CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

I just finished this year's Christmas decoration yesterday with this tree. We used to have a big one from floor to ceiling but now for the two of us and as we celebrate in our son's home, this size is enough.


Here it stands in a corner besides the open fire place


Some decoration on the TV cabinet


A small Nativity scene and a Christmas mill


the self made advent wreath with the four candles to be lit on the four sundays before Christmas










and some other decorations. This is on the dining table

For other participants go to Boo Mama's Blog

WHY DO WE HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE ?

"small" pictures are here

a German Christmas tree with real candles

Many people all over the world have a Christmas tree and decorate it with love and phantasy. And why ? Nobody really cares about it, because it had always existed.

But this is not quite true. The origin of a decorated tree came probably from Germanic tribes who decorated an "evergreen" tree with food to be thankful for a good year. The Romans did it too, the first trace of such a tree was found in a mosaic picture in Tunesia.

It is not proved that our modern custom comes directly from pagan tradition. But it can be traced to 16th century in Germany. It was mentioned for the first time in 1570 by a Bremen guild chronicle and described as a small fir decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers.

By the early 18th century, the custom had become common in towns of the upper Rhineland, but it had not yet spread to rural areas. The Christmas tree remained confined to the upper Rhineland for a relatively long time. It was regarded as a Protestant custom by the Catholic majority and was spread only by Prussian officials in 1815.

In the early 19th century, the custom became popular among the nobility and spread to royal courts as far as Russia. In France, the first Christmas tree was introduced only in 1840.

In Britain, the Christmas tree was introduced by King George III's German wife Charlotte but did not spread much beyond the royal family. It really started to become popular with Queen Victoria . After her marriage to her German cousin, Prince Albert, the custom became even more widespread. The generous Prince Albert also presented large numbers of trees to schools and army barracks at Christmas. Images of the royal family with their Christmas tree were illustrated in English magazines, and copied by American magazines at Christmas 1850. It helped popularise the Christmas tree amongst the anglophile American upper class .

Traditionally, Christmas trees were not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve (24 December), and then removed the day after twelfth night (i.e., 6 January); to have a tree up before or after these dates was even considered bad luck. But now people have to decorate their Christmas trees a week or two before, as many of them are working and have no time to do everything on the 24th.

FRIDAY FEAST

Appetizer
Make up a word and give us its definition.

I think it is better when I don't make up a word my rank as a family friendly, and nice blog may change.

Soup
What is currently your favorite song?

My cat Arthur's songs when he sees his enemy the black cat ! He makes me think of a crying baby and I consider it as a training for me as a futur grandma !

Salad
What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

I draw a cute angel on the top of the list

Main Course
Name a scent that reminds you of someone special in your life.

Impossible ! All special people in my life don't smell !!

Dessert
Who is someone on television that you feel probably shouldn’t be, and why?

Sorry but the list is too long I would need two posts

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

You probably have met some blogging cats during your walks through Blogville. They really exist ! There are cats here in Blogworld who have their own blog and write about their lives with their humans. They sometimes have a very own language which is hard to understand for me, since a dictionary "cat english" doesn't exist yet. The blogging cats also have special names to call the humans they live with. Here are 13 examples !

1. Mom & Dad (about 80 % of the cats have forgotten their birth parents and call humans now mom and dad)

2. Can opener (very logical)

3. The Big Thing (from a cat view, yes)

4. Beans, Mom bean, Baby bean etc (A mistery to me why beans ? I even looked it up in Wikipedia and only found this explanation : Beans are one of the longest-cultivated plants, broad beans having been grown at least since ancient Egypt, the common bean for six thousand years in the Americas)

5. my servants (logic)

6. my staff (fully agree)

7. The food lady (right)

8. OTW- Opposable Thumb Wench. (no comment)

9. Mrs Nice (would fit on me)

10. My butler (posh !)

11. My humans (that can't be denied)

12. Milady (very posh !)

13. And to give you an example of the cat language : "U wook vewy cyoot in ur santy paws owtfyt! (mommie finawy splaind da chrissymas ting to me) Maybeee ur mommie culd use sum matchink yarns to help wit da bewwy stwap. Den no wun notyce it dunnot fits ryt. Hopes u gots yummi tweets fur ur ferst modling jobbie!" (My excuses to the concerned cat, I stole it from her blog !)

