TexasBoard

Today is:
Christmas
Jesus' Birthday

Quotes of the Day:
“May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love.” – Author Unknown
“From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.” – Emily Matthews
“God gave us Christmas to give us hope and peace in our hearts.” – Catherine Pulsifer
“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; teach us to be patient and always to be kind.” – Helen Rice
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” – Dr. Seuss

Music of the Day: Short Christmas Playlist

1. World’s Largest Virtual #Hallelujah Chorus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akb0kD7EHIk

2. Silent Night | 7-Year-Old Claire Crosby Accompanied by President Russell M. Nelson #LightTheWorld
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtPTnpTA1QQ

3. Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvGKUXW0iI

4. Old Country Christmas Songs 2020 - Country Carols Music Playlist - Best Country Christmas Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiewPH2Zr68

5. Alan Jackson, George Strait, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton - Merry Country Christmas And Happy New Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoGGDwWWpXk

6. Believe - Josh Groban (Polar Express) - Peter Hollens feat. One Voice Children's Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bnzUHzsma0

7. [Official Video] December Song - Peter Hollens Original - feat. Chad Lawson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7C4Ym-XQUI

8. [Official Video] Carol of the Bells - Peter Hollens & Friends
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQSPLDpmgB8

9. Epic Christmas Movie Medley - Peter Hollens feat Brian Hull and Geoff Castellucci
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIhl_3ow5ds

10. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY

On This Day In History:
1741 Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces Centigrade temperature scale
2003 The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe which was released from the Mars Express Spacecraft on December 19, disappears shortly before its scheduled landing.
2004 Cassini orbiter releases Huygens probe which successfully landed on Saturn's moon Titan on January 14, 2005.

Christmas

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
Every year on Dec. 25, we celebrate Christmas, a day for spending time with family, observing an important Christian holiday, partaking in lighthearted traditions, or just spreading some holiday cheer! Christmas has evolved over several millennia into a worldwide celebration that’s both religious and secular and chock full of fun-filled, family activities.

HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS
Traditionally, Christians claim Christmas as the day on which Jesus Christ, the son of God, was born. And although many of our Christmas Day rituals and traditions evolve from that singular moment, that’s not the whole story. Because there’s the myth versus the reality of Christmas, let’s unpack what we do know.

The fact is that no one knows the exact time and place of Jesus’ birth. In the Bible’s New Testament, apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John share similar stories but they never actually name the date of Jesus’ birth. December 25 is largely attributed to the first Christian historian, Sextus Julius Africanus, around AD 221.

In one view of why December 25 was chosen as the official date for Christmas, historians believe the early church wanted to link the Son of God’s birth with the “rebirth of the sun,” which arrives after the winter equinox. A second view bases the date around Jesus’ date of conception on March 25, at the spring equinox. December 25 would reveal Jesus’ birth exactly nine months later.

At one point, the Church designated January 6 as Jesus’ baptismal date and the correct date for Christmas. But by the 9th century, Christmas was observed only as a minor holy day.

By the Middle Ages, Europeans created some of the Christmas customs we recognize today. In Strasbourg, apple-decorated fir trees appear in homes. During the 17th and 18th centuries, people start to give gifts as symbolic of the Magi arriving in Bethlehem with offerings for the newborn baby. By the 19th century, fir wreaths laden with 24 candles representing the 24 days before Christmas, are later reduced to a much safer four candles. Eventually, Christmas Day traditions spread beyond Europe to Latin and North America and other places around the world.

CHRISTMAS TIMELINE
221
December 25 is made official
With the help of astronomers and mathematicians, Sextus Julius Africanus - a 1st Millenium historian, calculates the date of Jesus’ birth as December 25.

Middle Ages
Christmas or Mardi Gras?
After dutifully attending church services on Christmas Day, all heck breaks loose with displays of public drunkenness, revelry and rabble-rousing.

1659
Christmas is against the law
English colonists arrived in America, fleeing religious persecution with an orthodox Puritan contingent banning Christmas in Boston while a more lenient group shared eggnog during Christmas in Jamestown, Virginia.

