The View From 5'5"

Baby be Blessed Giveaway

2012-01-27T00:21:00.000-05:00

The Friday giveaways are back at Baby be Blessed! Up for grabs this week is a $56 gift card to the BbB shop, perfect amount for a personalized doll of your choice! Hop on over an try for a chance to win. I know one of my daughters would absolutely LOVE one of these dolls.

Baby be Blessed created by hand precious stuffed baby and animal dolls, each with Scripture inscribed on their tummies. Customize your doll's hair color and style, skin color, eye style, fabric pattern, and font style.

Baby be Blessed Mission

For each child to come to understand, know, and live for Christ.

"We pray that each child who receives a Baby be Blessed doll would be ready to hear, accept embrace that truth."

~ from the Baby be Blessed website

Coming This March From Vintage Remedies

2012-01-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

I cannot say enough good things about Vintage Remedies. You can read more about VR at the bottom of this post, but for now I want to highlight a new book VR will have out March 2012. If the book interests you, hop on over to this giveaway where you can win a pre-order copy!

The Vintage Remedies Guide to Bread

(from the back of the book)

Research reveals that bread provided between 53% and 75% of the daily intake for ancient civilizations. It nourished and literally sustained many generations. Yet bread is now considered to be unhealthy and is even harmful for many. Ever wonder what happened?

Explore the truth about one of our oldest and most loved dietary staples in the Guide to Bread. In this eye-opening book, Jessie Hawkins explains how scientists have produced wheat bread using ancient methods that is gluten free and safe for celiac patients, how specific additives and alterations have been directly linked with the rise in gluten intolerance, and why the real solution to bread isn’t found in freshly milled wheat or soaking grains. You’ll also learn how real bread can help alleviate what the World Health Organization calls the most common nutrient deficiency, why most store bought gluten free foods are unhealthy, and how you can produce your own healthy, real bread – effortlessly – in your own home! / 288pgs / March 20,2012

I am very eager to read this and learn more about the connections with gluten (my two daughters and I were diagnosed with celiac disease June 2011).

About Vintage Remedies

Founded in 2005, Vintage Remedies offers natural living educational resources for people of all ages (read their mission and philosophy here - look under "About VR" and then "Mission & Philosophy"). Some of the resources offered include:

books
school gear & project supplies
cd/audio resources
self-study courses
certification courses/programs

Click the banner to visit the site or purchase resources

Top Picks: Games for Children (Ages 4-6)

2012-01-17T15:30:00.001-05:00

Our family loves, loves, LOVES to play games. It's been especially exciting the past year or so, as our two older children (ages 4 and 6) are developmentally ready to begin learning how to play games. Here are our top picks (so far):

Cranium Hallabloo - This is a great rainy/snowy day game. Colored shaped pieces are scattered randomly on the floor. When the Hullabaloo machine starts, follow the directions (hop to green, twirl to a circle, etc). Whoever is on the magic spot when the music stops is the winner.

Curious George Discovery Beach Game - Finally, a board game with very few pieces! A majority of the pieces to this game are sealed inside the box for quick set-up and clean-up. Draw a card, spin the spinner and then peek under a portion of the board. If you see an item that is on a card, pick it up! The first player to collect 6 cards wins!

Inch Worms (Fundex Games) - With just the heads of inch worms show on the game board, players take turns spinning a spinner and then pulling a worm of their choice until they see the color indicated on the spinner. Players collect their worms, and at the end of the game the player with the long chain of inch worms wins! Teaches colors, measurement and basic math skills.

Mousetrap - This classic game is loads of fun. Players advance around the board, building parts of an elaborate mouse trap as they go. The last mouse alive wins! My 4-year old can play this with no problem, even though the box recommends 6+ years.

Old McDonald - Pop the popper to reveal the animal you can collect. The first player to collect all the animals on Old McDonald's farm wins!

