Gift Calendar

10/9 - Columbus Day 10/16 - National Boss' Day 10/21 - Sweetest Day 10/24 - United Nations Day 10/28 - National Chocolate Day 10/28 - Daylight Savings Ends 10/31 - Halloween
11/1 - All Saint's Day 11/2 - All Souls Day 11/3 - Housewife's Day 11/10 - Forget-Me-Not Day 11/11 - Veteran's Day 11/13 - World Kindness Day 11/17 - World Peace Day 11/19 - National Adoption Day 11/23 - Thanksgiving
12/1 - World AIDS Day 12/6 - St. Nicholas Day 12/10 - Human Rights Day 12/12 - Poinsettia Day 12/16 - Hanukkah Begins 12/21 - Winter Soltice 12/25 - Christmas 12/26 - Kwanza Begins 12/31 - New Year's Eve

Independence Day

When: July 4th

The fourth of July is the birthday of our nation. Today, we celebrate and enjoy the freedom that comes with the event that made this day so special.

 Thomas Jefferson, is the author of the Declaration of Independence. He led a committee that crafted the declaration between June 11-28, 1776. Jefferson and other discontented representatives from the thirteen colonies voted and approved it on July 4, 1776. The document declared freedom for the 13 colonies from British rule. It currently resides in the Exhibition Hall of the National Archive in Washington, D.C.

Did you know The Declaration of Independence was not signed by all representatives until August, 1776. To make it official, John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress signed it. Now, can anyone guess where the saying "put your John Hancock on it" came from!

Today, we enjoy the benefits of the freedom which the framers signed and ultimately fought for. To us, it is a time for baseball, hot dogs and family picnics. Summer is in full swing and life is good.

Fourth of July is not complete without parades and fireworks. Fireworks are enjoyed by almost everyone. You should have your choice of several locations in your area on the Fourth, or even the day before.  Many cottage owners on lakes will set out flares along the shore creating a "Ring of Fire". Add to this an abundance of fireworks and you have quite a display.

National Father-in-Law's Day

When: Always July 30th

Father-In-Law Day honors that loving, funny, and cheerful father-in-law. Okay, so perhaps sometimes he is a little grumpy and intimidating. Regardless of his personality and charms, this day is dedicated to your spouse's Dad. And, he certainly deserves a little recognition.

Good ways to celebrate this day are to send him a card, spend a little time with him, or give him his favorite snack.

Important note: If you gave your Father-In-Law recognition on Father's Day, it's okay to give him a little recognition and a show of appreciation today, too.

Origin of Father-In-Law Day:

Like it's counterpart, Mother-In-Law Day, we suspect that Father-In-Law Day was also created by the card companies, most likely the E-card companies.

Labor Day

When: Always the first Monday in September

Dedicated in honor of the worker, it is also appropriately called the "workingman's holiday". The holiday is dedicated to you in respect and appreciation for the work you do in or outside of the home, union or non-union, big company, small companies, or government. As long as you work somewhere at something, this holiday is for you!

The first Labor Day was held celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882 and was started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September where it is celebrated today. Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted it as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the U.S. congress voted it a national holiday.

Labor Day is also viewed as the official end of summer. While the Fall Equinox is still a couple of weeks away, kids go back to school and summer vacations are over. So this marks the end of the season. Many people celebrate this weekend with one last picnic. It is also the date that many people close up the pool, and put away the boats.

Was it McGuire or Maguire? Either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire is the Creator of Labor Day. Peter J. McGuire, was an active labor organizer. He was also general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. He was believed to be the first to suggest a day be dedicated to American workers and their accomplishments. Matthew Maguire however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 and many believed that he proposed the holiday in 1882.

Grandparent's Day

When: the first Sunday after Labor Day

It is only right and fitting that one day of the year is set aside to honor our grandparents. It is time to celebrate those special people who are always there with a hug, a kiss, a cookie, something special, or take us somewhere.