June 26, 1870
Christmas Day becomes official in the US
Christmas is declared a federal holiday with most workers receiving paid time off.

CHRISTMAS - SURVEY RESULTS
Data gathered by a top Houston Marketing Agency

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Gift Giving

In most countries in the world, gifts are given to friends and loved ones, symbolizing the original offerings by the Magi of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.

Christmas Reenactments

Over several days leading up to Christmas in Mexico, there are reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s frantic search for an inn where the baby, Jesus, might be born. On Christmas Day, children take turns batting a piñata stuffed with little toys and holiday candy.

Caroling

Singing carols on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day involves strolling groups of singers, gaily dressed, who sing holiday songs in town squares, business districts, or in front of private homes.

CHRISTMAS STATISTICS
26 million

In 2015, approximately 26 million Christmas trees were purchased at an average cost of $50.82 each.

$29.14

In the United States, most consumers shell out an average of $29.14 for Christmas cards.

64%

About 64% of American consumers will buy their gifts online.

CHRISTMAS FAQS
Why do we celebrate Christmas Day?
Most Christians celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 as the day that the son of God, Jesus Christ, was born.

Was Jesus born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Based on the New Testament accounting of Jesus birth by the apostle Luke, most Christians believe that Jesus was born at night. To celebrate, many believers attend a midnight mass or church service.

Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No. Christmas Eve isn’t a federal holiday but in many parts of the United States employers will give non-essential workers either part of the day or the full day off with pay.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Make your own advent calendar
Spread the holiday excitement by making a calendar filled with sweet surprises for the month. Create your own advent calendar by using paper bags, a muffin tin, envelopes or other accessible items around the house and include a cute and quirky present to celebrate each day. These make perfect holiday gifts or a great way to #treatyourself every day in December.

Spread cheer
The holidays are the perfect excuse to spread cheer to those around you and in doing so, help you enjoy the holiday more too. Whistle along to your favorite Christmas tune, smile at other, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Your joyful holiday spirit will be contagious.

Organize a Christmas potluck
Organize a special potluck dinner with your friends and family. One of the most important traditions of the Christmas season is to gather with those you care about and make winter a little warmer by sharing the warmth of compassion with them. Your friends and family will leave with stomachs full of food and hearts filled with happiness!

WHY WE LOVE CHRISTMAS
It has deeper meaning
The Christmas holiday focuses on honoring the sacred birth of Christ in Christian religion. The Christmas traditions as we know today stemmed from this story—the three wise men came to see the newborn Jesus bearing gifts and embody the seasonal spirit of giving gifts to others. It helps us remember the gestures of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

It's joyful, merry, and bright
Let's face it, Christmas is one of the most joyful holidays! Some celebrate it just to partake in its holiday fun or to spend time with family. Houses are decked out in colorful lights and beautifully decorated pine trees, the delicious smell of hot cocoa and spices fill the air—there's nothing that quite tops the beautiful Christmas spirit.

It's sweater season
Christmas is the one time of year where collections of finely knit, red-and-green light-up sweaters adorned with bows, glitter, and knick-knacks emerge after being stowed away in cardboard boxes all year. These glorious garments (some of which might twinkle with lights or sing a Christmas song) make their debut only during this special season.

https://nationaltoday.com/christmas/

Jesus' Birthday

Who was Jesus Christ, and why is December 25 a major holiday celebrated across all geographic, political, and religious boundaries? Interestingly, while Jesus is associated primarily with Christianity in the Western world, other religions also recognize him as a significant figure. Explore this fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes controversial man’s life as we honor him on his birthday.

JESUS' BIRTHDAY TIMELINE
c. 4 AD
Jesus' birth
Jesus was born in Nazareth, in the Galilee region of Israel, during the reign of Herod the Great.

c. 26 AD
Jesus was baptized and began his ministry
When Jesus was 30 years old, he met John the Baptist, who declared Jesus to be the Son of God and baptized him.

c. 27 AD
The transfiguration of Jesus
After heading to a high mountain to pray, Jesus' face began shining, then his entire body glowed with a white light.

c. 28 AD
Jesus arrived in Jerusalem
Not long after the transfiguration, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, where crowds gathered, heralding him as the Son of God.

c. 29 AD
The Last Supper
When Jesus realized he would be arrested and almost certainly executed, he gathered his disciples for a last supper, gave his friends and followers his final words of faith, and told them that he knew one of them betrayed him.