Zingo 1-2-3 - It's Bingo with a twist! This is an excellent math game for children. Children choose a Zingo card of their choice (one side is numbers, the other is addition). Then on each player's turn the number dispenser reveals two numbers. The first player to fill his/her Zingo card wins the game. Offers game scenarios of varying difficulty to accommodate a wide range of developmental levels.

What are some of your favorite children's games? What games do you love to play with your children?

Freebie: Organized Simplicity

2012-01-15T23:33:00.000-05:00

For a limited time you can get Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach To Intentional Livingby Tsh Oxenreider (SimpleMom). Available for Kindle Format and Nook.

You do not need a Kindle or Nook e-reader to be able to read this book. You can read it on your laptop/PC,iPhone,Blackberry,Android, or iPad. Just download for free the appropriate application (for free).

Be aware that Amazon changes prices without notice, so grab this book before it's "un-free."

Overview of the book

Simplicity isn’t about what you give up. It’s about what you gain. When you remove the things that don’t matter to you, you are free to focus on only the things that are meaningful to you. Imagine your home, your time, your finances, and your belongings all filling you with positive energy and helping you achieve your dreams. It can happen, and Organized Simplicity can show you how.

Inside you-ll find:

A simple, ten-day plan that shows you step-by-step how to organize every room in your home

Ideas for creating a family purpose statement to help you identify what to keep and what to remove from your life

Templates for a home management notebook to help you effectively and efficiently take care of daily, weekly and monthly tasks

Recipes for non-toxic household cleaners and natural toiletry items including toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo

Start living a more organized, intentional life today.

Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus: A Response from Kevin DeYoung

2012-01-13T17:20:00.001-05:00

Nearly 7 million people have viewed the YouTube video by Seattle resident, Jefferson Bethke, titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." It was posted three days ago. Have you seen it?

I have and I will admit, parts of it did not sit well with me. Sure, it all sounded great and was excellent written/produced, but from a theological standpoint I didn't find it that solid.

I stumbled across this article by Kevin DeYoung and resonated with every word written. He expressed my thoughts exactly.

In an age where religious liberalism is ever-increasing, it's good to hear from people like DeYoung who can appreciate the expression of artists like Bethke but still hold them up against the Truth.

Read Kevin DeYoung's article here (which includes the full video and transcript).

UPDATE: After reading DeYoung's response, Bethke contacted DeYoung personally ... check out the dialogue here. Pretty cool dialogue!

Tools For A Fresh Start in 2012

2012-01-11T22:44:00.001-05:00

There is something magical in the air on December 31 each year. It's a time of reflection of the year past and looking forward to what lies ahead in the next. Hope fills the air as people set goals and new aspirations for themselves in the new year.

In the spirit of the new year, I thought I would share a few tools that I am using or have used in the past that helped me reach some pretty hefty goals. I hope you find them helpful for you as well! They center around the "biggies," the things most people set out to change/do differently in the new year.

Fitness
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

I cannot speak highly enough of this inexpensive little workout video. I will admit, I had my doubts in the beginning. I mean, how can you really change your body that fast in 30 days. I took photos of myself each week of the Shred, which proved to be a great source of encouragement and inspiration for me (you can view them here). The workouts on this DVD are about 30 minutes (there are three workouts, in increasing intensity). BUYER BEWARE: During or after the first workout you will probably think, "There is no way I can do this," but please don't quit. Give yourself 5 days of trying it. You will be amazed at how much stronger you get in just five days. Click here, the link above, or the DVD photo to purchase from Amazon.com for about $6.

Money

Financial Peace University

This is not some get-rich quick program so if that is what you are looking for, sorry. The class is taught in satellite locations all across the country. My husband and I took this course the first year we were married and I can honestly say that I have no idea where we would be financially and otherwise had we not taken this course. We learned invaluable principles that have helped us put money toward our debt, not rely on credit cards, and live month-to-month without wondering if we were going to have enough money to make ends meet. The cool thing about FPU is that once you buy your membership kit (all the tools you need for the course) you are a lifetime member and can take all or portions of the course again should you need a refresher. My husband and I have taken advantage of this as we entered a new stage of life after having children.

