American Greetings Blog

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Happy Hanukkah

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Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah!  The Festival of Lights, as it is also known, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE. This glorious event occurred after a small band of devout Jews, led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, defeated the pagan Syrian army and ended their occupation. When the temple was rededicated, there was only enough oil for one night, yet it burned for eight—which explains the miracle of Hanukkah and why the holiday’s celebrated over eight nights.

Today when we celebrate Hanukkah, we say our prayers and light a new candle for each of the eight nights using a special menorah, the hanukkiah. Each night also brings one new gift, which can range from simple and homemade to elaborate and expensive.

Preparing  delicious food for family and friends is also an important part of this holiday. Since oil is a prominent part of the story of Hanukkah,  tasty foods such as latkes, which are potato pancakes fried in oil, are often served. Other favorite foods include brisket, kugel, and the sweet treat, rugelach.

A traditional Hanukkah game is dreidel, in which children spin a four-sided top and win chocolate coins, or gelt. And the holiday wouldn’t be complete without music. From “I Have a Little Dreidel” to “Oh Hanukkah,” everyone can enjoy singing and celebrating this festive winter holiday. Best wishes for a bright and beautiful Hanukkah!

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Shopping the Sales

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Merry Shopping!

Now that Turkey Day is done, it’s time to focus on another reason to be thankful:  sales!  Today is Black Friday, the day of deals. The term was allegedly used in the early 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the day’s traffic chaos.  In the 1980s, the meaning changed to a day for retailers to get their sales “in the black,” or profitable.

Remember, this is a battle for bargains, so to ensure success (and survival!), make a plan.  Start with a list and know where you’re going.  Don’t leave home without your rewards cards, coupons, and bonus offers.  Big box stores offer great deals, but so do smaller retailers.  Smart shoppers aren’t afraid to divide and conquer.  Enlist the help of family and friends, and make a fun day of it.  Stay nourished and hydrated, too—the day can be loonggg!  Finally, try not to shop till you drop, or at least, wait until you get home to conk out.

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie and hate the crowds, you also have Cyber Monday. This day was given its name in 2005 by shop.org, and offers the awesome ability to shop in your PJs!  Plan ahead and sign up for your fave store’s newsletter and “Like” them on Facebook to get great coupon codes.  To maximize the deals and minimize the cost, be sure to factor in shipping—free is best!  Verify you’ll have your items in time for the holidays, and double check the return policy.  On Cyber Monday, the options are as wide as the web itself –you can easily order anything online, even personalized holiday cards.  Now that’s a great way to save time this season!

 Happy Savings Days to you!

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United Nations Day

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united nations

The idea of a global society isn’t as new as you might think. While the use of the internet has connected people more than ever, the United Nations has been unifying the world since 1945.  Today we celebrate United Nations Day, which is the anniversary of the UN Charter.

The term “United Nations” was originally coined by U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in reference to our allies in  World War II.  In an effort to prevent future violence, that prevailing concept of unity for good over evil was one of the main reasons for the official establishment of the UN.

The UN also actively promotes and defends human rights, education, economic development, health and other areas essential to a peaceful society.   And at Halloween, you maysee trick-or-treaters asking for donations for UNICEF, the branch of the UN dedicated to children’s issues.

With such a great mission, the day honoring the United Nations is something worth celebrating!  Why not host a dinner featuring some international foods or invite your friends to bring a dish from their ethnic background.  By encouraging global understanding on UN Day and every day, each one of us can promote the important goal of a peace-filled world.

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Canadian Thanksgiving /Columbus Day

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Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Today we are celebrating two holidays.  First, Happy Thanksgiving!  And no, we’re not early — it’s Canadian Thanksgiving!  The concept of a day of gratitude can be traced all the way back to 1578 for our neighbors to the north, but the idea was formalized in 1872, when the country was grateful for the recovery of the ill Prince of Wales. Beginning in 1879, celebrations were held every year, mainly to give thanks for the harvest.  Although the holiday is officially observed on the second Monday in October, you will find many Canadians traveling and getting together with family and friends for their thanksgiving meal on any one of the three days during the weekend.  And yes, just like Americans, many Canadians do enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie along with some football on this noteworthy day.  So join in the fun and be sure to say “Cheers” with a glass of spiced cider!

Columbus Day

Second, it is Columbus Day — a public holiday in many parts of the United States that honors the exploration achievements of Christopher Columbus and for some, celebrates Italian-American heritage.  Christopher Columbus’ famous journey to the Americas in 1492 was noteworthy in that it marked the first intertwining of Europe with the New World.  It also proved that our globe was much bigger than even Columbus had imagined.  Today you may find celebratory festivities and parades, especially in communities with a large Italian-American presence, honoring the courage and adventurous spirit of Columbus and his crew.  And if there are no events near you, perhaps you can commemorate the day by serving one of these easy Italian recipes for dinner tonight!

Regardless of where you live, there’s so much to appreciate and celebrate in this beautiful autumn month of October!

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Rosh Hashanah

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Rosh Hashanah artwork

L’Shanah Tovah—To a Good Year! Our best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy year as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah. This holiday, which literally means “Head of the Year,” is the Jewish New Year. The two-day celebration that began at sundown last night also marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Now though, is a time for sending good wishes for the New Year and for gathering together with family and friends. Jews around the world go to temple services on these sacred days, where special prayers are recited, and the shofar is often heard. The striking sound made by the ram’s horn heralds the New Year and calls us to look within and to reflect and see where we need to repent and make amends.

With traditional gatherings, challah and apples dipped in honey are often served to symbolize a sweet New Year. You can make this more meaningful for the children in your family by having them create their very own apple-shaped honey holder.  Adults will enjoy it, too!  Continue the good wishes by serving tzimmes—a sweet, stew-like dish that is easy to add your own personal touch to, and by making a delicious honey cake for dessert.  This start to the High Holy Days is filled with hope and happiness and meant to be shared with those you love.

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A Father’s Success

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A father's Success

It’s almost Father ’s Day, and we want to send our best wishes to all dads on their special day!  Even though the first Father’s Day was celebrated   in 1910, it didn’t become a national holiday until 1972. Seems unbelievable that it took so long, doesn’t it? After all, dads do so much for their families, it’s only fitting they should have a day just for them. We’d also like to offer some inspirational thoughts about dads, and after reading the poem “Success” by Robert William Service, we  just had to share. Enjoy!

You ask me what I call Success –
It is, I wonder, Happiness?

It is not wealth, it is not fame,
Nor rank, nor power nor honoured name.
It is not triumph in the Arts –
Best-selling books or leading parts.
It is not plaudits of the crowd,
The flame of flags, processions proud.
The panegyrics of the Press
are but the mirage of Success.
You may have all of them, my friend,
Yet be a failure in the end.

I’ve known proud Presidents of banks
Who’ve fought their way up from the ranks,
And party leaders of renown
Who played as boys in Shantytown.
Strong, self-made men, yet seek to trace
Benignity in any face;
Grim purpose, mastery maybe,
Yet never sweet serenity;
Never contentment, thoughts that bless –
That mellow joy I deem Success.

The haply seek some humble hearth,
Quite poor in goods yet rich in mirth,
And see a man of common clay
Watching his little ones at play;
A laughing fellow full of cheer,
Health, strength and faith that mocks at fear;
Who for his happiness relies
On joys he lights in other eyes;
He loves his home and envies none. . . .
Who happier beneath the sun?

Aye, though he walk in lowly ways,
Shining Success has crowned his days.

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