Jolly Belly

The breeze, the chill. Finest attributes of the winter frost against your skin, cherry nose and rosy cheeks. The smell of spices, and pine blowing around in the air crisp to the tip. The sight of lights shining and bright. Do you hear the children laughing and carolers singing the sweet sound of Christmas music. It is that time again that everyone plans for all year long. The trees, the lights, the music. The beautiful senses of Noel.

The Christmas spirit originated over a hundred years ago with St, Nicholas. Today he is remembered as a jolly man in red with rosy cheeks that brings gifts and joy to all of the good little girls and boys around the world on Christmas eve. This began from a man born 280AD near Myra which is now modern-day Turkey. He spread kindness throughout the city he lived and all around. He gave away his wealth and shared kindness to the poor and unwealthy sick throughout the countryside. He helped everyone he came across. One particular story that I have learned starts with him and three poor sisters. the sisters were going to be sold for slavery and prostitution. He did this by giving them a dowry, so they were able to get married. Throughout the years the word of his action spread around the world. He became the protector of children. A fun fact is the day he passed away December 6th is known as a lucky day for people to get married or make large purchases.

By explaining these interesting facts, I hope to spread the true meaning of Christmas.

• Near the end of the 18th century saint nick made his way to America. Spreading the idea of Christmas throughout the city of New York.

• The name Santa clause actually from St. Nicholas' Dutch translation of Sint Nikolaas translating to Sinter Klaas

• In the year of 1804, John Pintard, crafted woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the New York Historical Society’s annual meeting. The background of the engraving includes engravings of modern-day Santa, stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace.

• jingle Bells is over a 150 years ago

Try gathering your family and go around the neighborhood singing carols to your neighbors. Another fun thing to do is pop a bag of popcorn and run strings through the pieces and wrap them around the tree making your own garland. Why not spread kindness in honor of this wonderful holiday and make a special gift or make a desert or casserole dish and leave it at the door of people around your neighborhood spreading secret kindness to everyone. Your kindness will spread to others around you.