Christmas is Meant to Be the Best Day In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirin´i-us was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born [a] son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

“‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” We’re all familiar with Clement C. Moore’s Christmas classic that begins with these lines. First published anonymously in 1823, this poem has been memorized, recited, and read annually almost since that time. It is the most well-recognized, iconic holiday poem in American pop culture.

The Little Match Girl, also titled, The Little Matchstick Girl, was published by Hans Christian Andersen in 1845. It exemplifies his broad literary talent and ability. It’s a gentle reminder of the value of compassion and charity.

The Night After Christmas was published in Dear Santa Claus: Charming Holiday Stories for Boys and Girls (1901) by W.B. Conkey Company, author unattributed.

Taylor Even of Gregory County FFA qualified for the State Leadership Development events in Pierre, SD, December 5-6. Even competed in employment skills, which required filling out a job application, writing a cover letter, and submitting a resume for a job scenario before competing. At the contest she interviewed for a job with a panel of four judges and wrote a follow-up letter. To qualify for state, she placed second in the district out of almost 30 students. Three qualifiers from each district compete at state, and the first place finisher at state will compete at the national FFA contest. This was the first year Even competed, finishing ninth out of 21 contestants.