The Holiday Season is Here

We start the season with Halloween, October 31.  It seems to me that Halloween gets bigger and bigger every year. The story of how the "Jack-o'-lantern" came about is very interesting.  In folklore it is said to represent a "soul who has been denied entry into both heaven and hell." This is the story about how it came about:

"On route home after a night's drinking, Jack encounters the Devil and tricks him into climbing a tree. A quick-thinking Jack etches the sign of the cross into the bark, thus trapping the Devil. Jack strikes a bargain that Satan can never claim his soul. After a life of sin, drink, and mendacity, Jack is refused entry to heaven when he dies. Keeping his promise, the Devil refuses to let Jack into hell and throws a live coal straight from the fires of hell at him. It was a cold night, so Jack places the coal in a hollowed out turnip to stop it from going out, since which time Jack and his lantern have been roaming looking for a place to rest."

You notice they used a hollowed out Turnip.  The people of America are the ones who started using hollowed out pumpkins for their lanterns. Have you started making your Jack-O'-Lantern for this Halloween season? Do you prefer to carve a scary face or a friendly face? Whichever design you choose we wish you a happy and safe Halloween.

Be sure to check back for more holiday posts.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY?

Valentine's Day was originally a religious holiday that started around the 5th century.  It wasn't until the 1300's that it became associated with love and romance when the tradition of courtly love blossomed with love letters delivered to the one you cared about.  In the 1700's lovers in England began to share their love for each other by giving gifts of flowers and candy and sending greeting cards known as "valentines".  Today's symbols of Valentine's Day include heart-shaped outlines,doves and cupid and they come in a large variety of mass-produced greeting cards.

What would your ideal Valentine gift be?  Do you prefer flowers, candy, or a romantic greeting card?  How about a romantic dinner for two - a table set with candles and flowers, soft music playing in the background, a bottle of your favorite wine and your favorite meal prepared and served to you?  Did you know you can do all of that with a special Gift Basket?  Chocolate is the language of love and a beautiful Gift Basket that includes a variety of chocolates would be greatly appreciated by anyone.

Romantic love is not the only kind of love to celebrate on Valentine's Day.  You also have the love of family and friends.  Don't forget to remember them on this special day.  A Gift Basket with their favorite snacking food would be good.  Or, how about one that includes coffee or tea with cookies or cake?  Just remember, we all want to be loved and cared for and a Gift Basket is a wonderful way to show you care.