their faith). It's also the day when the Christmas

Carol 'Good King Wenceslas' takes place.

Day 3 (27th December): St John the Apostle (One of Jesus's Disciples and friends)

Day 4 (28th December): The Feast of the Holy Innocents - when people remember the

baby boys which King Herod killed when he was trying to find and kill the Baby Jesus.

Day 5 (29th December): St Thomas Becket. He was Archbishop of Canterbury in the

12th century and was murdered on 29th December 1170 for challenging the King’s

authority over Church.

Day 6 (30th December): St Egwin of Worcester.

Day 7 (31st December): New Years Eve (known as Hogmanay in Scotland). In the UK,

New Years Eve was a traditional day for ‘games’ and sporting competitions. Archery

was a very popular sport and during the middle ages it was the law that it had to be

practised by all men between ages 17-60 on Sunday after Church!

Day 8 (1st January): 1st January - Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Day 9 (2nd January): St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, two important 4th

century Christians.

Day 10 (3rd January): Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. This remembers when Jesus

was officially 'named' in the Jewish Temple. It's celebrated by different churches on a

wide number of different dates!

Day 11 (4th January): St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint, who lived in the

18th and 19th centuries. In the past it also celebrated the feast of Saint Simon Stylites

(who lives on a small platform on the top of a pillar for 37 years!).

Day 12 (5th January also known as Epiphany Eve): St. John Neumann who was the

first Bishop in American. He lived in the 19th century.

Popular Christmas Game- Coin in the Pudding- Forwards

Putting a silver coin in the pudding is another age-old custom that is said to bring luck to

the person that finds it. In the UK the coin traditionally used was a silver 'six pence'. The

closest coin to that now is a five pence piece!

The tradition seems to date back to the Twelfth Night Cake which was eaten during the

festivities on the 'Twelfth Night' of Christmas (the official end of the Christmas

celebrations). Originally a dried pea or bean was baked in the cake and whoever got it,

was 'king or queen' for the night. There are records of this practice going back to the

court of Edward II (early 1300s). The bean was also sometimes a silver ring of small

crown. The first coins used were a Silver Farthing or penny. After WW1 it became a

threepenny bit and then a sixpence.

You might also get other items (sometimes called 'tokens' or 'favours') placed in the

Christmas Pudding which also meant to have special meanings:

Bachelor's Button: If a single man found it, they would be a bachelor for the

following year.

Spinster's/Old Maid's Thimble: If a single woman found it, they would be a

bachelor for the following year.

A Ring: If a single person found this, it meant you will get married in the following

year! It can also mean you will be rich for the following year

Using Lunch Hours for Networking- Trivia

Many of us take lunch breaks with friends, or whoever we get along with best in the

office. If you're still working your way up in your career, dedicate that time to initiating

and developing new professional relationships instead.

If you want to get the attention of a busy executive for a business pitch, lunch might

not be the right time to do it. However, there are plenty of times when it's appropriate

to use your lunch hour for networking, like finding peers for side projects, or

connecting with your boss.

A professional support system holds tremendous value, whether you want a

promotion or are looking for a new job altogether. The tough part is finding time to

squeeze professional networking in place. With your lunch hour, not only do you

have the time but you'll also be surrounded by professional connections waiting to

happen. All you have to do is initiate them.

After being away on business for a week before Christmas, Tom thought it would be

nice to bring his wife a little gift.

"How about some perfume?" he asked the cosmetics clerk.

She showed him a bottle costing $50.

"That's a bit much," said Tom, so she returned with a smaller bottle for $30.

"That’s still quite a bit," Tom groused.

Growing disgusted, the clerk brought out a tiny $15 bottle.

Tom grew agitated, "What I mean," he said, "is I'd like to see something real cheap.”

So the clerk handed him a mirror

One beautiful December evening Huan Cho and his girlfriend Jung Lee were sitting by

the side of the ocean. There was a romantic full moon, and Huan Cho said, "Hey baby,

let's play Weeweechu."

"Oh no, not now. Lets just look at the moon", said Jung Lee.

"Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I play Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time,"

Huan Cho Begged.

"But I had rather just hold your hand and watch the moon."

"Please Jung Lee, just once... play Weeweechu with me."

Jung Lee looked at Huan Chi and said, "OK, we'll play Weeweechu."

Huan Cho grabbed his guitar and they both sang...

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry

Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas.

After hearing about this extravagant gift, a friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one

of those sporty four-wheel-drive vehicles."

"She did," he replied. "But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?"

Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two

boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying

at the top of his lungs.

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE...

I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE...

I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE..."

His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you

shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf." To which the little brother replied, "No, but

Gramma is!"

It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner, "What

are you charged with?"

"Doing my Christmas shopping early", replied the defendant.

"That's no offense", said the judge. "How early were you doing this shopping?"

"Before the store opened."