Celebration

Happy New Year - Video

New Year - Video

2006 is almost over.

I don't know where it went ... do you?

What I do know, is that I will continue to seek out things to celebrate, today and everyday of each and every year. And in that spirit, I hope you enjoy this short video as you prepare to celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Celebration of Kwanzaa Contextualized - Video -

As we taked about in the last article, the Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days, starting the 26th of Devember. But very few people outside of the African-American community, know much about Kwanzaa, or understand the philosophy and symbolism of the celebration.

I hope that the following video helps to explain the origins of the celebration of Kwanzaa. This video presents some clarifications about what the first Kwanzaa celebrants had in mind, independent of the person of Ron Karenga, who was the driving force behind the celebration.

As always, feel free to leave any comments or ask questions.

 

Another Christmas Video

It's the Saturday before Christmas and, if you're at all like me, there's still so much to do and so little time to get it done.

Of course, I suppose I would have more of the Christmas stuff done, if only I had spent less time working on my other web projects and watching less football! Oh well ... some how I just believe that it will all get done on schedule. (It always does!)

One of the things I've spent way too much time doing today is searching for the best Christmas videos I can find to share with my readers. And guess what? ... I've found another one.

So while you sit back and enjoy this Christmas video, I'll be wrapping some gifts and baking some cookies. Enjoy!!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS tells the heartfelt tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, and all things that go bump in the night. Bored with the same old tricks and treats, he yearns for something more, and soon stumbles upon the glorious magic of Christmas Town! Jack decides to bring this joyful holiday back to Halloween Town. But as his dream to fill Santa's shoes unravels, it's up to Sally, the rag doll who loves him, to stitch things back together. This critically acclaimed movie milestone captured the heart and imagination of audiences everywhere with its Academy Award®-nominated stop-motion effects, engaging Grammy®-nominated music, and the genius of Tim Burton.

I hope you enjoy this clip from the movie.

Christmas in Lights Musical Video

Most of us grew up listening to the traditional type of Christmas music. Right?

Well, Christmas music has changed a bit over the years and with the advent of video, we can experience some of the old time favorites in a whole new way!

This musical video of Christmas lights, is set to the fantastic music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. So hit the play button, crank up your speakers and sit back and enjoy!!!

A Charlie Brown Christmas Video

For as long as I can remember, when I think of Christmas, I am reminded of a specific scene in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.

I began to search around so I could share it with you and ... sure enough I found it.

It's a rather short video clip but I sure hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Celebration of Chanaukah Part 1)

The Celebration of Chanukah

Chanukah began at sundown yesterday, December 15, which is actually the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev. Lasting for eight days and nights, it celebrates the triumphs, both religious and military, of the ancient Jewish heroes. The celebration of Chanukah includes games, festive foods and blessings, and tells a story of Jewish culture surviving in a non-Jewish world.

Chanukah, or Hanukah, (or even Hanukkah,) is known as the “Festival of Lights,” and is really a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year. Over the years, it's proximity to Christmas, has brought greater attention to Chanukah, and the tradition of giving gifts, to the non-Jewish community.

The Story of Chanukah

About 2,200 years ago, (in 168 B.C.E.,) religious Jews, led by Mattathias the Hasmonean, and later his son Judah the Maccabee, took up arms against a Greek-Syrian ruler named Antiochus IV, who ruled Jerusalem.  Antiochus IV tried to force Greek culture and religion upon peoples in his territory and took over the great temple of Jerusalem, burned the holy books and condemned the scholars to death.

A rebellious group of men led by Judah the Maccabee, became known as the Maccabees. After three years of fighting, in the year 3597, or about 165 B.C.E., the Maccabees victoriously reclaimed the temple on Jerusalem's Mount Moriah.

Upon reclaiming the temple, they began to prepare for the cleansing and rededication of the temple. (In Hebrew, the word Chanukah means "dedication.") To accomplish this task, they needed to reestablish the eternal light, and for that they needed consecrated oil. The problem was that in the temple they found only enough purified oil to kindle the temple light for a single day, and it would take eight days to make new oil. But miraculously, the light continued to burn for eight days with only the small amount of all that they used.

A Spiritual Look at the Meaning of Chanukah

Christmas Greetings Around the World

When we talk about Christmas, we want to remember that Christmas is a time for sharing.

With that thought in mind, I have chosen to share with you a video that depicts the celebration of Christmas around the world. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Christmas Lights and Music Video

This video is yet another great display of Christmas lights. Timing the lights to a cool track of music, this house does a light show just in time for the holidays.

Enjoy!