My Blog

 December 2024

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December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Its length is 31 days.

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December name: 

December's name derives from the Latin word “decem” (meaning ten) because it was originally the tenth month of the year in the calendar of Romulus c. 750 BC, which began in March. 

In that Calendar, the winter days following December were not included as part of any month. 

Later, with the Julian calendar the months of January and February were created out of the month-less period and added to the beginning of the calendar, but December retained its name.

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Astronomy:

December contains the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the fewest daylight hours, and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the day with the most daylight hours (excluding polar regions in both cases, which consistently have none or 24 hours, respectively, near the solstice). December in the Northern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent to June in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. In the Northern hemisphere, the beginning of the astronomical winter is traditionally 21 December or the date of the solstice.

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Symbols of December:

December's birth flower is the narcissus. 

Its birthstones are turquoise, zircon and tanzanite.

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Astrology:

The zodiac signs for the month of December are Sagittarius(until December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 onward).

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Narcissus flower: 

Description: 

Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are a popular type of daffodil, characterized by their delicate, fragrant, and white, star-shaped flowers. They belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are native to the Mediterranean region.

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Narcissi flowers are also seen to represent; creativity, inspiration, awareness and inner reflection, forgiveness, and vitality. If you give a bunch of narcissi to a loved one it means 'they're the only one' and is said to ensure happiness.

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You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_(plant)

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The myth of Narcissus:

In both Ovid's and Pausanias' versions of Narcissus, Narcissus dies by a pool gazing at his own reflection that he falls in love with. He has no concern about anything around him nor does he eat or sleep. He takes his last dying breath by himself and dies by the image that he will never have but so badly desires.

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You may read more:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_(mythology)

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echo_and_Narcissus

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Turquoise stone

Turquoise is a stone of great wisdom. It enhances communication between this world and the spiritual worlds. It has a purifying essence and protects us from negative outside influences. Turquoise sends a cool refreshing energy into us when we feel spiritually tired and need to be nourished and restored to ourselves.

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Cultural associations:

In many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, this gemstone has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. 

The oldest evidence for this claim was found in Ancient Egypt, where grave furnishings with turquoise inlay were discovered, dating from approximately 3000 BCE. 

In the ancient Persian Empire, the sky-blue gemstones were earlier worn round the neck or wrist as protection against unnatural death. If they changed colour, the wearer was thought to have reason to fear the approach of doom. 

Meanwhile, it has been discovered that the turquoise certainly can change colour, but that this is not necessarily a sign of impending danger. The change can be caused by the light, or by a chemical reaction brought about by cosmetics, dust or the acidity of the skin.

The Egyptian goddess Hathor was associated with turquoise, as she was the patroness of Serabit el-Khadim, where it was mined. Her titles included "Lady of Turquoise", "Mistress of Turquoise", and "Lady of Turquoise Country".

In Western culture, turquoise is also the traditional birthstone for those born in the month of December. The turquoise is also a stone in the Jewish High Priest's breastplate, described in Exodus chapter 28. The stone is also considered sacred to the indigenous Zuni and Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest.

The pre-Columbian Aztec and Maya also considered it to be a valuable and culturally important stone.

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You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turquoise

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https://www.rocksandgemscanada.com/collections/turquoise?srsltid=AfmBOopqbnl4fXmN5QekEEruwgpxwOiAzJJnWmiiQMMelERYwY7vCEle

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Zircon stone:

The name "Zircon" derives from the Persian “zargun”, meaning "gold-hued".

This word is changed into "jargoon", a term applied to light-colored zircons.

English word "zircon" is derived from Zirkon, which is the German adaptation of this word.

Yellow, orange, and red zircon is also known as "hyacinth", from the flower "Hyacinthus", whose name is of Ancient Greek origin.

Zircon is said to have great healing energy that can promote balance between a person's physical, emotional and spiritual selves. The gem is believed to help keep people grounded and to promote intuitive and psychic abilities, so it is frequently used during meditation.

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You may read more: 

https://www.americangemsociety.org/zircon-folklore/

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zircon

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Tanzanite stone:

The gemstone was given the name "tanzanite" by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered.