Food/Nutrition

8 Weeks to Real Foods

This free eight-week course provides you with the tools you need to transition from a standard American diet (SAD) to a diet of whole and minimally processed foods (aka "real" food). Weekly newsletters give you information you need to acheive a particular goal, along with research and evidence that support that goal. Each week includes something for you to remove from your diet, something to add to your diet, recipes/menus for the goal of the week, and skills you can adapt to help reach the goal. The course start date was the week of January 7 and continues for the next seven weeks. You can sign up here, even if it's in the middle of the course. All newsletters you have missed should be emailed to you as well. If they are not feel free to contact me. I have permission to email the newsletters to you.

Spiritual

Read Through The Bible In One Year: Chronological Bible Reading Plan

This reading schedule allows you to read Scripture in the order in which things occurred in the timeline of history. This is a great plan for helping you to see how the Bible fits together (it's not just the Old Testament and the New Testament; the old, confusing stuff and the new, more relevant stuff).

What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

December Photo Project - Day 25

2011-12-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a friend, we now have our annual family Christmas photo snapped and ready to be added to our Christmas Family Photo Album. Each year since my husband and I have been married we have snapped a photo of us each Christmas. These photos are added to a photo album/scrapbook. Our current album allows for 20 pages. Upon it's completion we will have been married for 20 years, and our children will be ages 18, 16, and 14. I am looking forward to flipping through the completed book with my husband 2023 and reminiscing.

You can read more about it in my previous post, Memories of Christmases Past.

Christmas Explained - Update

2011-12-25T01:14:00.001-05:00

Due to some unforeseen life events the remainder of the Christmas Explained posts are delayed but will be added slowly, and hopefully all will be finished by the end of the year.

Thank you for your patience.

December Photo Project - Day 24

2011-12-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

My 4-year old daughter and I have been reading "Where The Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein. Her favorite is "The Loser." Mine is "My Beard."

What is your favorite Shel Silverstein poem?

Jesus & A Traffic Circle

2011-12-23T23:59:00.000-05:00

My husband and I took our children to see a live nativity this evening. As we parked and made our way toward the scene I couldn't help but notice the irony of the location chosen for this display.

On the border of a traffic circle in a busy part of town sat a live nativity display. No roads were blocked. Car after car passed. Occasionally a car would slow down, after which a horn was usually heard. A small crowd gathered before the nativity in near silence. All that could be heard was some soft music, the crunching of hay under hoofed feet, and rhythmic sounds of traffic. And here, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, was a quiet demonstration of the heart of the Christmas season.

It was a memorable moment of reflection for me, standing on the sidewalk on a chilly winter's night. I pondered the events of the night Christ was born, but was also reminded how overlooked this moment is nowadays. The wonder of Christmas gets lost in the noise of life. Like busy ants, people are more focused on the activities of the season than the reason for it.

Christ came to rescue us, to win us back. If you allow that reality to stew long enough it can really change your attitude and approach to the holiday. Meaningless and petty things fall by the waist side, and peace and rest are found in the middle of activity.

May we all find time in our busy lives to stop, reflect and wonder at what Christmas reminds us.

Christmas Explained - Day 17: Explain This

2011-12-23T00:01:00.060-05:00

After spending the past 17 days learning about the deeper story behind common Christmas traditions the question still remains: why has Christmas (December 25) been made such a big deal when it’s a man-made holiday, rooted in many pagan traditions, and not the actual date of Jesus' birth?

The “Christmas Explained” series could not end without answering this question, without explaining the reason most people around the world celebrate December 25. Despite the falsity that it’s the day of birth to the most controversial man that ever lived, no one can deny that it has become the official celebrated birthday for Jesus of Nazareth. But why celebrate the birth of a man who would separate families, nations, and time itself?

