Category Archives: Holiday

The Old Custom of Shiveree

Posted on September 22, 2016 by

I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed a now a forgotten custom called Shiveree.  When I was around 5 years old and living at East End in Middlesboro, a couple got married a few houses down from us.  A group … Continue reading →

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Old Christmas

Posted on December 29, 2015 by

You can learn a lot from talking with elders. In a conversation about Christmas with my mother some years ago I learned that the Christmas of her childhood was pretty simple. The kids would normally get candy, some fruit, and … Continue reading →

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Winter Solstice: The Long Night

Posted on December 17, 2015 by

The winter solstice is an interesting mix of science and old tradition, and has been on peoples’ calendars for thousands of years. It may be part of the reason Christmas is celebrated when it is.   So let’s talk astronomy … Continue reading →

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The Hanging of the Green Tradition

Posted on December 11, 2015 by

The “hanging of the green” is a Christmas tradition that has been around for centuries. Sprays, garlands, wreaths, and trees from evergreen trees such as pine, fir, holly, and laurel have decorated homes at Christmas time since the days of … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving

Posted on November 19, 2015 by

Thanksgiving is one of the high holidays of the US, involving traditions of being with family, eating a bountiful meal of traditional foods, and hopefully taking time to give thanks for what we have been given. You know the traditional … Continue reading →

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Christmas Traditions from the Forest

Posted on December 10, 2014 by

     Man’s reverence of trees goes back a long time. As we enjoy the coming holidays, reflect on how interwoven forest plants are with Christmas symbols and traditions.   The Christmas Tree: An evergreen tree, sparkling with ornaments and lights, … Continue reading →

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Keeping Christmas Trees Fresh

Posted on December 3, 2014 by

The smell, look, and feel of a live tree provide a strong Christmas tradition that many of us cannot do without. But with that comes the concern of the tree drying out and becoming a fire hazard. There is an … Continue reading →

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