Continuing on with the holidays occurring during “the most wonderful time of the year,” we now get to the month of December. December 1–24, Advent: Catholic, Protestant, Secular The dictionary defines ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

Back in the day, crooner Andy Williams had a mega-hit record called “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” In this upbeat Christmas song filled with warm fuzzies, he sang about all the joys of the ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion

Ah, Thanksgiving. This most American of holidays started well over 300 years ago when righteous Pilgrims and friendly Wampanoag Indians came together to thank their respective gods for a bountiful harvest. Thanksgiving ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion

In Part I of this series, we explained the beginnings of Halloween and how the Celts, Romans, Catholic Church, and immigrants all contributed to the way in which we celebrate this beloved holiday today. In Part II we exa ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. It’s a time dedicated to reminding your pastor and his or her family how much they are appreciated. You may not think about it, but your pastor probably has crazy hours. He or ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion

The Catholic Church celebrates many saints each month. You don’t have to be Catholic to be inspired by their stories. Here are five saints whose feast days are in October. Saint Francis of Assisi Saint Francis is ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion

For the world’s two billion Muslims, Ramadan is the Holy Month of each year. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, beginning when the new moon appears and ending when the next new moon appears. This year, ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion

Donald Trump’s 2018 Proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month included these words: “The contributions of the Jewish people to American society are innumerable, strengthening our Nation and making it m ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Politics Religion

National Donate Life Month was first celebrated in 2003 to focus on organ, eye and tissue donation. This year’s theme, “Life is a beautiful ride,” is inspired by bicycles and the circle of life. Tissue ...

Category: Health and Wellness Holidays and Observances Science

Understanding other cultures helps children learn empathy for others. Books are a great way to introduce traditions and culture. April is Arab American Heritage Month. Here are some great books to open a dialogue with yo ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Morality Politics