It’s Easy To Give This Holiday Season

You and your family can make this holiday season even more special by giving to others – especially those who are less fortunate than yourself.

Everyone has something they can give. If your budget doesn’t allow extra spending, perhaps you can volunteer some of your time to help make a memorable Christmas for someone else. Here is a list of some local opportunities for you to get involved.

Holiday Shopping Tips

It’s that time of year again. The smell of pies and cakes in the oven, the fresh cut pine scent, and unfortunately the smell of credit card debt and overspending. While the banks and financial institutions love the smell of money and overspending, the consumer shouldn’t. I, for one, would rather come up with some ways to avoid that! If you’re like most Americans, you desire to give to just about everyone on you list, naughty or nice!

If you’re like me, you didn’t quite get around to starting a Christmas fund.

Show Your Appreciation

The month of May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time for us all to think about the sacrifices made by our military and their families.

This year more than any other, our service men and women need to know all of us appreciate their role in protecting and defending our nation’s freedom - during times of peace and especially in times of war. National Military Appreciation Month includes VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, National Day of Prayer and Memorial Day.

The Real Cinco De Mayo

Hey! There is a reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But it’s not what you think. How many of us think it is the Mexican “Independence Day” Wrong!

That day would be Quience de Septiembre (15th of September”) 1810.

the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, The 5th of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.

The Story of St. Valentine

In the city of Rome, in the years around 270 A.D., there lived an Emperor named Claudius. He is known in history as Claudius the Cruel .

Wars broke out in the Roman Empire. Claudius summoned the citizens forth to battle and year after year the fighting continued. Many of the Romans were unwilling to go. The married men did not want to leave their families. The younger men did not wish to leave their sweethearts.

Holiday Decorating Safety

It’s the time of year again when many of us are beginning to decorate our homes for the holiday season. Most people spend a great deal of time and money preparing for all the festivities, parties, and presents.

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of the holidays is the number of accidents, fires, and injuries that can and do occur when safety is not practiced.

Drumming Up Your Christmas Spirit

Christmas is a great season for sharing, so why not sit down with some friends and family to enjoy some time together.

December in History

A number of great things happened in the month of December, as I’m sure all you December birthday celebrators will agree.

Dec. 1st: Basketball was created in 1891. This also marks the beginning of Bingo Month! Since its birth in 1929, bingo has grown to a five billion dollar a year fundraiser.

Dec. 2nd: The first articficial heart transplant was performed in 1982. Patient Barney C. Clark lived 112 days after the implantation.

Stone Phillips, anchor of “Dateline”, born in 1954; Monica Seles, tennis player, born in 1973; Britney Spears, singer born in 1981.

De-Stress for Success During the Holidays

There is so much to write about this holiday season. You all know how much I love to encourage you to keep up your great health and fitness efforts that you have been building up throughout the year. Don’t give up now! This is the most important season to stay on your program of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Christmas Season at St. Stephens

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT & COMMUNION SERVICE Come and hear the wonderful story of Jesus Christ's birth as told through Scripture, Christmas Carols, and special music. Bring your family and join St. Stephens Presbyterian Church for a family worship service that will include Communion and the lighting of candles. The service will be held Wednesday, December 24th, at 7:00 p.m. at Center High School, Watt Avenue & Center Court Lane (north of Elverta Blvd.), in the multi-purpose room. For more information please call the church office at 332-2071.