Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Under the mistletoe

What is Mistletoe? 

A mistletoe is a flowering plant (angiosperm) which, although capable of growing independently, is almost always parasitic or, more specifically, partially or hemi-parasitic. Mistletoes grow on the branches of host trees and shrubs, sending out roots that tap into their hosts’ vascular systems, which they then rely on for uptake of water, mineral nutrients and, to some extent, carbohydrates. It’s interesting to note that the word mistletoe translates from its Anglo-Saxon origin as dung on a twig; derived from the ancient belief that the plants grew from bird droppings. Actually, they grow from seeds found in the bird droppings.

» Continue Reading.


Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Dangerous Ideas from Christmas Past

amateur santa clause headlineAlmost 30 years ago, Dana Carvey’s character, “Grumpy Old Man,” was a popular recurring feature of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.

He’d offer an assessment of current times compared to the so-called “good old days,” highlighting some barbaric practices of the past (exaggerated to great comedic effect) with the closing line, “And we liked it!”

I was reminded of that concept while perusing some shocking guidelines suggested in the early 1900s regarding the enjoyment of a safe Christmas season. Regional newspapers carried a list of suggestions for an enhanced experience … and I liked it! » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Natural Christmas Tree Decorations

“What a horrifyingly garish sight,” I said to my friend as we surveyed my Christmas tree last year. We had just finished decorating it and my eyes were sending messages to my brain, like, “Hey, this is really tacky.”

Truth is, the décor I had accumulated after years of city dwelling in my sassy twenties looked awfully out of place in my humble Vermont cabin. What I once thought dazzling – glitter-coated icicles, a miniature disco ball, a purple-feathered bird with jeweled eyes, flocks of shiny gold and green balls – now looked as out of place as a pink flamingo at my bird feeder. Even the duck decoy my great uncle carved seemed to give the gaudy fiasco an alarmed stare. Such a tree no longer belonged in my world. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Holidays to Remember: Christmas, 1945

Among the finest Christmas seasons in America’s long history is the year 1945. We’re constantly bombarded with how special the holidays are, so it’s tough for any one year to stand out as extra special, but 1945 makes the list. Events across the Adirondacks that year epitomized the nation’s attitude. Surprisingly, it wasn’t all about celebrating, even though the most destructive war in history had just ended a few months earlier. We often mumble mindlessly that we’re proud to be Americans. But the first post-World War II Christmas was the real deal, worthy of the word “pride.”

To set the scene, consider the events that had transpired at that time. After being mired for a decade in the worst financial collapse in our history (the Great Depression), Americans had begun preparing for what seemed inevitable: joining the war in Europe. And then, between the Pearl Harbor attack and the war’s end four years later, hundreds of North Country boys and men were killed in action. Thousands more were injured or missing. » Continue Reading.


Saturday, December 14, 2019

Origins and History of Christmas Trees

by Viggo Johansen 1891As far as I’m concerned, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a beautifully decorated, real Christmas tree. Real trees have a stately presence and rich, fragrant aroma that awakens the senses, bringing the forest into the home and warmly welcoming everyone that enters.

The Christmas tree tradition can be traced back to the Roman celebration of the winter solstice; the festival of Saturnalia, the pagan feast of Saturn, god of the harvest; when evergreens were used to decorate homes and temples. Saturnalia was also a time for decorating trees, exchanging presents and going door to door singing (caroling) in exchange for food, drink, and gifts. » Continue Reading.


Friday, December 13, 2019

Santas Ski Free Sunday at Whiteface Mountain

Santas at WhitefaceThis Sunday, December 15, is the fourth annual Santas Ski for Free Day, at Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington.

Guests, who dress as Mr. or Mrs. Claus, participate in a group photo, and arrive by 10 am, receive a free lift ticket to ski or ride the Olympic mountain.

Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders are expected to participate. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Dan Berggren Performing at Christmas in Warrensburgh

Dan BerggrenAdirondack Singer/Songwriter Dan Berggren is set to perform at the 31st Christmas in Warrensburgh on Saturday, December 7 at 4 pm in Richards Library.