National Grandparent's Day originated in 1978. Then President Jimmy Carter declared it to be the first Sunday after Labor Day.

If you can, enjoy the day with them. That is the greatest gift they can receive from you. If you can't see them, call them. When you call, make sure you have the time for a long conversation. Remember, grandparents will always ask about you first and listen intently to everything you have to say. They are never rushed or in a hurry. They are there just for you.

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Poems

Step Family Day

When: Always September 16th

Step Family Day was established to recognize and show appreciation for the importance and value of step-parents and extended families. Our research discovered that this holiday was founded by Christy Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Michigan. We also found some references to this event as "National" Step Family Day. We found no documentation that this holiday is a true "national day", which requires an act of Congress.

Step Family Day was first celebrated with a picnic on September 16, 1997. The suggested method of celebration is a picnic at a park. Since it's inception, it has slowly gained recognition and popularity.

Step families are created through death of a parent, divorce or separation.

Decades ago, most marriages lasted for life. Separation and divorce was often looked down upon. In today's society divorce and remarriages are commonplace. Over 50% of all marriages end up in divorce. That means over half of us are divorced and/or children of divorces. That gives us cause to recognize the extended family.

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National Good Neighbor Day

When: Always September 28, previously the Fourth Sunday in September

Ah, Good Neighbor Day. It's definitely a good thing. Being good neighbors is an important part of the social fiber that makes this country so great. Therefore,  it seems only fitting that one day a year honors good neighbors.

This day of recognition is not to be confused with other forms of "Good Neighbor Days". Stores proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" to promote sales, a wide range of organizations announce "Good Neighbor Days" to promote their cause, and local municipalities and governments proclaim "Good Neighbor Days" for a variety of reasons.

Rather, this day is to truly recognize and appreciate your good neighbor. Hopefully, one of those good neighbors is you!

History

In the early 1970's, Mrs. Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana recognized the importance of good neighbors, and started the effort to make this a National day. With the help of congressman Mike Mansfield, she succeed in getting three presidents (Nixon, Ford, and Carter)  to issue proclamations, along with numerous governors. 

In 2003, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, sponsored by Montana Senator Max Baucus, making September 28, National Good Neighbor Day. Previously, this day was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September.

 Note: Rhode Island initiated a  movement to pass a National Neighbor Day on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Action never materialized into a formal national proclamation or law.

How to Celebrate

• Help your neighbors in some way
• Send your neighbor a gift from Blooming Cookies
• Offer a smile and friendly hello to your neighbor
• Have your neighbor over for a meal
• Hold a block party
• Get to know your neighbor a little better

Columbus Day

When: Second Monday in October

For decades and decades, American history books and school teaching told us that Columbus discovered America. What those books and teachings did not give credit to was the fact that Native Americans were already here first and truly discovered America. It also gave little mention to the fact that Nordic explorers had traveled down the eastern cost of Canada thousands of years earlier.

Today, we celebrate Columbus day for what it accurately is. Columbus did discover the existence of the New World for Europeans who until then, believed the world was flat and ended somewhere in the Atlantic. And, the focus is more upon discovery of the "New World", and less upon Columbus himself.

Did You Know?

Columbus day is sometimes referred to as "Discoverer's Day".

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Fun

Sweetest Day

When: Third Saturday in October

Now here is a day dedicated just for your sweetie. It exists as an opportunity for you to recognize that sweet and special someone. It doesn't matter who that person is, or what their relation to you. They just have to be "sweet" in order to get a little recognition.

Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio philanthropist and candy company employee started Sweetest Day. He wanted to bring happiness to orphans, shut-ins and under-privileged. His intent was to show these people that they were not forgotten. In 1922, he started this holiday by giving candy and small gifts. He often used movie stars to distribute the gifts.

The popularity of this holiday quickly spread. Today, is celebrated with loved ones and friends. However, we encourage you to follow the intent of the original holiday, and find ways to give candy and small gifts to those in need.

