Friday, December 24, 2021

LoriAnn

Holiday Poem Collection

Merry Christmas From Heaven

This Very Special Poem was read the first year we lost our mother at Christmastime. Written by John Mooney the Poem Card reads:
I still hear the songs, I still see the lights I still feel your love on cold wintry nights I still share your hopes and all of your cares I'll even remind you to still say your prayers I just want to tell you, you still make me proud You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd Keep trying each moment to stay in his grace I came here before you to help set your place You don't have to be perfect all the time He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb To my family and friends Please be thankful today I'm still close beside you, In a new special way I love you all dearly Now don't shed a tear Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.

Help Wanted

Santa needs new reindeer.
The first bunch has grown old.
Dasher has arthritis;
Comet hates the cold.

Prancer's sick of staring
at Dancer's big behind.
Cupid married Blitzen
and Donder lost his mind.

Dancer's mad at Vixen
for stepping on his toes.
Vixen's being thrown out—
she laughed at Rudolph's nose.

If you are a reindeer
we hope you will apply.
There is just one tricky part:
You must know how to fly.

By Timothy Tocher

The First Christmas

It never snows at Christmas in that dry and dusty land.
Instead of freezing blizzards, there are palms and drifting sands,
and years ago a stable and a most unusual star
and three wise men who followed it, by camel, not by car,
while, sleepy on the quiet hills, a shepherd gave a cry.
He'd seen a crowd of angels in the silent starlit sky.
In the stable, ox and ass stood very still and calm
and gazed upon the baby, safe and snug in Mary's arms.
And Joseph, lost in shadows, face lit by an oil lamp's glow
stood wondering, that first Christmas Day, two thousand years ago

By Marian Swinger



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Saturday, December 18, 2021

LoriAnn

Gingerbread Man...

If you're lonely tonight and your heart is breaking,
and you're wishing for companionship because your body is aching, then you can count on him for the warmth you're craving.

His heart is loyal and true, never misbehaving.
He never cheats, never steals, never lies. Go ahead and try him.

Look in his eyes. He'll calmly listen when you speak, a cheery smile on his candy cheeks.
 He doesn't say much, but he tries to understand, and there's no doubt about it, he'll feel right in your hand.

So tall, dark, and handsome, he's endlessly warm
and enticing, good enough to top with vanilla icing.

Yes, he's a gingerbread man, a man with charm and class; never a bore, never crass.

Some may say he's brainless but his heart is so yummy, that he more than makes up for being a dummy.

Maybe he won't give you a night that you'll never forget, but he could be the best man you've ever had yet.

"Gingerbread Man," written by Bobette Bryan, 2003

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Monday, December 13, 2021

LoriAnn

12 Days Of Whimsical Images

12 Images will automatically scroll-thru on this slideshow
Images Courtesy of aLighthouse
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Saturday, December 4, 2021

LoriAnn

Twelve Days of Christmas Mail


On the twelfth day of Christmas
my mailman brought to me:

twelve bills demanding,
eleven catalogs a selling,
ten credit card offers,
nine junk mail circulars,
eight vacation deals,
seven medical bills,
six refinance rejections,
FIVE SHUT OFF NOTICES,
four long distance offers,
three outrageous tax bills,
two insurance suspension notices,
and a huge credit card bill!
"Twelve Days of Mail," written by Bobette Bryan, 2003

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Thursday, December 2, 2021

LoriAnn

Twas An Interactive Accordion Calendar

Have fun with this unique online Advent calendar. Each day a new verse from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is revealed along with a corresponding picture.

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes–how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath
He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”




Adapted from: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Online Advent Calendar

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Wednesday, December 1, 2021

LoriAnn

Paul Harvey - “A Christmas Memory”

Master storyteller Paul Harvey shares “A Christmas Memory”

10-year-old Charlie was out with his mom during his Christmas vacation. The family had earlier decided to spend some time in the countryside. Charlie was surprised to find how lovely the white snow looked, unlike the busy streets where the snow was blackened by the heavy traffic.

