Keep Ringin' That Bell

A Salvation Army in Lafayette, Indiana discovered a nice gift in their donation kettle this year. A check for $11,000. But this isn't the first time, last year they received the same generous donation. How long will this go on? Who is this kind-hearted enigma? They wish for their identity to remain out of the public spectrum. I can say they've helped at least a few people live easier lives, and inspired many others.

We Value You, Virginia!

A few days ago I wrote a blog entry (here) about Virginia O'Hanlon and her 1897 letter to the New York "Sun" newspaper regarding the existence of Santa Claus.*Well, thanks to my wonderful Aunt Sue in Ohio, I now know where that piece of history is and how much it's worth! Take a moment to view the appraisal in action! Get out your antique bells and whistles, if you LOVE "Antique's Roadshow"!! WOOOO!!!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/199704A43.html

If your computer doesn't have Quicktime player, then you can just read the transcription of the show clip below the static video window.

*Coincidence alert - Aunt Sue tells me that my original blog post was written the same exact day PBS re-aired the episode about Virginia's letter! December 22nd ... !

Kokomo Christmas Lights

Hello Santa, hello Mrs. Claus

Yes Miss Virginia, Yes Mr. Church

On September 21st of 1897 an eight year old wrote to the editor of the New York periodical, "The Sun". She wondered, is Santa Claus real? The response she received
written by newsman Francis Pharcellus Church soon became famous all over the world. However, it wasn't until after his death in 1906 that he was credited with the authorship of the piece! His article is the most reprinted newspaper editorial in history, inspiring movies, books, songs, etc.

Here is my favorite part of that news article. *I think it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever read:

"You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."



* If you want to hear it recited by actor Sam Elliot, watch the end of the 1989 movie "Prancer". Wow, that brought TEARS to my soul.

View the appraisal of the original "Sun" article, here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/199704A43.html

Poised Poinsettias, Cuetlaxochitl Celebrations!

Today is National Poinsettia Day. Let's CELEBRATE! Buy a Poinsettia ... give one to a friend! Set one beside you ... stroke it's leaves!

The plant's association with Christmas goes back as far as the 16th century. Native to South America, it is said the plant was mistaken for weeds by a young Mexican girl who was too poor to afford real flowers. When she placed them on the steps of her church on Christmas morning, the priest's found bright red blossoming flowers. From that point forward, the tradition of incorporating the plant during the Christmas season began. The plant's original, Aztecan name is Cuetlaxochitl. It adopted the name Poinsettia when introduced to America by botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett, in 1825.

Some little known Poinsetta facts:

- Joel Poinsett, died this day in 1851
- Chile and Peru call the Poinsettia the "Crown of the Andes"
- There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias available and they are commercially grown in all 50 states, with California being the top producer
- $220 million worth of Poinsettias are sold during the holiday season
- Eighty percent of Poinsettias are purchased by women
- Poinsettias are the best selling flowering potted plant in the United States

Put This In Your Chimney and Smoke It!

This Santa Claus made of gold is how much? $1,817,355 ! You heard me ...
It features 23 diamond beads around his belt, and the sack he carries is woven from extra-fine gold threads and filled with gold coins.