If an E-card is not enough of a recognition, perhaps you can send that special "sweetie" some flowers. Shop online for Flowers now!

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Boss's Day

When: Always on October 16th

Now here is a day that gives you a chance to both tell and show the boss what you really think of him or her. And, to give your boss the appreciation that he or she truely deserves. So go right ahead and give it to him.....give it to him good! After all, it only comes around once a year.

What Makes a Good Boss?

Here are some attributes people say make for the best boss:
• Fair
• Honest
• Understanding
• Approachable
• A good communicator

History

The origin of Bosses Day dates back to 1958. Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Illinois, registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Haroski chose the date because it was her father's birthday. Who was her boss? Her Father.

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Mother-in-Law Day

When : Fourth Sunday in October

If you missed Mother's Day in May, then here's another chance to honor your beloved Mother-In-Law. The source of many jokes, a mother-in-law doesn't usually get the praise and appreciation she deserves.

Source/Origination: Unknown.

We suspect this one was started by card companies or flower companies.

Always the fourth Sunday in October.

Halloween

It's absolutely Halloween. And, Halloween is absolutely the best holiday of the year. It is the favorite for many as there is no stress, no overload, and no "Holiday Depression" . It's just absolutely fun. You will absolutely find the best of the net here. Seen a neat one? Seen a scary one? Seen a fun one? Email it to us to share with others.

Bats Bizarre Dracula Ghosts Witches Graveyards Ghouls Haunted Houses Movies Paranormal Parties Pumpkins Skeletons Scarecrows Vampires You name it, we'll take you to it.

Quote for the Day

"Home is where the haunt is!"

Did you know?

Kids beware! Abut 9 t of 10 parents admit to sneaking a treat from their kids treat bag.

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Universal Children's Day

When:

If you ever want to get confused about when a holiday is held, this is the one. We've done extensive research, and what we have found is there is really a number of Children's Day observances around the world. Here is a recap of what we've found, with the most common listed first:

Universal Children's Day

Observed on November 20th each year. In 1954, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries should establish a Universal Children's Day on an "appropriate" day. We are not sure, but perhaps each country did.....at various different dates during the year. The resolution was adopted on November 20, 1954.

International Children's Day

The second Sunday in December. This is a joint initiative between UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It's a day when broadcasters "tune in to kids".

World Children's Day

This is a day McDonald's uses as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities. We are not sure of the date each year or the origin of this day.

Children's Day in Japan

This is a national holiday in Japan celebrated on May 5th. Started in 1948, Children's Day is a festive day to celebrate your child's life. The holiday is believed to have begun in china where they would hang medicinal herbs to ward off childhood diseases. In Japan it is often celebrated by giving children kites and hanging streamers.

In Japan, the Children's Festival was originally called the "Boy's Festival" while the girls had the "Doll Festival".

Children's Day in other countries is celebrated in other countries, often on different dates and with varying customs.

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Thanksgiving Day

Tucked between the two monster sized holidays of Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving receives far less attention. But Thanksgiving is a very important holiday, especially in the busy lives of Americans. It is a time to kick back and relax, watch a football game or go to a movie, and enjoy a huge feast. It's also time for us to give thanks to our God, for the things he has bestowed upon us and upon this great nation. There is no nation in the world that has more to be thankful for than us.

History

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated between the Pilgrims and the Indians in 1621.That first feast was a three day affair. Life for the early settlers was difficult. The fall harvest was time for celebration. It was also a time of prayer, thanking God for a good crop. The Pilgrims and the Indians created a huge feast including a wide variety of animals and fowl, as well as fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest. This early celebration was the start of today's holiday celebration. Like then, we celebrate with a huge feast.