If the Christian religion is true, it was not his birth that separated it from the rest of the world’s major religions; it would have been his resurrection. That is the only part of the story that separated Jesus from all other world religious leaders. There have been many good prophets who have healed people throughout history in the name of God. None of us celebrate their birthdays. Jesus was certainly different. His claim was that he was God in the flesh. No prophet had ever done that! We can certainly go toe-to-toe discussing why Jesus’ claims that he was God were true, but that is not the purpose of this post. We are here today to understand the why behind all the celebrations of Christmas.

There are no direct resources for this research. This is my most humble opinion based on all I have researched up to this point; it’s why I wanted to do this series in the first place! From what I have researched I come to this conclusion: we celebrate Jesus’ birth because simply, we cherish the feeling of being connected to something bigger than ourselves. Think about it ...

We are made to crave and be engaged in relationships.

We were built for them even though they are hard work and create in us waves of varying emotions. Even those of us who are introverts by nature are drawn to some type of relationship. All that we do around Christmas time invokes the feeling of being connected to those relationships: food, gift-buying, decorating, remembering the story of Jesus’ birth, and even Santa- it all centers around relationships and feeling connected through them.

We cook for people we care about because it fulfills a primal need and it also brings pleasure to have the taste buds ignited. Knowing we had a helping hand in creating pleasure and meeting a need helps us feel connected.
We buy gifts and give them; but before we do that, we must know the person well enough to know what they would want and care that they have it.
We decorate because we want those who see our homes, inside and out, to have feelings of warmth and welcoming.
Some people participate in Santa because they think it helps bring about believing in miracles which in itself sustains innocence.

It’s all done simply because we long for those feelings of connectedness that relationships bring to our lives. We want to feel honored, welcomed, remembered, innocent, and pure. All we do is an attempt to feel for what we so long. However, here is the clincher: We have it already!

We could absolutely do away with this entire season and have those same feelings it brings about. We do not need Christmastime; Christmastime needs us. What we do need is what the real reason for the season is all about: The humble entrance of the one true God with skin on, in the form of Jesus of Nazareth, who came to seek out and bring to Himself a people who would honor Him, welcome Him, remember Him, find rest in His innocence, and rejoice in His purity.

It’s not because He is an ego-maniacal being who demands worship. It’s because what He has, we have also and realizing how much He has freely given brings about the worship of Him. We were made to worship Him. All that we do outside of ourselves or to lift ourselves up, leaves us feeling empty and alone. No amount of busyness will bury it. No amount of money will make it minute. No amount of activity will ignore our need for something, or really Someone, bigger than us.

So, what are you filling up on this season? What makes you so busy that you won’t take the time to slow down and dig deeper? What has hardened your heart to the point that you refuse to acknowledge Truth, or even investigate it a bit more? This Christmas season I challenge you to slow down, ponder and explain CHRISTmas.

<<Day 16: The Shepherds --- Back to Christmas Explained Main Page >>

December Photo Project - Day 22

2011-12-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

My daily ritual = picking up ornaments that have been plucked from the tree by a certain 2-foot-something little boy.

Christmas Explained - Day 16: Shepherds

2011-12-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

image source

Nearly every nativity scene available for purchase includes at least one shepherd and sheep or two. What was so significant about shepherds that made them on the A-list for getting to be one of the first people to see the Christ child?

In Old Testament times shepherding was a viewed as a prestigious occupation but, over time, became one of the most despised jobs a person could have. When the Israelites migrated in to Egypt they encountered a different attitude toward shepherding from the Egyptians. Most Egyptians were farmers and despised shepherding because sheep would often eat and destroy their crops. There was definitely bad blood between shepherds and farmers. The Arabs, known enemies of the Egyptians, were also shepherds. This intensified the disdain toward sheep and shepherds by the Egyptians. Slowly, this negative attitude toward shepherding seeped in to the thinking of the Israelites, and by the time Jesus was born shepherding was seen as one of the lowliest of jobs.

