Merry Christmas, December 25th, 2021. Yesterday was a very good day. Memories were made. There were plenty of smiles and lots of love. We will finish the Christmas experience for 2021 today and look forward to next year. We should find a way to stretch Christmas to the end of the month and just do away with whole New Year thing. Did you know that 352 was the 1st date Christmas was celebrated on December 25th? In 1223 St Francis of Assisi assembled the 1st Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. In 1621 Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony forbid games to be played on Christmas. At least he didn’t forbid drinking. Christmas Day in 1776 George Washington crossed the Delaware, surprised and defeated 1,400 Hessian mercenaries. In 1831, Louisiana & Arkansas were the first states to observe Christmas as a holiday. On this day in 1868, despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson granted unconditional pardons to all persons involved in Southern rebellion (Civil War). Remember, every person who fought for or helped the Confederates was guilty of treason. In 1914 the Legendary “Christmas Truce” took place on the battlefields of WWI between British and German troops. Instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and played football. Then they went back to killing each other. On this day, selected as the birth date of Jesus Christ (nobody knows for sure), it’s appropriate to give you this quote attributed to Jesus: “All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbor as yourself.” On this day, enjoy your family and friends and the love that you share. Abide
