Page 58 - December 2023 Issue.indd

to appreciate the beauty and wonders Dongzhi celebrates the winter solstice
of living in our special Shore county! and is observed on the longest night of
Americas patchwork of cultures is well the year. Winter Solstice is celebrated
Spot light reprieve from the cold hard facts year. The Asian word “Dong” means
Senior represented in Caroline, so here is a
on December 21, the longest day of the
of life and a glimpse of what the Holiday
“winter” while “Zhi” means “arrival”
Season is for us all! giving the literal meaning of the festival
“the coming of winter”. (Wiki.0rg)
Senior Moments Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival
celebrated by lighting a candle on the Winter Solstice coincides with the
by Mary Moran
410-479-2535 or 410-490-3078 menorah (a candelabrum with eight pagan holiday, Yule, which begins on

lights) each night. This year Hanukkah the winter solstice and continues for
You know you live on the Eastern Shore is celebrated from December 7-15. Th e 11 days. Many ancient Yule traditions
when Choptank Electric puts out a word “Hanukkah” means “dedication” have been incorporated into modern

request to “Please don’t shoot the lines in Hebrew. This festival commemorates Christmas celebrations, including the
“! the rededication of the Second Temple familiar yule log. (Wiki.org)
of Jerusalem and the first recorded

I got a chuckle out of this headline but successful fight for religious freedom. The feast of St. Nicholas is on December

then read the reminder that “shooting It is also spelled Chanukah. (Wiki.org) 6. It recognizes the Christian bishop
at wires, poles, and insulators is who sold off his inheritance to give
dangerous to you and jeopardizes Kwanzaa, a holiday honoring African to those in need, the sick, and the
everyone’s power.” So, here’s a friendly American culture, is celebrated from suffering. In remembrance of St.
reminder to young and old who are December 26-January 1, mainly in the Nicholas’s generosity, St. Nicholas Day

bored enough to take pot shots at this United States. There are seven principles is marked by giving gifts. It is observed
equipment to “Please don’t shoot the representing seven values of African primarily in the Netherlands and
lines”! Instead, let’s shout out a big culture that help build and reinforce Scandinavia, where the tradition of
“Thank You” to those hardworking community among African Americans. leaving one’s boot or sock outside of
linesmen and lineswomen who brave Each day a different principle is the bedroom door for treats or coins
nasty weather to keep our lights and discussed, and each day a candle is lit began. St. Nicholas is known in the
heat on! Bless you all! on the kinara (7 light candleholder). On Netherlands as Sinterklaas, the word
the sixth day of Kwanzaa, people hold from which Santa Claus derives. (Wiki.
December is the one month that I a Karamu feast, a celebration that may org) Gotta Love good Ole Saint Nick!
simply cannot bring myself to address include music, drumming, discussion
those important dates and numbers of one of the African principles or a Christmas is our Christian celebration
associated with next year’s Medicare chapter in African history, a candle- of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
and Social Security programs. For lighting ritual and finally, a feast. (Wiki. Christians around the world celebrate

yours truly, it is time to step back in org) the birth of our savior with religious
gratitude for friends and family, and services, decorations, lights, Christmas
trees and gift s.
TURNING 65? Latin countries and Hispanic

communities in the United States
Confused about all the Medicare Terms & Options? celebrate Las Posadas from December

Let Me Help You! 16-24, Christmas Eve. The word posada
translates to “dwelling” or “lodging”.
The traditions associated with this nine-

day novena represent the hardships
Anthony Insurance Services faced by Mary and Joseph while seeking
Ann M. Anthony shelter on their journey from Nazareth
to Bethlehem, as well as their search
for a safe place to stay for Mary to give
Specializing in Medicare Supplemental Plans, birth to Jesus.
Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part-D Plans, The tradition features a procession
Dental and Vision, Long Term Care, and Life Insurance of carolers led by a small child
Call Ann Today for an Appointment 410-708-0899 • anthonyins17@gmail.com dressed as an angel. The head of the
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