Fun Christmas facts for today, including local happenings.
The Christmas Cheer for Children in the Oklahoma Panhandle Tree is back at the Bank of the Panhandle! Stop by and choose a tag that contains the wish of an “angel” in our community. This is a wonderful way to get in the spirit and know that you will have a face full of smiles on the receiving end. All gifts need to be returned by December 12, 2022.
“The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.” – Henry David Thoreau
The idea of Santa Claus came from St. Nicholas. The saint wasn’t really a bearded man who wore a red suit; that look came much later with a Coca Cola ad. In the fourth century, the Christian bishop gave away his large inheritance to the poor and rescued women from servitude. In Dutch, his name is Sinter Klaas, which later morphed into Santa Claus in English.
The Home for the Holidays lights are beautiful to see all during December at Thompson Park in Guymon. Community volunteers, which an immense amount of help from Golden Mesa Casino have made this happen for the second year. Last year more than 22,000 visits were made to the park during December.
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schulz
Brew a cup o’ tea when trimming your tree this year to pay homage to its origins. When Prince Albert of Germany got a tree for his new wife, Queen Victoria of England, the tradition really took off across the pond. A drawing of the couple in front of a Christmas first tree appeared in Illustrated London News in 1848. To use modern parlance, the idea went viral.
The OPSU Winter Honors Recital happens Tues., Dec. 6, at Hughes Strong Auditorium in Goodwell starting at 7 pm.
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa
Legend has it, we hang stockings by the chimney with care thanks to a poor man who didn’t have enough money for his three daughters’ dowries. Generous old St. Nick dropped a bag of gold down their chimney one night after the girls had hung their freshly – washed stockings there to dry. That’s where the gold ended up, and the tradition stuck.
The Nutcracker Market, a holiday gift market, takes place Dec. 10 and 11 at the Texas County Activity Center (fairgrounds) in Guymon.
“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us.” – Anonymous
The Christmas wreath first originated as a symbol of Christ. The holly represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion and the red berries stand for the blood he shed.
The Lions Christmas Spree happens Dec. 17, starting at 7 am in the Methodist Enrichment Center on 6th and Quinn in Guymon. Volunteers are needed!
“We should learn the true Christmas lesson of gentle, thoughtful kindness to those we love and to all we meet in life’s busy ways.” – J. R. Miller
If your kids leave Santa a little snack to keep him sated on his journey, thank the Dutch. On St. Nicholas’ feast day on Dec. 6, Dutch children leave him food and drink in exchange for the gifts he leaves overnight.
The Christmas Village gift show happens Dec. 17 from 9 am to 5 pm at Connection Church, 1901 N Lelia and Nazarene Church, 2214 N Sunset.
“Don’t get caught up in the wrapping paper and forget that the gift of the Christmas season is simply love.” – Toni Sorenson
The iconic spruce that stretches to the sky in Trafalgar Square in London each year since 1947, is donated by the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. That’s true goodwill toward men.
Ice skating rink will be at the Texas County Activity Center in Guymon Dec. 6-12.
Toys for Tots began its yearly donation drive during the 1947 Christmas season.
See you on the Bricks this holiday season!