HOW TO CELEBRATE JESUS' BIRTHDAY
Celebrate as a religious observance
Christians honor Jesus on Christmas Day with a wide variety of customs; most include reenactments of the Nativity scene depicting Jesus' humble birth. Religious music is a major feature of the Christmas season, from simple caroling to glorious performances of Handel's "Messiah" oratorio. Attending a candlelit midnight church service on Christmas Eve is also an annual tradition for many Christian families.

Celebrate as a winter nature and music festival
The Christmas tree, mistletoe, and other plants associated with the holiday originated in pagan rituals — which blended into the religious observance because December 25th coincides with the winter solstice. Christmas lights are the modern version of candles. There's also an ever-increasing variety of Christmas songs ranging from jazz to rap.

Celebrate as an occasion for joyful giving
Exchanging presents has become a major part of Christmas. This year, perhaps we could consider simplifying gift-giving by thinking about how we can give something of ourselves. This could be nothing more than home-baked gluten-free treats for a friend with food allergies, finding a book your partner has been wanting, or just writing a heartfelt note of appreciation to a family member. Starting from a full and grateful heart, rather than from obligation or pressure, is the key to joyful giving.

3 LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Christ is not Jesus' last name
The name "Christ" actually refers to a title or office, rather than a given name, translated from the Hebrew word for "anointed," and transliterated into English as "Messiah."

Jesus was part of a big family
Jesus had several siblings, including brothers James, Joses (or Joseph), Judas, Simon, and at least 3 sisters, whose names have not been recorded.

Some non-Christian religions also recognize Jesus
For example, in Islam, Jesus (commonly transliterated as Isa) is considered one of God's important prophets, a bringer of scriptures, and the Messiah. However, Islam does not consider him the Son of God, as Christians do.

https://nationaltoday.com/jesus-birthday/

Coronavirus updates: Pope urges 'vaccines for everybody' in Christmas message; Italy enders lockdown; US to require UK travelers are tested

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/25/covid-news-italy-christmas-lockdown-us-restrictions-stimulus/4040860001/

5 Great Christmas Short Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWi2qt51xLg

The Christ Child: A Nativity Story | #LightTheWorld
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXWoKi5x3lw

The Gift - Christmas Short Film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOHfiSqc_zA

The Present – OFFICIAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjqiU5FgsYc

Prince of Peace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mztp74-kx0Q

If Educational Videos Were Filmed Like Music Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G025oxyWv0E

FULL Christmas Meal INSIDE a PIG (including dessert)!! Extreme Pig Turducken!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aOf_8JoNmc

If 2020 was a boyfriend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DngcnVDH6Q

Advent Calendar
Dec 25, 2020

Dime Store Angel

It was just a Christmas Angel, that my Mom put on our tree.
She bought it at a five and dime, when I was only three.
Each year we'd trim our Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments.
Then Mom would always tell me, what the Angel represents.

The Angels came to tell the shepherds, of the Christ Child's birth.
And, Angels are still here with us, to guide us here on earth.
The Angel on our Christmas tree, was made in such a way.
That if the light inside burned out, you just threw it away.

The light burned out when I was twelve, the Angel would not shine.
But, Mom would not throw it away, she said it looked just fine.
She loved that little Angel, that she put upon our tree.
She said it didn't need a light, for anyone to see.

Then I grew up, and I moved out to start my family.
And, I'd go home at Christmas time, to help her trim her tree.
My wife and children went with me, to mom's house every year.
The house was filled with love and joy, as we shared Christmas cheer.

The kids would always say to her, "The Angel is burned out."
Then, she would smile and tell them, what the Angel's all about.
She told another reason, for it's specialty.
Your daddy picked that Angel out, when he was only three.