Tanzanite is commonly believed to facilitate a higher consciousness and stimulate intuition and perception. Some believe that it aids in detoxifying the body and improving vitality. It is said to be a good stone to wear or have near in situations where you need a calming and soothing presence.

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You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzanite

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https://www.rocksandgemscanada.com/collections/tanzanite?srsltid=AfmBOoo2tFiCHBAyp4Jhfi-1oCwFv_itg2SOGmrCH-jb4xsFQqe6AJ7g

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Sagittarius zodiac: 

Sagittarius (♐︎) (Greek: Τοξότης, romanized: Toxótēs, Latin for "archer") is the ninth astrological sign, which is associated with the constellation Sagittarius and spans 240–270th degrees of the zodiac. 

Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this sign between approximately November 22 and December 21. 

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Greek mythology associates Sagittarius with the wise centaur Chiron, who was the educator of many Greek heroes.  

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Sagittarius, the half human and half horse, is the centaur of mythology, the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven. 

Also known as the Archer, Sagittarius is represented by the symbol of a bow and arrow.

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You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittarius_(astrology)

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Greek mythology of the constellation Sagittarius: 

SAGITTARIUS, The Archer, represents a centaur - half-man, half-horse creature. 

Greek mythology associates Sagittarius with the centaur Chiron, who mentored Achilles, a Greek hero of the Trojan War.

Chiron was also the wise teacher of many other famous heroes: Patroclus, Medus, Jason, Asclepius, Actaeon, Aristaeus and many more. 

CENTAUR Chiron, was held to be the superlative centaur amongst his brethren since he was called the "wisest and justness of all the centaurs". 

Chiron was notable throughout Greek mythology for his youth-nurturing nature. 

His personal skills tend to match those of his foster father – God Apollo - who taught the young centaur the art of medicine, herbs, music, archery, hunting, gymnastics, and prophecy, and made him rise above his “centaur -beastly nature”.

Chiron was known for his knowledge and skill with medicine, and thus was credited with the discovery of botany and pharmacy, the science of herbs and medicine.

Zeus appreciated Centaur Chiron's virtues and granted Chiron the great gift of immortal status.

Chiron became the stars in the sky. 

The constellation Sagittarius is where Chiron is now. 

He studies us all from the night sky, playfully twinkling in the warm summer sky, and shooting stars that even Hercules found epic.

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You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiron

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https://www.dltk-teach.com/fairy-tales/sagittarius/story.htm

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https://www.britannica.com/video/this-month-in-astrology-Sagittarius-Zodiac/-293258

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittarius_(astrology)#:~:text=Greek%20mythology%20associates%20Sagittarius%20with,the%20Trojan%20War%2C%20in%20archery.&text=Sagittarius%2C%20the%20half%20human%20and,bridge%20between%20Earth%20and%20Heaven.

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Sagittarius man personality: 

The Sagittarius man is optimistic above all else. He sees every moment as an opportunity to learn something new or to help someone or to improve at a skill. Every goal he makes is lofty and ambitious, and every obstacle he faces is just a chance to improve.

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Sagittarius man sexuality:

The Sagittarius man's approach to sexuality is as multifaceted and adventurous as his overall personality. He is known for his playful, spontaneous, and experimental nature, always eager to explore new realms of physical and emotional intimacy.

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You may read more:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25608919/sagittarius-man-personality-traits/

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Important and commemorative days in December 2024 in Canada: 

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December 3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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December 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

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December 10

Human Rights Day

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December 11

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster

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December 18 

International Migrants Day

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December 21 

Winter Solstice

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December 24

Christmas Eve

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December 25

Christmas Day

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December 31

New Year’s Eve 

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Important and commemorative days in December 2024 in Canada analytically: 

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December 3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been observed with varying degrees of success around the planet.

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations'_International_Day_of_Persons_with_Disabilities

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December 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (French: Journée Nationale de Commémoration et d'Action Contre la Violence à l'Égard des Femmes), also known informally as White Ribbon Day (Jour du Ruban Blanc), is a day commemorated in Canada each December 6, the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, in which armed student Marc Lépine murdered fourteen women and injured fourteen others in the name of "fighting feminism".