Read about the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20

So here the shepherds are, despised and marginalized by society, with very little rights. It is night and they are watching over their flock when all of a sudden they are blinded by a bright light. What was going on, the must have thought? They were terrified and rightfully so. Then they heard a voice; a voice telling them to not be afraid, that things were okay, and that they needed to go to Bethlehem because their Savior had been born. A choir of angels began to sing to the Lord and then, probably as fast as it happened, the darkness of the night enveloped them once again.

I bet they each stood there for a moment, silent. Then, looking around at each other, agree they needed to go check things out in Bethlehem. I wonder if part of the reason they were eager to go was to prove to themselves they were/weren't dreaming. Exciting things like this didn't happen to shepherds.

They arrive and see with their very own eyes their Savior. I wonder what the conversation must have been like between them, Mary and Joseph. How did they act, what did they say? We do know that once the shepherds left there, they wasted no time in telling everyone they could about what they had experienced that night.

Everything about Christ coming to earth to rescue us is unassuming. A young virgin girl conceives him. Her husband is a carpenter. Christ is born in a hay-covered floor with animals all around, not comfortable accomodations. And simple shepherds are among the first to hear of his birth! There is nothing flashy about this story. Just as 1 Corinthians 1:27 tells us

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.

God could have made a big to-do about his Son being born, but he didn't. He could have alerted kings, priests and other important people first, but he didn't. Instead He chose some lowly shepherds in a field to bear the great news. These shepherds were ordinary people who were given extraordinary news.

As we near Christmas let us remember the manner in which Christ came (Philippians 2:5-11) and, like the shepherds, be grateful that He has chosen to share the greatest Gift with foolish and lowly people like us ... and share that Gift with others.

Sources

http://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Mar/11/shepherds-status/

http://www.whychristmas.com/story/shepherds.shtml

http://worthydirt.blogspot.com/2010/12/ordinary-shepherds-extraordinary.html

<< Day 15: Christmas? Or X-Mas? ----- Day 17: A Wrap-Up >>

December Photo Project - Day 21

2011-12-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

My middle child, or "little one" as I call her, had to spend the morning in the hospital today getting a bone scan. We have been struggling with leg pain in both of her legs for some time now. The pediatrician referred us to an pediatric orthopedist because he thinks this has lingered a little long for her (as do I). Hopefully we will get some closure soon on what makes her legs hurt at all hours of the day and without much cause.

Isn't she a cutie? Not that I am biased or anything ... (grin)

Christmas Explained - Day 15: Christmas or X-Mas?

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

image source

"Keep Christ in Christmas"

Have you seen this bumper sticker?

There is the notion that using "X-Mas" instead of "Christmas" is sacrilegious, but you may be surprised to learn that it is not meant to show disrespect at all.

The New Testament of the Bible was originally written in Greek. "Christos" is the Greek word for "Christ." The first letter for "Christos" resembles and "X" in the American English alphabet. This became the shorthand name for Christ.

image source - Google Images, "ichthys"

Using "X" to abbreviate Christ is no new thing. The famous Jesus Fish, or ichthys, was used by early Christians. They took the first letters of the words in the phrase "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,"to form the Greek word for fish, "I-X-O-Y-E" (ichthys).

Sure, some may write "X-Mas" because they don't want to write "Christ." Others may write it that way because it takes less time to write, but Christians don't have to shun this abbreviation or see it as foribidden. It's root origin proves that it means no disrespect. Merry Christmas and Merry X-Mas are equally appropriate to use.

Source:

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/why-is-x-used-when-it-replaces-christ-in-christmas/

<< Day 14 - The History of Carolling --- Day 16 - The Shepherds >>

December Photo Project - Day 20

2011-12-20T23:59:00.000-05:00

This little guy has two modes - "on" and "off" - this is what "off" looks like.

Christmas Explaiend - Day 14: Fa la la la la

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

photo credit

This post is written by Sugar Jeffcoat, guest blogger for December.

