Category Archives: holidays

Origins of the Tradition of Christmas Gift Giving

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

“Then they opened their treasures and presented him the gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” In Biblical times, the gift of gold indicated the receiver stood in high standing, but giving gold to a child would have … Continue reading →

Posted in holidays | 2 Comments

The Treasure of “Myrrh”

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Myrrh /ˈmɜr/ is the aromatic resin of a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora, which is an essential oil termed an oleoresin. Myrrh resin is a natural gum. It can also be ingested by mixing it … Continue reading →

Posted in food and drink, holidays | Tagged | 2 Comments

Celebrating Christmas Movies

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Since the onset of film, a little over a century prior, Christmas has been employed as plot device for some of our most endearing films, as well as those not so engaging. Today, we have channels, such as the Hallmark … Continue reading →

Posted in film, holidays, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

“Here We Come A-Wassailing” ~ Plus the Release of Susana Ellis’s A Twelfth Night Tale + Giveaway + Excerpt

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Today, I am so pleased to have Susana Ellis join me on my blog to speak of one of a Christmastide’s long-lasting traditions. To celebrate her appearance, Ms. Ellis has generously offered a special giveaway to accompany her post. Enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, food and drink, Great Britain, holidays, real life tales, Regency era, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

Thanksgiving Trivia: Happy Turkey Day!

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

It took more than 200 years after the first Thanksgiving before it became an official holiday. The first Thanksgiving was a three day feast, which included hunting, athletic games, and eating. The Pilgrims dined on venison, NOT turkey. There was … Continue reading →

Posted in food and drink, holidays | Tagged | 4 Comments

November 5 ~ Guy Fawkes’ Day

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in Great Britain. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, holidays, royalty | Tagged , | 3 Comments

November 2 – All Souls’ Day

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

In Western Christianity, All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, is observed principally in the Catholic Church, although some churches of Anglican Communion and the Old Catholic Churches also celebrate it; the observance is the … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, holidays, legends and myths, real life tales, religion | Tagged , , | Comments Off on November 2 – All Souls’ Day

November 1 ~ All Saints’ Day

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows, Solemnity of All Saints, or The Feast of All Saints) is a solemnity celebrated on 1 November by parts of Western Christianity, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, holidays, legends and myths, real life tales, religion | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Eighth Day of Christmas (Jane Austen Style)

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

(Sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”) On the eighth day of Christmas, Jane Austen gave to me, Eight Minor Pieces Seven Austen Siblings Six Classic Novels F-i-v-e Bennet Singers Four Abbey Tilneys Three Sailing Captains Two … Continue reading →

Posted in holidays, Jane Austen | Tagged , | Comments Off on The Eighth Day of Christmas (Jane Austen Style)