December 26, the day following Christmas, isn't just the day when everyone returns their gifts and eats leftovers. The day has much more significance than most of us realize. In the church, December 26 is St. Stephen's D ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

In English countries, the holiday celebration continues on December 26 with a custom known as Boxing Day. Servants and masters may trade places, but the tradition began years ago. The gentry would retain their servants o ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

Hanukkah is often compared to Christmas, but there are many differences between the Christian and Jewish celebrations. One key difference is that Christmas is always celebrated on December 25, while the date of Hanukkah ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion Judaism

If you're like most Americans, you know the words to the popular Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but you may not realize what the Christmas meaning is. It can seem as if Christmas is over all too quickly ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Religion Christianity

Let's face it, the holidays can be overwhelming. Between running to parties and recitals, wrapping endless piles of presents and decorating your house, it's easy to get weary and tired. Instead of thinking about all the ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

"Our children need the sense of specialness that comes from participating in a known and loved ritual. They need the mastery of self-discipline that comes from order. They need the self-awareness that comes from a knowle ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

The practice of singing carols began centuries ago. People sang carols or songs of celebration and joy for all seasons. Traditionally, carols were sung at pagan celebrations, but early Christians encouraged new converts ...

Category: Holidays and Observances

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakabl ...

Category: Funerals Health and Wellness Holidays and Observances

Although it's not a national holiday, August is often referred to as "What will be your legacy month." Each person will leave a legacy to his or her family, whether he or she plans to or not. Most people think about a ...

Category: Ceremonies Holidays and Observances

Millions of people are expected to travel over the Labor Day weekend by plane, train, bus and car. This three-day weekend is thought to be the end of the summer season. It's the last chance to enjoy some downtime until t ...

Category: Holidays and Observances Human Rights Politics