My mother passed away this year, early in the spring.
And then I had the painful task, of going through her things.
The beautiful old house she owned, was left me in her will.
We moved back in the summertime, we feel her in it still.

Early in December, we brought out our Christmas tree.
I went up to the attic, just to see what I could see.
I saw a cardboard box, with markings, "Ornaments and stuff."
And in it was the little Angel, that she loved so much.

I brought the cardboard box downstairs, and showed the family.
Then they persuaded me to put the Angel on our tree.
We trimmed the tree that weekend, and we talked of Christmas past.
Then when the tree was finally done, the Angel went on last.

Every night till Christmas, all the lights were burning bright.
Except the little Angel, that had long burned out her light.
Then on Christmas morning, I arose before the rest.
I had to have my coffee, to be at my very best.

I walked into the living room, my coffee cup in hand.
Then what I saw, so puzzled me, I could not understand.
I just stood in silence, as, my eyes filled up with tears.
The little angel was all aglow, that had been dark for many years.
- by James A. Kisner

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Time Mistletoe and Wine

The child is a king, the carolers sing,
The old has passed, there's a new beginning.
Dreams of santa, dreams of snow,
Fingers numb, faces aglow.

Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time for rejoicing in all that we see

A time for living, a time for believing
A time for trusting, not deceiving,
Love and laughter and joy ever after,
Ours for the taking, just follow the master.

Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time for rejoicing in all that we see

A time for giving, a time for getting,
A time for forgiving and for forgetting.
Christmas is love, Christmas is peace,
A time for hating and fighting to cease.

Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time for rejoicing in all that we see
- Cliff Richard

Today is:
Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day

Quotes of the Day:
“Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.”- Vivian Komori

“Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary.”- Ray Knight

Music of the Day:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - EPIC a cappella Christmas cover [ft. Eclipse 6]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwW3gmy0V_k

On This Day In History:
1945 International Monetary Fund formally established by 29 member countries based on ideas of Harry Dexter White and John Maynard Keynes
2004 Radiation from an explosion on the magnetar SGR 1806-20 reaches Earth. It is the brightest extrasolar event known to have been witnessed on the planet.
2012 NASA unveils plans to capture a 500 ton asteroid in 2025

Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day

We are ready with our art supplies for Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day on December 27, and we want you to join us! Take out your foil paper, construction paper, glitters, scissors, and design templates (if you have any), and then just cut out basic shapes or intricate patterns into a beautiful snowflake. It’s a great way to creatively spend time with the family after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and keep the children out of mischief.

HISTORY OF MAKE CUT-OUT SNOWFLAKES DAY
You can’t have a white Christmas without snow, now, can you? Snowflakes are most associated with the holiday season, so naturally, it is a popular tradition to create paper snowflakes for decor purposes or just to have fun. The date of this holiday mildly surprises us, as making paper snowflakes is a regular craft activity in schools and, on December 27, schools are closed and children are at home. But, then again, it keeps the tots occupied.

Making snowflakes is a modern tradition, but the method for creating it is based on the old art of origami. The concept of origami is about folding a piece of paper several times to create objects, and it started in Japan around the 17th century. Another variation is called Kirigami, which involves cutting out shapes into the folded paper. Cut-out snowflakes include both methods, requiring the folding of paper and then adding cuts in the desired places for a more detailed effect. Just like no two snowflakes are identical, you can cut as many different patterns as you like on your folded paper.

So whether it is detailed or basic, Make Cut-Out Snowflake Day is a timeless tradition that a lot of us have grown up with. It is a fantastic way to channel your creativity and remember what it felt like to work with scissors and art supplies as a kid. Once you and your family have completed your snowflake projects, you can write your name on them or color them in for a unique and personalized touch. Then all you need to do is hang them from the ceiling or on a window, or wherever else you like, as a big family of snowflakes.

MAKE CUT-OUT SNOWFLAKES DAY TIMELINE
105 AD
Paper is Invented
A Chinese official named Cai Lun invents paper.

17th Century
The Art of Origami
Making origami kicks off in Japan.