The commemoration date was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1991. The legislation was introduced in the House of Commons as a private member's bill by Dawn Black, Member of Parliament for New Westminster-Burnaby, British Columbia, and received all-party support.

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Remembrance_and_Action_on_Violence_Against_Women

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December 10

Human Rights Day.

Human Rights Day (HRD) is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December every year.

The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw fit.

You may read more:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Day

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December 11

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster.

Building upon resolutions passed at the Imperial Conferences of 1926 and 1930, Canada and other dominions of the then British Empire sought to gain formal recognition of their autonomy from the United Kingdom. In the 50 years since Confederation and having attained a true sense of nationhood at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, Canada actively worked for such recognition of its autonomy to be expressed both at home and on the international stage. This was to find expression through the granting of legislative equal status for all the self-governing dominions. The Statute of Westminster, 1931 — an act of the British Parliament — affirmed Canadian autonomy and recognized the virtual independence of the dominions that, for all intents and purposes, had existed in principle since World War I and the Treaty of Versailles that followed. Beyond marking a truly significant milestone in our evolution as an independent nation, the Statute of Westminster, 1931 can be seen, in many ways, as the foundation or charter of the present-day Commonwealth.

You may read more: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/important-commemorative-days/anniversary-statute-westminster.html

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December 18 

International Migrants Day.

International Migrant Day takes place every year on December 18. The event, which originated in 2000 and was proclaimed by the U.N. General Assembly, is an opportunity for organizations like the Canadian Red Cross to spread information about the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants.

You may read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Migrants_Day

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December 21 

Winter Solstice.

During December solstice, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, located in the Southern Hemisphere. The solstice also marks the changing of seasons in many countries. 21 December is the first day of winter (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the first day of summer (in the Southern Hemisphere).

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_solstice#:~:text=During%20December%20solstice%2C%20the%20Sun,located%20in%20the%20Southern%20Hemisphere.&text=The%20solstice%20also%20marks%20the,(in%20the%20Southern%20Hemisphere).

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December 24

Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve is on December 24 and marks the culmination of the Advent period before Christmas that starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. Many churches mark the end of Advent with midnight church services. During modern times, it is popularly celebrated on the night before Christmas Day.

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Eve

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December 25

Christmas Day.

On December 25, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Christ. The origins of the holiday are uncertain; by the year 336, however, the Christian church in Rome observed the Feast of the Nativity on December 25.

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

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Why Is Christmas in December?

The origins of the Christmas holiday and its December date lie in the ancient Greco-Roman world, as commemorations probably began sometime in the 2nd century. There are at least three possible origins for the December date. The Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus dated Jesus’ conception to March 25 (the same date upon which he held that the world was created), which, after nine months in his mother’s womb, would result in a December 25 birth.

In the 3rd century, the Roman Empire, which at the time had not adopted Christianity, celebrated the rebirth of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) on December 25th. This holiday not only marked the return of longer days after the winter solstice but also followed the popular Roman festival called the Saturnalia (during which people feasted and exchanged gifts). It was also the birthday of the Indo-European deity Mithra, a god of light and loyalty whose cult was at the time growing popular among Roman soldiers.

The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. 

As Constantine had made Christianity the effective religion of the empire, some have speculated that choosing this date had the political motive of weakening the established pagan celebrations. 

The date was not widely accepted in the Eastern Empire, where January 6 had been favored, for another half-century, and Christmas did not become a major Christian festival until the 9th century.

You may read more: 

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-christmas-in-december

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https://www.britannica.com/video/Christmas-December-25/-238775

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History of Christmas Trees: 

The history of Christmas trees has many roots, ranging from the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome to the German traditions of candlelit trees that made its way to America in the 1800s. Discover the history of the Christmas tree, from the earliest winter solstice celebrations to Queen Victoria’s decorating habits and the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City.

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In Britain, the Christmas tree was introduced in the early 19th century by the German-born Queen Charlotte. 