Today, most of us enjoy Turkey with "all the trimming". The "trimming" include a wide variety of foods that are a tradition for your family. Those traditional foods often replicate the foods at the first Thanksgiving feast. While others, are traditional ethnic or religious groups recipe, or a special food item that your family always serves at Thanksgiving dinner. Then, to top it off, pumpkin pies, apple pies, an even mince meat pies are bountiful around the table.

The American traditions of Thanksgiving revolve around a huge and lavish meal, usually with Turkey as the centerpiece. For those who do not like Turkey, a Roast or Prime Rib is common. As tradition has it in most families, a special prayer of thanks precedes the meal. In many homes, family members will each mention something they are very thankful for.

Did you know?

Potatoes were not part of the first Thanksgiving. Irish immigrants had not yet brought them to North America.

After the first Thanksgiving, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November

International Children's Day

When:

If you ever want to get confused about when a holiday is held, this is the one. We've done extensive research, and what we have found is there is really a number of Children's Day observances around the world. Here is a recap of what we've found, with the most common listed first:

Universal Children's Day

Observed on November 20th each year. In 1954, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries should establish a Universal Children's Day on an "appropriate" day. We are not sure, but perhaps each country did...at various different dates during the year. The resolution was adopted on November 20, 1954.

International Children's Day

The second Sunday in December. This is a joint initiative between UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It's a day when broadcasters "tune in to kids".

World Children's Day

This is a day McDonald's uses as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities. We are not sure of the date each year or the origin of this day.

Children's Day in Japan

This is a national holiday in Japan celebrated on May 5th. Started in 1948, Children's Day is a festive day to celebrate your child's life. The holiday is believed to have begun in china where they would hang medicinal herbs to ward off childhood diseases. In Japan it is often celebrated by giving children kites and hanging streamers.

In Japan, the Children's Festival was originally called the "Boy's Festival" while the girls had the "Doll Festival".

Children's Day in other countries is celebrated in other countries, often on different dates and with varying customs.

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Poinsettia Day

Originally from Mexico and Central America, Poinsettias are by far the most popular of flower during Christmas. As a matter of fact, they are the largest flowering plant crop in the U.S. with sales of over 63 million pots! Native to the warmer southwestern U.S. climates and Mexico, Poinsettias are susceptible to cold and frost. So, when you bring them home in cold weather, make sure to bring them right home. Don't leave them in your car and go back to your Christmas shopping.

Poinsettias are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first Ambassador to Mexico who brought the plant back to his plantation in the U.S. He grew the plants in his Greenville, S.C plantation and gave them out as gifts to friends.

Did you Know?

Poinsettia Day is December 12th. It was declared in honor of the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett on December 12, 1851.

Poinsettias are not poisonous as many believe. But eating them could give you a stomach ache.

Selecting healthy Plants

Look for lots of dark green leaves and bright colored flowers, called Bracts. If either the leaves or the flowers are dry or brown around the edges, select another plant. Look for flowers that are completely open. Poinsettias are slow to open, but once they bloom, the flowers will remain full and attractive for several weeks.

If the weather is cold, make sure to wrap up the plant well for the trip from the store to the car. Even short exposure to cold and wind can damage your new Poinsettia plant before it is even home.

Care and Maintenance

Poinsettias are easy to keep. They will retain their blooms long after you have put away the Christmas decorations. If you are lucky, they will last until Valentines Day. After bringing them home, keep them in a sunny room.. Ideal temperature range is 60 - 70 degrees. They do not like drafts and they do not like being placed near high heat like a furnace vent or fireplace.

Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry between watering. Poinsettias are forgiving. If they begin to dry out, water them and they bounce right back. If the leaves turn lighter green, give more sunshine and......they bounce right back.

During the summer, you can move your plant outdoors to a sunny location. Plant it directly into your garden or into a container. Give it a good trimming, into a nice rounded shape. Apply general purpose fertilizer every two to three weeks.

Bring the plant indoors before the first frost. Poinsettias can not withstand frost. Check carefully to be sure you did not bring in any "critters" in with your plant.