His mom had asked him if he wanted to go for a car ride, to which Charlie readily agreed. So, the mom and son drove down the snow-laden lane. However, as they drove by, it began snowing heavily a mile down the road. Their car slid to one side of the road into the shallow snow drift.

Charlie thought it was fun, while his mother smiled at him and tried to reverse the car, but it was useless. Unfortunately, the car was stuck. Thankfully, there was a house nearby. The strangers were friendly and allowed them to use the phone, and soon some people came to rescue the adventurers.


Paul Harvey had the voice and the storytelling talent to enthrall and surprise the listeners. Harvey’s audience was curious till the end about who the story was all about. Finally, he revealed the names of the real people behind the adventure-filled story as Queen Elizabeth & little Charles, heir to the throne (now king). Harvey ended the story with his catchphrase, “And now you know, his favorite Christmas recollection, now that you know the rest of the story.”

One of Paul Harvey's The Rest of the Story Christmas memories is about a father who calls his son each Christmas to tell him that the Christmas light in their hometown is still burning brightThe story goes like this: 
  • Jimmy leaves Baldwin, Missouri to see what's beyond.
  • He grows up to become Major James Robinson, a chaplain in the United States Army stationed in Arizona.
  • Each Christmas, Jimmy's father Walter calls him with the same news: the Christmas light in Baldwin is still burning bright.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSI-0NOZPARrI0fpQtOF9EV2C_X8JSpqE-lja1gYieGyRWNrfje
Harvey's The Rest of the Story was a radio broadcast that often aired in the mid-afternoon. The broadcasts would end with a variation of the tagline, "And now you know...the rest of the story". 
You can listen to Paul Harvey and The Rest of the Story on Spotify.  - AI Overview

Story Text Source: MadlyOdd.com


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Sunday, November 28, 2021

LoriAnn

50 Christmas Songs with Spirit!

Note: The following was created using the Song Lyrics Generator

A Loving and Friendly Soulmate

By HolidayGreetings4U


Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to Phillip

I'm dreaming of a magical Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the lights glisten and kittens listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

You were unique
You were adorable
Monarch of Montana
When the band finished playing
They howled out for more
The crowd were swinging
All the kittens they were singing
You asked me to chuckle
And then we did cuddlev

But then last Christmas, I gave you my heart
And the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to Phillip instead

You're boring
You're rude
Happy Christmas to you
I pray God it's your last

Rockin' around the Christmas livingroom
At the Christmas party hop,
Rockin' around the Christmas livingroom,
Let the Christmas spirit ring,
Later I'll have some cookies
And me and Phillip will cuddle

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about fancy bracelet
I just want Phillip for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true oh
All I want for Christmas is Phillip

Oh, Phillip yeah, oh Phillip yeah
Phillip the soulmate is a loving, friendly soul
Phillip the soulmate is a fairy tale they say

Phillip baby, I want you and really that is all
I'll wait up for you, dear
Phillip baby, won't you cuddle with me tonight?

So here it is, magical Christmas
Everybody's here to chuckle
Look to the future now
It's only just begun

Simply having a magical Christmastime
Simply having a magical Christmastime


Generate a Christmas Song in Seconds free at the 

Song Lyrics Generator
 and Write your own song lyrics in less than a minute!


50 Best Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit 

30 Holiday Office Party Videos / Songs

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Saturday, October 30, 2021

LoriAnn

Twas A Week Before Christmas on Capitol Hill

The following poem was written by Kevin Baker of Shelby, NC. It was read on WBT-AM radio on 12/22/09.