I only wonder why all cats speaking cat language apparently have no teeth ! They say fankyou, and fink about a fing.
Fortunately my cats are too lazy to use their paws on a keyboard for typing (for walking on it, yes) and I have to tell their stories.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Want to sit on Santa's lap ?? Pictures of happy children.

COMPILED NEWS

How Prince Charles helped Spanish tile empire build a chain of 28 superstores in UK
Prince Charles was last night facing questions about his relationship with a Spanish tiling company which has boasted about using him in its marketing campaign. Porcelanosa, which describes itself as Europe's biggest tiling firm, has been rewarded with a coveted Royal Warrant after carrying out extensive work at Charles's Royal residences.The claim is denied by the company, although its British spokesman accepts that the Prince received a discount – but would not disclose how much. I wonder why he had to replace tiles ? Probably due to the fights with Diana. Of course he got 100 % discount and an advertising model job ! My opinion is he would be a better model for hearing aids ! His ears are big enough.



Plans unveiled for Abba 'museum'

Abba split up in 1982 after a series of number one hits
Plans for Stockholm's museum dedicated to supergroup Abba have been unveiled by organisers in Sweden. What a feeling that must be to get your own museum and you are still alive ! I would go in mine every day.


Coco on his perch

Greek parrot in parking fine row
A legal battle is under way in the western Greek city of Patras over a parrot that is facing a $650 (£320; 444 euros) parking ticket.
The local council says his perch is illegally parked and is obstructing drivers because it partially blocks a metered parking space. What's that now ? A parrot is not allowed to park stand there ? Greeks are crazy !



I am Jack the dad of 9000

RANDY JACK NICHOLSON reckons he could have as many as NINE THOUSAND kids.
The legendary Lothario has four acknowledged offspring by three women.
But Shining star Jack said: “There could be 9,000 for all I know – I used to live so freely.”
In his place I wouldn't say that so officially ! I wonder what face he would make (probably one even worse than the normal one) when suddenly the mothers are all claiming child support ? Please check if you are not amongst them.



Santa record bid attracts 13,000
More than 13,000 Santas have taken part in a record-breaking charity event on the walls of Londonderry. I always knew it deep inside there is more than one Santa ! Now I have an official confirmation !



Man cuts off penis in restaurant
A man cut off his penis with a knife in a packed London restaurant.
Police were forced to use CS gas to restrain the man when they entered the Zizzi restaurant in The Strand on Sunday evening. Maybe he wanted to have it add to the menu ?? Anyway he choose the right place for such an act ! The word "Zizi" in french means "dink" in english !



Naples : A miracle chair attracts childless couples
Childless couples from all over the world are running to the Saint Mary-Frances sanctuary in Naples (south Italy) where a miracolous chair has the reputation to make the women pregnant if they sit on it. Each day long queues of women are waiting to sit down for a couple of minutes on this wooden chair to ask God for pregnancy. I only ask myself "How much does it cost ?" to sit on this chair ?? The catholic church doesn't do anything for nothing not even for making children.



This helps me to follow up the non Blogger Blogspotters

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

This week it is easy for me to participate in the two games without doing two posts.

For MANIC MONDAY, Morgan asks us to use the word "ornament" in a post.

and for FUN MONDAY Kaytabug had the same idea.