In 1832, the future Queen Victoria wrote about her delight at having a Christmas tree, hung with lights, ornaments, and presents placed round it.

After her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, by 1841 the custom became more widespread throughout Britain.

An image of the British royal family with their Christmas tree at Windsor Castle created a sensation when it was published in the Illustrated London News in 1848. 

A modified version of this image was published in Godey's Lady's Book, Philadelphia in 1850.

By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America.

You may read more: 

https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees

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First Christmas Tree in Canada: 

The Christmas tree made its first appearance in North America on Christmas Eve 1781, in Sorel, Quebec. 

The baroness Riedesel hosted a Christmas party and invited British and German officers.

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Santa Claus: 

Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or Santa) is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve. He is said to accomplish this with the aid of Christmas elves, who make the toys in his workshop, and with the aid of flying reindeer who pull his sleigh through the air.

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus

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Christmas elf:

In English-speaking cultures, a Christmas elf is a diminutive elf that lives with Santa Claus at the North Pole and acts as his helper. Christmas elves are usually depicted as green- or red-clad, with large, pointy ears and wearing pointy hats. They are most often depicted as humanoids, but sometimes as furry mammals with tails. Santa's elves are often said to make the toys in Santa's workshop and take care of his reindeer, among other tasks.

They were first introduced in literature by Louisa May Alcott in 1856. Santa is much older, emerging in U.S. folklore in the early 17th century from St. Nicholas with attributes of various European Christmas traditions, especially from English Father Christmas and Dutch Sinterklaas. The association of Christmas presents with elves has precedents in the first half of the 19th century with the Scandinavian “nisse” or “tomte”, and St Nicholas himself is called an elf in A Visit from St. Nicholas (1823).

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_elf

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December 31

New Year’s Eve.

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve, also known as Old Year's Day, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, 31 December. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated with dancing, eating, drinking, and watching or lighting fireworks. Some Christians attend a watchnight service. The celebrations generally go on past midnight into New Year's Day, 1 January. 

You may read more: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Eve

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Christmas traditions and customs in Canada:

Montreal:

Montreal is another Canadian city that is darn cold but still charming over the holidays—especially in Old Montreal, with its historic buildings and cobblestone roads. The city puts on plenty of festive events starting at the end of November, with the annual Santa Claus Parade (locally known as the Défilé du Père Noël) kicking off the season every year since 1925.

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Luminothérapie, which takes place throughout the holiday season and into March, is one of the city's most popular winter events. Free to the public in the Quartier des Spectacles district, Luminothérapie is a competition where local artists display interactive public art installations and video projections. Merry Montreal, meanwhile, is a city-wide event where three public spaces—Place Jacques-Cartier, Square Dorchester, and Square Victoria—get decked out in public art installations and festive lights in December.

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You may read more: 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/christmas-traditions-and-customs-in-canada-4178657

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Best Canadian recipes for December / Christmas: 

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https://www.finedininglovers.com/article/7-classic-canadian-christmas-dishes

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https://www.canadianliving.com/food/entertaining/feature/our-favourite-recipes-for-holiday-entertaining

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https://hiddenponies.com/2013/12/a-canadian-christmas-tradition-tourtiere/

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https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/canadian-goodness/recipes/our-recipe-collections/holiday-recipes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_6pIKUap8Y

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Montreal festivals and events December 2024

http://www.go-montreal.com/attraction_events_dec.htm

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December quotes and sayings:

· "It's the most wonderful time of the year." — Unknown

· "December is a simple wish that brings spectacular moments." — Unknown

· "December: A month of lights, snow, coziness, and feasts; time to make amends and tie up loose ends; finish what you started and make your wishes come true." — Unknown

· "Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year." — Charles Dickens

· "May and October, the best-smelling months? I’ll make a case for December; evergreen, frost, wood smoke, cinnamon." — Lisa Kleypas

· "December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come." — Fennel Hudson

· "November, I’ll give thanks that you belong to me. December, you’re the present beneath my Christmas tree." — Neil Sedaka

· "In cold December fragrant chaplets blow, and heavy harvests nod beneath the snow." — Alexander Pope