Berggren is a tradition-based songsmith who writes with honesty, humor and a strong sense of place. His concerts are engaging as he invites audiences to join in on songs that explore the lives of hard working folks and the many dimensions of home. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, November 21, 2019

Adirondack Christmas in Old Forge and Inlet

Skip the crowds and the Black Friday madness and enjoy Christmas throughout the Central Adirondacks. Santa and Mrs. Claus are making the rounds to see who is going to make the nice list. Local food, fun runs, and crafts are just a few reasons to make Speculator, Indian Lake, Inlet, and Old Forge a holiday stop.

These events have so many activities to choose from. You get to decide if you want to keep it on the more intimate side or festive enough to ring in the Christmas spirit. » Continue Reading.


Saturday, November 9, 2019

Made in the Adirondacks: 22nd Country Christmas Tour

Country Christmas Tour provided by Indian LakeThe 22nd Annual Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) has been set for Friday, November 29th, and Saturday, November 30th.

This year’s theme “Made in the Adirondacks” invites visitors and shoppers to an inside view of the lives and work of many local and regional artisans and crafters. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Community Xmas Trees: Historically Rooted in the Adirondacks

Community Christmas trees are an American tradition that bring people together regardless of income, faith, political persuasion, or pretty much anything that divides us. Whether sponsored by a city, town, church, or civic organization, community trees are placed in an outdoor public setting for anyone to enjoy.

It’s a rare treat to share something so nonpartisan: whatever you might personally like about the holidays is what you’ll take away from viewing the tree or sharing in song and merrymaking with fellow citizens. And it’s nice to know that America’s first community Christmas tree, the one that spawned a movement still going strong more than a century later, was an Adirondack balsam. » Continue Reading.


Saturday, December 29, 2018

Holiday Humor: Regional Letters to Santa from Long Ago

Plenty of laughs are scattered throughout this year’s collection of letters (unedited) to Santa. Check out the first two for an idea of what to expect. Enjoy!

From 1901: Gloversville Daily Leader

Broadalbin.
Dear Santa Claus: — I wish you would bring me a hand sleigh so I can ride down hill.
We live close by a hill where all the girls and boys ride and it is awful aggravating to see all of them riding down hill when I cant ride. I will be very thankful if you will bring me a sleigh and I won’t ask for anything more play things till next Christmas.
Yours With Best Wishes For a Merry Christmass And a Happy New Year, Beulah Fish. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, December 20, 2018

Paul Hetzler: Dreaming Of A Local Christmas

Even Santa Claus himself cannot grant a wish for a white Christmas — it is a coin toss whether the holiday will be snow-covered or green this year. A verdant landscape is not our Christmas ideal, but we can keep more greenbacks in the hands of local people, and keep our Christmas trees and other accents fresh and green for longer, when we buy local trees and wreaths.

Not only are Christmas trees a renewable resource, they boost the regional economy. Even if you don’t have the time to cut your own at a tree farm, do yourself a favor this year and purchase a natural tree from a local vendor. She or he can help you choose the best kind for your preference, and also let you know how fresh they are. Some trees at large retail outlets are cut weeks, if not months, before they show up at stores. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, December 20, 2018

Colton Lights Remembrance Trees for Winterfest

Connie Hatch Young and rememberance treeFifty-two Remembrance Trees were lit by the Town of Colton on Friday, December 7. The trees will remain illuminated through the end of January to help brighten winter nights during the town’s Winterest which kicks off January 11 and ends January 27.  The trees are sponsored by individuals, families, and groups to honor loved ones. » Continue Reading.


Monday, December 10, 2018

DEC to Hold Annual Children’s Holiday Party

DEC logoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced its 42nd Annual Children’s Holiday Party has been set for Tuesday, December 18, from 2:30 to 4 pm in the lobby of the DEC Regional Office in Ray Brook.

DEC holds this event for the enjoyment of children in the community. Santa Claus and Smokey Bear will both make appearances at the festivities and Santa will listen to the children’s wishes and hand out presents. Santa’s elves will also hand out balloons and paint faces. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Shop Local at Indian Lake Country Christmas Weekend

artistan Vicki VirgilThe theme for the 21st Annual Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) is “Made in the Adirondacks.”  The event, Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24 allows visitors and shoppers to an inside view of the lives and work of many local and regional artisans and crafters.

This annual event is a self-guided tour to visit with Indian Lake area artisans and crafters who offer a variety of holiday gift items for sale in their homes, Indian Lake Central School Gym and at various locations throughout town. » Continue Reading.



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