Did you know?

Poinsettias can grow up to 10 feet. But, to grow them this big you will need a few years in a tropical climate that does not experience frosts.

Forcing Poinsettias

Forcing Poinsettias to bloom is a difficult task. Many have tried, but few succeed. But, if you have kept them around and healthy all year, you've just gotta give it a try.

The concept is simple enough. Any time from late September to October first, you need to put the plant in total darkness for 12-14 hours a day. Here is where it's tricky. Any small light can upset the process. During the day, it should get six hours or more of sunlight. Continue this process daily until early November, then bring it out into the room. Now with a little luck (some will say a lot of luck) and your personal green thumb, it will be in full bloom during the Christmas holiday.

Tip:

A black plastic bag works well. Place the plant in the bag and use a twist tie. Each morning, remove the twist tie and carefully lower the bag to the floor.

Christmas

Ah! Christmas, the biggest holiday of the year. Christmas has both a strong religious and traditional meaning. It has a certain feel, all to itself, that you usually do not feel at any other time of the year. It creates within us, a sense of kindness and concern for fellow man. At no other time are we more generous and giving. It creates a sense of family and belonging. Everyone comes home for Christmas. It A sense of Christmas is a time of family and giving. It is truely a time that comes but once a year. Christmas is celebrated in most countries around the world!

And so, we invite you to ride along. Join us in celebration of the magic, the wonder and the spirit of this holiday season.

Christmas is a time for coming home and being with family. The church family also comes home. More people go to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day than any other time of the year. Christians come home to their church to celebrate the birth of Christ, and to wonder over his miraculous birth so long ago, and to rejoice for the hope he brings to the world.

Heaven knows the world is not perfect. It is not at peace and there are people starving. Christ's birth was to save us and bring us hope. At Christmas we think thoughts of peace and generosity abounds.

Brittain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand celebrate St. Stephans's Day, or Boxing Day on December 26th. This is a day that the more fortunate give boxes filled with gifts to others who are less fortunate. More on Boxing Day.

The Christmas season for Christians is also called Advent it is a time of preparation and anticipation of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a symbol of the season and holds much meaning. More on Advent and Advent Wreaths

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Boxing Day

When: December 26th.

However, some people will celebrate it on the first weekday after Christmas. If Christmas falls on a Friday or a Saturday, Boxing Day is the following Monday.

Boxing Day is celebrated in England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other former British commonwealth countries. It is a legal holiday in these countries. This is also St. Stephans Day, where Boxing Day gets some of it's roots. On St. Stephans' Day, churches opened their collection boxes to the poor.

Boxing Day was an expression of appreciation and thanks, much like Christmas tips are today.

The roots of the holiday goes back to the Middle Ages . On this day, members of the merchant class would take boxes, fill them with food and fruits, and give them to servants, tradespeople and the less fortunate. In the case of servants, they would work on Christmas Day, so it was only fitting that immediately after Christmas, they would be given a day off to celebrate. Usually celebrated the day after Christmas, some would celebrate the following Monday when Christmas fell on a Friday or Saturday. Today, the giving of boxes includes filling boxes with food and clothing for the needy and performing volunteer work. Monetary gifts to charity are also common.

New Years Eve

When: January 1st

New Year's Eve is when all the fun and festivities are. We see out the old year and ring in the new. While it is often thought of as a time to drink and be merry, many people take it as an opportunity to eat and be merry. Drinking is not as much a part of the event as it was decades ago, if only because of tougher drunk driving laws.

New Years' Day on the other hand, is a time to relax and enjoy the start of a bright and promising new year....a new beginning. It is a time to be with family. After all, you haven't seen your mother in law since last year.

So, enjoy everything about New Year's....it only comes once a year.

To many Americans, the ball dropping at Times Square in New York City signals the start of the new year in this country. The ball was first dropped in 1908.

New Years Trivia: Did you know that a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

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