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The song 'Winter Wonderland' has become a staple of holiday radio. Much like 'Jingle Bells,' 'Winter Wonderland' was not intentionally written to become a Christmas carol, but evolved into one over time.

In the early days of our country Christmas observances did not begin right after Halloween. The first settlers of our country were the Puritans, who came here because of disagreements they had with the Church of England.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love. The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The five golden rings recall the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. The six geese alaying stand for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit - prophesy, severing, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. The eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed. So there is your history lesson for today!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Decorations adorning homes and businesses in the familiar colors of red and green are popular come the holiday season. Even gift wrap, greeting cards and clothing tend to lean toward red and green as the holiday season hits full swing. It is difficult to think of Christmas without envisioning everything awash in these popular colors, broken up only by the inclusion of gold, white or silver accents.

Christmas traditions focus on several different aspects of family and spiritual life. While many stories are shared around Christmastime, perhaps none bears more significance than the origin of the Christmas celebration. Sharing the Christmas story is an integral part of holiday gatherings, reminding families that faith is foremost during this festive time of year.

When it is time to open the Christmas gifts, does the room turn into a chaos of flying paper, boxes, and ribbon? Slow the process, add some laughs, and maybe keep the mess more manageable. Slower and more fun? How, you may ask, is that possible? Going around the room, have one person at a time open a gift.

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Last week’s forecast started out predicting rain changing to snow by Tuesday, with snow ending Wednesday afternoon. Students at the Gregory School District were excited, as Mr. Hansen, who is never wrong, said that Tuesday would have an early dismissal, classes would be canceled Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday would have a late start.

Key changes are coming to a proposed hydropower project in Gregory County as it moves closer to entering a two-year study phase. On Dec.