Twas a week before Christmas, when on Capitol Hill
The democrats were working, on the ObamaCare bill
Americans did not want it, the Dems did not care
Backdoor deals being cut, transparency nowhere

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
Unaware of a future jeopardized by the feds
Myself and my wife, part of the unemployed mob
Were staying up late, for we didn't have a job

When out in the yard there arouse such a rauckus
The last noise I heard like this came from Max Baucus
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Faster than the government can print up new cash

The moon that night, oh how strong it did shine
So bright you could even read our foreclosure sign
When what did I see coming near from afar
A mega-green hybrid electric Volt car

With fanfare a plenty, a real hype-orama
I knew in a flash it must be Obama.
Yes it was Barack, Oh yes this I did know
For he has been on every magazine and show.

On Oprah, on Dateline, on Primetime and Leno
On The View, on Wipeout, four times on The Late Show
From The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal
His face was as familiar as the KFC Colonel

He spoke not a word, his teleprompter was broke
And the gift that he gave me I thought was a joke
He presented no gift to bring me a thrill
All that he gave me was a higher tax bill

For a guy who spent trillions, I thought this was cheap
And the hike in the taxes was very, very steep
But that’s the way it goes, for I am middle class
When government needs money, it bites us in the ….wallet

He sprang to his hybrid, the gears he did wind
And left not a single carbon footprint behind
Then he exclaimed to me, his higher tax debtor
“When I promised change, I didn't say for the better!”

Poem by Kevin Baker Shelby, NC
http://hancock.wbt.com/index.cfm


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Sunday, August 22, 2021

LoriAnn

TWAS A POLICE OFFICER'S CHRISTMAS


'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the streets,
not a person was stirring, 'cept an officer on the beat.
As he quietly patrolled the town with great care,
...children and parents slept peacefully there.
The officer was clad in his blues and his vest,
gun on his hip, always looking his best.
He'd just pulled aside for a quick bite to eat,
When all of a sudden, out on the street,
A bright light appeared from out of nowhere,
He shielded his eyes from the brilliant glare.
'Twas an angel of the Lord at the squad's rear,
He smiled and spoke, "Dear Officer, don't fear."
"I've been sent by God with a message for you
who faithfully serve while wearing the blue.
He wants you to know He loves you all,
He's pleased with the way you've answered His call.
"To protect and serve others, so selfless you've been,
Your bravery and kindness have known no end.
Even in tragedy, when nights became long,
You've helped countless strangers by being strong.
"God sees your heart, the joy and the pain,
He knows the profession can often bring strain.
So he sent me here to let you know,
That as you patrol, He goes where you go.
"As you protect others, your Father protects you,
His angels go with you, His Spirit does, too.
No bullet too fast, no bad guy too strong,
I'm sent to make sure that your life will be long.
"So fear not the night, and fear not the day,
fear not the threats that might come your way.
I'm sent to accompany you on your beat,
There's not one moment you're alone on the street."
The officer sat stunned by the love of His God,
He bowed his head, with a tear gave a nod.
As the officer said thank you, the angel took flight,
"God's got your back, carry on, and goodnight."
--Author unknown
TEXT GOES HERE

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

LoriAnn

Chrissy The Christmas Mouse

Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor sing ~Chrissy The Christmas Mouse

Sunday, February 14, 2021

LoriAnn

I Can't Wait Til Quithmuth Day


Blanc is best known for his work with Warner Bros. during the Golden Age of American animation (and later for Hanna-Barbera television productions) as the voice of such iconic characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester the Cat, Tweety Bird, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote, Barney Rubble, Mr. Spacely, and hundreds of others. Having earned the nickname “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Blanc is regarded as one of the most gifted and influential persons in his field

 

I'm gonna do my shoppin'
I don't care what I pay
I'm gonna get some presents
To give on Christmas Day!
 
I got a great big piggy bank
Its full up to the top
I know there's lots of pennies
I got them from my Pop!
 
Oh!  Jingle Bells, Christmas Trees
Soon it will be here
I can't wait til Christmas Day
I'm glad its very near!
Oh! Jingle Bells, Christmas Trees
Soon it will be here
I can't wait til Christmas Day
The Best Day of the Year!
 
