The Little White Envelope
.TNT:
Mot: THE LITTLE WHITE ENVELOPE:
"It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.
It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it – overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma – the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.
Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.
A Brief History of How Nutcracker Dolls Became A Christmas Symbol for the Ages
A Brief History of How Nutcracker Dolls Became A Christmas Symbol for the Ages
Around the start of December, it’s not unusual to see decorative nutcrackers on store shelves, arranged on mantelpieces, hanging from Christmas trees, and even decorating holiday sweaters. For some, their colorful outfits, hand-painted faces, and tufts of white hair are the very definition of Christmas cheer. But have you ever wondered how these nutcrackers got to be so popular, and why people usually only bring them out at Christmastime? The answer involves German literature, a Russian ballet, and lots of generous American G.I.s.
From Basic to Beautiful
Humans have been using tools to crack nuts for thousands of years. The earliest designs were merely two pieces of wood joined by leather or a metal hinge, but as the centuries progressed, artisans started to create figurative designs for nutcrackers, such as brass crocodiles in India and cast-iron squirrels in England.
Santa Claus Images History
Santa Claus Images History
Lorraine Boissoneault December 19, 2018
A Civil War Cartoonist Created the Modern Image of Santa Claus as Union Propaganda
Thomas Nast is legendary for his political cartoons, but he’s also responsible for the jolly St. Nick we know today
You could call it the face that launched a thousand Christmas letters. Appearing on January 3, 1863, in the illustrated magazine Harper’s Weekly, two images cemented the nation’s obsession with a jolly old elf. The first drawing shows Santa distributing presents in a Union Army camp.
At a Gas Station on a Cold Christmas Eve............
A NEW CHRISTMAS STORY . . .This story is better than any greeting card.
The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been
anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to
him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate.
He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last
hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless
man stepped through.
Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his
customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank
you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy,
I'll just go."
"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.
4 Common Thanksgiving Myths And The Real Facts Behind Them
VERIFY: 4 Common Thanksgiving Myths And The Real Facts Behind Them
Author: VERIFY, Terry Spry Jr.
The VERIFY team separated fact from fiction on 4 popular Thanksgiving myths including who started the turkey pardoning tradition and how Black Friday got its name.
Thanksgiving is almost here and with the annual festivities also comes years upon years of myths that have developed around one of the biggest holidays of the year for Americans. The myths, misconceptions and legends around Thanksgiving predate the internet, yet have persisted in the digital world all the same. Here are four common Thanksgiving myths, all of which are false, and the truth behind the holiday weekend’s various stories.
35 Thanksgiving Quotes That Capture the True Meaning of the Day
35 Thanksgiving Quotes That Capture the True Meaning of the Day
By Annie O’sullivan And Kelsey Hurwitz Nov 19, 2020
When it comes to Thanksgiving, a lot of emphasis gets put on the food; and, rightfully so. Between the juicy turkey, savory sides, and sweet desserts, there are a lot of edible elements to focus on come Thanksgiving Day. But as you make your way through the day, it’s important to practice gratitude and give thanks for the good that’s come your way. (Yes, even in a year filled with a lot of bad.) One way to do that is to read a Thanksgiving quote — aloud or to yourself — that captures the true meaning of the holiday.
Now, to be clear, the origins of the holiday have dark historical roots that have more to do with colonization than appreciation. But over the years, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with thanks (I mean, it’s right in the name.) So make sure to take a moment from your busy day to give thanks.
These Thanksgiving quotes emphasize the role gratitude can play in your life — and not just one day a year. Even in the darkest of times, there is so much to be thankful for, and in a year that has included global pandemic and continued racial injustices, Thanksgiving can be a day to remember all of the good things, big and small. And make sure those in your life are doing the same.
12 Unrecognizable Signs of Wealth
12 Unrecognizable Signs of Wealth
October 20, 2023 By Jordan Rosenfeld
You may think you can spot the signs of wealth at a glance — surely just look for the designer clothing and purses, yachts, fancy cars, gigantic mansions and diamonds dripping from fingers, right? Not necessarily.
In fact, there are many signs of wealth you wouldn’t notice or think to look for, and some that are actually quite hidden. Experts explain what some of these unrecognizable signs of wealth actually are.
Minimizing the Opinions of Others
Minimizing the Opinions of Others
Written by Cheryl Smith
One of the many things I have observed as a longtime online writer is the ebb and flow of the opinions of others. Putting yourself out there, being real and transparent, and sharing from your heart opens the door for others to react and respond, and their feedback can either distract and discourage or affirm and encourage you.
Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned over the past nearly 12 years that are not only for online authors but can be applied to anyone who deals with the opinions of others. Don’t we all?
The No. 1 Personality Trait Linked To A Long Life
The No. 1 Personality Trait Linked To A Long Life:
‘The effects of just being positive are overstated,’ psychology expert says
Published Sun, Sep 17 2023 Aditi Shrikant
The number of people who are living to at least 100 years old in the U.S. has doubled over the past decade. Many centenarians credit their longevity, at least in part, to their positive attitude.
Roslyn Menaker, 103, told The Guardian that “happiness, joy, appreciation … a positive outlook,” are why she has lived so long. Ruth Sweedler, 103, told CNBC Make It that she was always praised for her good attitude growing up. “When I walked into a classroom, my teacher would say, ‘Good morning, sunshine!’ Because I was so cheerful,” she said.
China’s Qing Dynasty Collapsed For Reasons That Feel Eerily Familiar
China’s Qing Dynasty Collapsed For Reasons That Feel Eerily Familiar
BRIEFING #195 whitehatauxiliaries September 13, 2023
Guest Feature Qing dynasty ruler Qing ruler Dorgon.
Salve Citizens,
As we close the 3rd quarter or 2023, most would agree that the general state of society is decaying and is in need of a serious change. Central to this for our purpose, is, of course, the natural curiosity about the Global Settlements. As much as we would love to have unrestricted news on the matter, such a thing is just not possible. What you see released here, to greater or lesser degree, is as good as it can be. And it’s far more accurate and reliable than what is claimed elsewhere.
Goldilocks' Comments and Global Economic News for Friday, September 1, 2023
Good morning Dinar Recaps,
Goldilocks posted comments and news links on the global financial system
SEBA Hong Kong has received the AIP for its licence application to operate regulated activities in Hong Kong to deal in securities, including virtual assets-related products, such as OTC derivatives and structured products; advise on securities and virtual assets; and conduct asset management for discretionary accounts in both traditional securities and virtual assets.
This license, when issued, will pave the way for SEBA Hong Kong to be part of the first group of licensed corporations in Hong Kong to conduct investment services with crypto capabilities in the market, making the Switzerland-headquartered bank a significant frontrunner in Hong Kong’s burgeoning crypto economy.