Of all of the gifts I wish I had, it would be the gift of voice. I just make joyful NOISES. This time of year, more than any other, we hear people sing. Sometimes, people even go from door to door singing Christmas carols to strangers. It’s interesting that it only happens during the Christmas season. Christmas caroling began way before the birth of Jesus and it rarely happened during the Christmas season. So what happened?

Caroling is believed to have begun in the feudal societies in early Europe. People would sing to wish their neighbors good cheer in hopes of receiving food in return. It had nothing to do with the Christmas season and took place during all times of year. As the hope of eternal life through believing in Jesus spread, so did any act of kindness that could take place during the time of year associated with Jesus’ birth. The songs that were sang were about the birth of Jesus and wishing goodness and kindness in his name. However, when Oliver Cromwell was at the height of his religious rule in England, he forbade caroling and made it illegal. He thought Christmas should be celebrated as a somber time of year, not with light-hearted songs with well-wishes attached to them. It was not until the Victorian Era that the Christmas carolers began to take over full force, spreading their cheer and good tidings and this time, they were going door to door.

Many songs were published and sung that were not even written to be birthday songs for Jesus. But the carolers went from door to door singing and wishing good cheer. Sometimes they received gifts, and sometimes not. The tradition of receiving food and drink in exchange for song had faded, but the carolers still tried. One of the best known Christmas carols asked for food within the lyrics. When the carolers sang, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” the last verse may have been sung a little louder than the rest. Figgy pudding must have been pretty tasty!

Have you wished anyone good cheer this year through song?

Sources:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/christmas-caroler1.htm

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1949049,00.html

<< Day 13 - Christmas-y Colors --- Day 15 - Christmas? Or X-Mas? >>

December Photo Project - Day 19

2011-12-19T22:31:00.000-05:00

If it's cold and flu season, or someone in your home is coming down with something, you will want to have this stuff on-hand. Elderberry syrup is an all-natural alternative to modern medicine and doctor visits. It really works, too! Both adults and children as young as one-year can take this (it has honey in it) daily to boost immunity.

Before discovering Elderberry Syrup I would have already taken at least two of my three children to the doctor at least once for illness-related issues by Christmas. Not anymore.

Check out my recipe for Elderberry Syrup in this post.

Christmas Explained - Day 13: Red & Green

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

This post is written by Sugar Jeffcoat, guest blogger for December.

It seems like just about everything that is out this time of year is surrounded by or made up of red, green, or a combination of the two. Is there a reason for this? Are red and green significant somehow? Just like most Christmas traditions explored in this series, the traditional Christmas colors also began as one symbol but later turned into another.

Obviously, all colors were around way before the birth of Jesus. The color green was originally associated with the same “everlasting life” concept as did the Christmas tree (the Christmas tree is not a “Christ” concept nor did it begin with holy intentions - re:Christmas Explained - Day 2: The History of the Christmas Tree).

The color green was a natural color to associate with this time of year. The ancient middle east made an effort to put up as much greenery as they could to lift spirits during this time of year. It was a celebration of the new life to come as they celebrated the half-way point of the winter with the winter solstice. What better way to remind people of new and everlasting life than to have the color green put up everywhere? Centuries later, the color green was still associated with new and everlasting life, but not through making it through the cold winter months. With the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus being proselytized throughout the known world, green during the month of December had the same meaning, but with a different purpose. The new and everlasting life was associated with that life being in the Messiah, Jesus.

The color red’s association with the season is not quite as old.

The early church produced and put on Miracle Plays during the 14th centuries so the illiterate population could understand the gospel of Jesus (his birth, death and resurrection). In the plays, a green tree would be used (representing the tree of good and evil) and decorated with red apples. When it became popular to place trees inside the home, apples were used as decoration. Red apples, specifically, began to be used and the color red became associated with the season. Over time this use of apples combined with the memory of Jesus’ crucifixion (blood) the color red became a prominent and memorable color for the season. It became only natural for people to begin associating the color red with the blood of Jesus AND this time of year.

There are more colors that are seen during this season. Sometimes white, gold, and purple are thrown into the mix. All of these colors are significant on their own, but red and green are the true original Christmas colors. What comes to mind when you see green and red?

