Santa Claus:

The story of Santa Claus originated in Europe during the fourth-century when a bishop named St. Nicholas of Myra spread goodwill and generosity throughout the land. He was known to go about on a white horse giving anonymous gifts by night. His traveling clothes were bishop red and he carried a staff. His unselfish acts of kindness spread throughout Europe and the children thought of him as a giver of all good things. When he died on December 6, his remains were taken to Italy and a church was erected in his honor. That day soon became a day of celebration, gift giving, and charity.

In the sixteenth century, the celebration of catholic saints was banned and St. Nicholas Day became merged with Christmas celebrations. Although the gift-giving Saint took on a non-religious form, the generous spirit still remained. Eventually, the image of the Saint became a sort of mystical being, known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

MistleToe:

There were many beliefs associated with the mistletoe. In ancient times, it was believed to be sacred, to have come from heaven, possessing mystic powers because it grew without roots and never touched the ground. It was also considered as a giver of life and protector against disease and poison. The plant was believed to encourage romance, to bring happiness and good luck, and to promote peace.

Despite all these positive beliefs, the English church banned the mistletoe around 1600 because of its pagan superstitions. Some Christians believed that the mistletoe was originally a tree whose wood was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. It then shrank from shame into a parasite bush. In the late eighteenth century, people in England began using the mistletoe in their home Christmas decorations. The pagan customs were forgotten and the plant was associated with happiness, peace, and good luck. It was hung in doorways where guests would walk under it providing an opportunity to kiss for no reason!

Holiday News:

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Broadway's 'White Christmas' Will Star Bogardus, O'Malley, Denman and Patterson
1.  Playbill via Yahoo! News - Sep 03 2:13 PM The Broadway premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas will feature Tony Award nominee Stephen Bogardus plus Kerry O'Malley, Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Susan Mansur and Charles Dean, all of them veterans of earlier regional productions of the popular Walter Bobbie-directed show.

All I want for Christmas is a hot shower
3.  The York Dispatch - Sep 04 7:59 AMAll I want for Christmas is some recession gifts. You know, gifts that might be a little more popular this year with the downtrend economy: a gift certificate to the grocery store, a gas card, and some natural gas.

Christmas comes early
4.  The Courier Mail - Sep 04 7:00 AMCHRISTMAS is still 118 sleeps away but already retailer David Jones has unveiled its range of yuletide goods. Choice says it is 'consumer warming'.

Date Set for The Christmas Company Shopping Extravaganza, the Junior League of Orange County's Signature Fundraiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 4, 2008 -- The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., has set the date for The Christmas Company, its annual shopping extravaganza. The event will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, - Sunday, Nov. 16, at the OC Fair & Event Center located at Fair Drive and the 55 Freeway in Costa Mesa.

Barlow Girl to release first festive album Home for Christmas
9.  Christian Today - Sep 04 3:55 AMFervent Records talented trio BarlowGirl is ready to spend this Christmas season and many more to come with you through their first holiday season project iHome For Christmasi

The Sears Wish Book, a Canadian Christmas Icon, is now Published
10.  CNW Group via Yahoo! Finance - Sep 04 9:01 AM The Sears Wish Book marks the beginning of the Christmas season when it lands on the doorsteps of over 4.5 million homes across the country this month. For more than 55 years, Canadians have waited in anticipation for the Sears Wish Book, which has become an icon evoking a sense of nostalgia from childhood days gone by.

christmas
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Broadway's 'White Christmas' Will Star Bogardus, O'Malley, Denman and Patterson
1.  Playbill via Yahoo! News - Sep 03 2:13 PM The Broadway premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas will feature Tony Award nominee Stephen Bogardus plus Kerry O'Malley, Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Susan Mansur and Charles Dean, all of them veterans of earlier regional productions of the popular Walter Bobbie-directed show.

All I want for Christmas is a hot shower
3.  The York Dispatch - Sep 04 7:59 AMAll I want for Christmas is some recession gifts. You know, gifts that might be a little more popular this year with the downtrend economy: a gift certificate to the grocery store, a gas card, and some natural gas.

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