1880s
Siblings, Not Twins
Wilson Alwyn Bentley discovers that no two snowflakes are the same.

1962
Welcome to the USA!
The book “Kirigami, the Creative Art of Papercutting” by Florence Temko, introduces the Japanese craft to the people of the United States.

MAKE CUT-OUT SNOWFLAKES DAY FAQS
What is paper-cutting?
Papercutting is the craft of making paper designs. The distinguished style of this form of art is that a single sheet of paper is used for cutting out designs, as opposed to multiple sheets.

What paper is best for paper-cutting?
Paper-cutting enthusiasts typically use 120-160 GSM paper. Everything else, like the size, color, and finish, is a matter of preference.

What is the difference between colored paper and construction paper?
The main difference between colored paper and construction paper is the texture. Construction paper is similar to regular printer paper in terms of thickness.

MAKE CUT-OUT SNOWFLAKES DAY ACTIVITIES
Cut out paper snowflakes
As the name of the day suggests, make your own cut-out paper snowflakes! You don’t have to be an artist to do this. It is as easy as grabbing a pair of scissors and getting started!

Host a competition
There’s nothing like some friendly competition to really get the creative juices flowing. Have a competition with your family to see who can create the best snowflake. Winners can be nominated based on the design of their cut-out snowflake or the artwork that went into it.

Post your snowflake
Show off your lovely design or the entire cluster of snowflakes made by your family on social media. Use the hashtag #MakeCutOutSnowflakesDay.

5 FACTS ABOUT SNOWFLAKES THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
It’s not just snowflakes
Snow isn’t entirely made of snowflakes. Snow also consists of sleet.

They aren’t really white
We hate to break it to you but snowflakes are technically translucent; they only look white due to the light that passes through them.

There are A LOT of them
In the U.S. alone, about 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 snowflakes fall each year.

Snow to water ratio
10 inches of snow is equal to one inch of water.

It is drinkable
80% of fresh water on Earth is either frozen or in the form of snow.

WHY WE LOVE MAKE CUT-OUT SNOWFLAKES DAY
Everybody has an inner Picasso
Art shouldn’t be limited to a certain craft. Everybody can cut out snowflakes and participate in this holiday. It’s fun for all!

Trip down memory lane
With the digital revolution, old traditions are gradually disappearing. Cutting out snowflakes is a simple activity that is nostalgic and revives fond childhood memories.

Let it snow, let it snow!
Christmas is over, the ice has melted, and it is time to go back to regular life. But you know what will be around forever and won’t melt? Your cut-out snowflake!

https://nationaltoday.com/make-cut-out-snowflakes-day/

Live politics updates: Biden bashes Trump's 'abdication of responsibility' on COVID relief bill
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/27/politics-updates-joe-biden-donald-trump-covid-stimulus-package/4052084001/

500 tips come in as FBI investigates Christmas Day explosion in Nashville
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/26/nashville-bomb-fbi-investigates-explosion-human-remains-at-t-down/4047211001/

Animated Sci-fi short film "Laniakea"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M5Q7I-riwQ

I Built a GIANT Cat Maze - Who Will WIN?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09hAl2fIt8A

If Your Pet Does This, Big Trouble's Coming!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf76GaoqrQg

How A.I. is searching for Aliens | The Age of A.I.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwtC_4t2g5M

How Steven Wong Moves 80,000 Pounds of Lobster a Week — Vendors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTHw53tZHUE

$5 Oyster VS $100 Oyster w/ Vietnam's OYSTER KING!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLLRcoB_DsU

Recreating Cat Memes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhNFaSnYhy4

Make A Snowflake Online on Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day! :)

1. Go to: https://playback.fm/paper-snowflake-maker
2. Make your snowflake
3. Upload to Imgur
4. Post It on our Texas RMB for everyone to admire.

Here’s mine:
https://i.imgur.com/RyKiEAi.gif

General Assembly: Tariffs And Trade Convention
<<Fort Verden's vote against "Tariffs and Trade Convention" has been noted.>>

Security Council: Commend Verdant Haven
<<Fort Verden's vote for "Commend Verdant Haven" has been noted.>>