I'm gonna buy my sister
A dolly and a bed
I'm gonna buy my brother
A pony and a sled
 
I'm gonna buy my mommy
A house and new fur coat
I'm gonna buy my daddy
Some money cuz he's broke
 
Oh!  Jingle Bells, Christmas Trees
Soon it will be here
I can't wait til Christmas Day
The Best Day of the Year! 
 
I can't forget my sweetie
Or Tommy down the street
Oh Gee! I just remembered
Aunt Lil and Uncle Pete
 
I'll get them all some presents
As far as I can see
I'm gonna make them happy
As happy as can be
 
Now I will mind my mommy
I'll do just what she say
I'll be as good as good can be
At least til Christmas Day
 
Cuz Santie Claus gets presents
For little girls and boys
And if I just behave myself
He'll leave me lots of toys!
 
Now I'll hang up my stocking
Upon the chimaney
And get up bright and early
To see the Christmas tree
 
We'll all be very happy
We'll all be very gay
Cuz there's no other day compares
With good Old Christmas Day
 
Oh!  Jingle Bells, Christmas Trees
Soon it will be here
I can't wait til Christmas Day
I'm glad its very near!
 
Oh! Jingle Bells, Christmas Trees
Soon it will be here
I can't wait til Christmas Day
The Best Day of the Year!

Performed by Mel Blanc


Source: here

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021

LoriAnn

True Meaning Of Christmas




Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!

Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."






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LoriAnn

Christmas Superstitions


Numerous superstitions are linked to the Christmas period

New Birth

A child born on Christmas Eve will have a promising future, will enjoy luck and happiness throughout his life.

- The menhirs of Carnac (France) make three turns on themselves before going for a swim in the ocean.

- Pagan beliefs tell us that Christmas Eve is the night of all dangers as well as that of all fortunes.

- Ghosts fear Christmas Eve and prefer to disappear, which is why in some countries the doors are left open at midnight to get them out of the house.

- In fact, strange things happen that night, at midnight the animals speak the language of men and in the orchard the trees are covered with flowers that disappear at the sound of the twelfth stroke of midnight.

Wood burned on Christmas Eve has a special meaning:

Its fire is a tribute to the sun.

- The fire does not have to go out by itself, someone is left at home to take care of the fire even during midnight mass. Fire must not be governed with iron tools but with hands. If the fire sparkles a lot, it is a good omen and the next summer's harvest will be abundant. The ashes must be stored with care because they protect from storms, and fertilize the soil.

- In England, the choice of the log respects certain very precise rules.

- The log is not to be bought, it must be found on one's own land, or given away by neighbors. After having decorated it, it is placed in the fireplace and lit with the remains of the wood from the previous Christmas that the owner had kept to protect the house from lightning and fires.

- The wood must burn for twelve hours. Sometimes the fire is kept burning for the twelve days of Christmas. In any case, after Christmas it has to turn itself off.

The old calendar

-On the evening of the 31st, remove all the old calendars you have at home. Burn them all on New Year's morning, after wrapping them in red wool, saying: " Old year burns here and bad luck goes away".

House

- Cleansing To cleanse your home of the negativities of the year that is ending, get a branch or piece of fir wood, 12 cloves, 12 juniper berries, a white and a black candle.

- Before midnight on December 31, spread a cloth on the ground near your front door, then light the black candle, the white one and the fir wood with the cloves and juniper berries (which you have already prepared in small pieces. in a censer with relative ignition charcoal). Let it consume until the end.

And finally It Is Said ....
- That some people believe that you may have bad luck in the New Year if you take your Christmas tree down AFTER midnight on December 31st. If you are superstitious, you may want to take the tree down before midnight on New Year's Eve to avoid any bad luck in the next year.

Find more superstitions from Snopes


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