Sources:

http://jill-of-alltrades.hubpages.com/hub/The-Colors-of-Christmas-Red-Green-and-Gold

http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html

http://nicole-skutelnik.suite101.com/the-origin-of-christmas-colors-a72109

<< Day 12 - The History of Christmas Lights -- Day 14 - The History of Caroling >>

December Photo Project - Day 18

2011-12-18T23:59:00.000-05:00

December Photo Project - Day 17

2011-12-17T23:59:00.001-05:00

Forward Motion In A Backward World

2011-12-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

My husband job grants him the privelage of working with college students. This was created by some of those students. I am speechless. There are no words. As of December 17, 2011, six days after it was posted on YouTube, it has received over 60,000 views. It's pretty amazing. Run time is approximately 9 minutes.
Bravo Geneva Longboarders! Well done!

December Photo Project - Day 16

2011-12-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

I won.

Christmas Explained - Day 12: 'Light'en Up

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

photo credit

This post is written by Sugar Jeffcoat, guest blogger for December.

My children generally have self-control for their genders and ages. However, during this time of year if I drive by any place that is decorated with lights, they go a “little” nuts. They get so excited. Even at Halloween, when homes put lighted Halloween lights out, they exclaim, “MOM!! Look! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!” I decided that I had to find out the history of the lights.

Putting lights on trees can be traced back to the 14th century in written history; however, it is widely believed the tradition began in Germany with the missionary expedition of St. Boniface. He wanted to share the gospel of Jesus with the Druids. Boniface came upon a celebration of Nimrod where the Druids were about to sacrifice a young boy at the foot of an oak tree. He got so angry, he chopped the tree down. A short time later, a fir tree sprang up in its place and he used that as way to explain to the forest people the gospel of Jesus. From that time on, he would place candles in the trees so he could teach them at night, as was their normal time to among the trees. The candles would be held in place with melted wax.

Another popular legend comes much later when Martin Luther brought the tree inside his home. He explained how the tree was so beautiful and it reminded him of Jesus leaving the stars of heaven to come to earth, he wanted to bring it home to share with his family. He, too, was said to put candles on the tree to emulate the moonlight reflecting off of the snow. However, lighting candles on indoor trees was not a common practice for fear of fire. It was not until the Victorian times in Europe that placing burning candles on indoor trees became popular once again. They were said to represent the stars (which could very easily be a kick back to Martin Luther’s reason for placing candles on his indoor tree). The tree light popularity boomed beginning in America in the 1800’s with the invention of the electric tree lights.

There are two major renditions of who actually was the first person to invent the electric lights. Most would argue that it was Thomas Edison who invented the light bulb which led to the tree lights. Several articles I read, explained that Edward Johnson worked under Thomas Edison and was the first person to propel the electric tree lights into public eye. He placed red, blue, and white lights on his Christmas tree and it took off from there.

One of the more believable stories supports the theory that need is the necessity of invention. Having burning candles on indoor trees cold be very dangerous as one would imagine. In 1885, a hospital in Chicago burned due to the candles. Ralph Morris, a telephonist, has also been credited with inventing the first set of electrical tree lights. My rationale leads me to think that all men could have diverged at some point. Thomas Edison was also made popular with “his” invention of the telephone.

Nonetheless, the electric tree lights made it much safer for people to decorate their indoor trees with lights. When the lights became massively produced, it was a natural branching into placing the lights on the outside of homes, porches, and the like. They are produced in several different colors and can even be motion activated and play music. All-in-all they do add some sparkle and I enjoy seeing the excitement on my kids’ faces when the first set of lights is spotted on homes on our street this time of year. I have to drive the route that will ensure us to pass the most lights!

Sources:

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/trees.shtml

http://www.holidaydecorations.com/Christmas-Decorations.html

http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/Xmas_Lights.htm

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December Photo Project - Day 15

2011-12-15T23:59:00.000-05:00