Merry Christmas and Hanukkah, everyone! Hope you have a great rest of the holiday season!
This is the first year since 2005 that Christmas, a Christian holiday, and Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, fall on the same day.
Fact of the Day (Facts.net): During World War I, on Christmas Eve, 1914, British soldiers saw some Christmas trees lined up on the German side and heard carol singing. One thing led to another, and soon, messages were passed between the trenches. The next day, both British and German soldiers exchanged gifts, buried casualties, repaired trenches, and even played football. Astonishingly, soldiers from the warring nations ate and drank together while the Germans sang "Stille Nacht" and the British sang the English version – "Silent Night."
Quote of the Day: Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. (Norman Vincent Peale)
Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Wassail (verb, pronounced WAH-sul) - To wassail is to sing carols (popular songs or ballads of religious joy) from house to house at Christmas; the verb is usually used in the phrase "go wassailing." As a noun, wassail can refer to (among other things) a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, as well as spices, sugar, and usually baked apples. Wassail is traditionally served in a large bowl, especially at Christmastime.
In a Sentence: Every year at Christmastime the magazine publishes a recipe for the traditional drink served to those who go wassailing and may appear at one's doorstep.
Thanks for the great historical reference. Merry X-Mas to you as well.