"In the spirit of the season I would like to see your favorite Christmas tree ornament. Not to be confused with the WHOLE tree. I want you to zoom in and show me one or a few(you know I can't choose just one!) of your favorite ornaments. If you don't decorate a tree, show me your menorah or dreidel, Kinara, or Yule Log. I want to see your favorite decoration for this holiday season."

So here are pictures of my favourite ornaments.


I have several of these ceramic houses in which a candle is lightened.



I also love this angel which is very old at least 40 years ! and it is still in a very good shape.


without this Christmas mill, Christmas would not be Christmas, this also belongs to my favourite ornaments. Unfortunately I can't put up the candles because it is too dangerous for my cats.


and this is a little tree made with real nuts, walnuts and pineapples. It is painted in a silver white.

We don't put up our tree that early it is only done next week. So everything is still packed in cartons. That's why I looked on Internet to find some very similar ornaments.


I had a whole angel orchestra, still from my childhood. But meanwhile some angels were broken so there are only a few left. And they look like these. The only difference is, they are not hanging but standing.



We also have a nativity scene which Mr. Gattino got when he was 3 years old. It is very big and represents a whole village. There were no Christmas trees in Italy at this time, but each family had a nativity scene. There are even nativity scene's competitions. Ours is so big that if you put it up properly it would take the size of a bed. But we managed to squeeze it smaller to put it under the Christmas tree. Since our son is not living with us anymore it remains in the attic and we have a smaller one.



But I found on Italian websides these pictures of nativity scenes and they look very similar to ours. Above you see the crip and here the houses and animals.


The figures are almost the same too. At least it gives you an idea of my favourite Christmas ornaments.

This helps me to follow up the non Blogger Blogspotters

A HOROSCOPE DEFINITION MEME

I have been tagged by Serena at ChatnChill for this meme and as I am born in July and the discription of the July born people is quite contradictory I thought for once I will do a meme.

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them. done !
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below). OK
3. Pick your month of birth (see below). OK
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you. Pheww
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them. I tag everybody coming to this blog !
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it! OK

Here is what somebody brooded about people born in July (not on the 4th on the 8th please)

JULY: Fun to be with. Especially at funerals

Secretive. That's the best ! I am as secretive as a public soup kitchen !

Difficult to fathom and to be understood. I am a woman !

Quiet unless excited or tensed. Always like a squirrel

Takes pride in oneself. Yes, yes, I wear my nose high !

Has reputation. Indeed and not the best !

Easily consoled. Depends with what !

Honest. Like a broker !

Concerned about people’s feelings. Oh yes I love love stories !

Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. ! Like a market woman !

Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. True, I am like a cat

Moody and easily hurt. When I fall over a stone

Witty and sparkly. Why does nobody laugh ??

Not revengeful. I always carry a gun with me (you never know !)

Forgiving but never forgets. Yes an elephant is living inside me

Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Like my 350 cats of my cat collection

Guides others physically and mentally. Where ?

Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Oh yes ! I always drop a brick !

Caring and loving. When it's worthwhile

Treats others equally. For each one goody in a group

Strong sense of sympathy. I am from the Peace & Love generation !

Wary and sharp. I always knew that I should have become a politician

Judges people through observations. That's why I bought binoculars

Hardworking. Especially on my sofa !

No difficulties in studying. My teachers wouldn't agree

Loves to be alone. but I wait for friends (see below)

Always broods about the past and the old friends. I have no past !

Likes to be quiet. If I am witty and sparkly (see above) how can I be quiet ???

Homely person. Unless I am invited to a party

Waits for friends There is something wrong here : I love to be alone I wait for friends and I ...
Never looks for friends. (???) I just have friends

Not aggressive unless provoked. Exactly like a wasp's nest !

Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. High toilet paper consumption

Loves to be loved. Everybody loves me !

Easily hurt but takes long to recover. I am a skipjack





I tag everybody who wants to be tagged ! But if you do it let me know !

And here are the months ! Leak your finger and scroll far way down to the comments !

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

This helps me to follow up the non Blogger Blogspotters