· "December has the clarity, the simplicity, and the silence you need for the best fresh start of your life." — Vivian Swift

· "To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold." — Aristotle

· "When snow falls, nature listens." — Antoinette van Kleef

· "Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers." — Kahlil Gibran

· "Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world." — Sarah Addison Allen

· "Welcome winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless." — Terri Guillemets

· "The color of springtime is in the flowers; the color of winter is in the imagination." — Terri Guillemets

· "A little more fun, a little more love, a little more light every night. That’s the joy of Hanukkah." — Unknown

· "Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home." — Edith Sitwell

· "Winter is a season of recovery and preparation." — Paul Theroux

· "Wisdom comes with winters." — Oscar Wilde

· "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." — Hamilton Wright Mabie

· "Winter forms our character and brings out our best." — Tom Allen

· "In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." — William Blake

· "Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day." — Elizabeth Bowen

· "Winter is not a season, it's a celebration." — Anamika Mishra

· "Let all the failures of your past year be your best guide in the New Year." — Mehmet Murat ildan

· "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." — Oprah Winfrey

· "As we look to the new year, hold on to what is good. Let go of what is bad. It really is that simple." — Mandy Hale

· "May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility." — Mary Anne Radmacher

· "What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year." — Vern McLellan

· "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." — Hal Borland

· "Mankind is a great, an immense family. This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas." — Pope John XXIII

· "Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection." — Winston Churchill

· "Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand." — Dr. Seuss

· "Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever." — Richelle E. Goodrich

· "May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve." — Unknown

· "'Maybe Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more.'" — Dr. Seuss

· "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." — Charles Schulz

· "Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." — Ruth Carter 

· "If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard." — Unknown

· "There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus." — Bob Phillips

· "You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights." — Maya Angelou

· "Christmas is a magical time of year… I just watched all my money magically disappear." — Unknown

· "Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." — Larry Wilde

· "It is December, and nobody asked if I was ready." — Sarah Kay

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You may read more: 

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=December&commit=Search

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Christmas quotes and sayings:

· "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schulz

· "Christmas Eve will find me, where the lovelight gleams. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." – Kim Gannon and Walter Kent, "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

· “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner Rice

· "The joy of brightening other lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays." – W. C. Jones

· "Christmas magic is silent. You don't hear it–you feel it. You know it. You believe it." – Kevin Alan Milne

· "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow." – Irving Berlin, "White Christmas"

· "It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be." – Frank Cross

· "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." – Mother Theresa

· "The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us." – Anonymous

· "We should learn the true Christmas lesson of gentle, thoughtful kindness to those we love and to all we meet in life's busy ways." – J. R. Miller

· "Don't get caught up in the wrapping paper and forget that the gift of the Christmas season is simply love." – Toni Sorenson

· "I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." – Harlan Miller

· “There's nothing cozier than a Christmas tree all lit up.” ― Jenny Han

· "One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly." – Andy Rooney

· "Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin–inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night." – John J. Geddes

· "During the holiday season, in fact all year long, wrap yourself around another's presence, not presents." – Christine E. Szymanski

· "The mood is right, the spirit's up. We're here tonight, and that's enough. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time." – Paul McCartney, "Wonderful Christmas Time"

· "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." — Burton Hills

· "Christmas is the day that holds all time together." — Alexander Smith

· "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." – Will Ferrell, Elf

· "Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light. From now on, your troubles will be out of sight." – Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

· "At Christmas, all roads lead home." – Marjorie Holmes

· "I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things. It's about being good to one another." — Carrie Fisher

· "Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas." ― Pope John XXIII

· "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" – Theodor Seuss Geisel, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

· "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." – Norman Vincent Peale

· "And so I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from one to 92. Although it's been said many times, many ways, merry Christmas to you." – Robert Wells, "The Christmas Song"

· "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future." – Agnes M. Pahro

· "Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." ―Peg Bracken

· "Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever." – Richelle E. Goodrich

· "Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves." ― Eric Sevareid

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You may read more: 

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?page=32&q=Christmas

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Santa Claus quotes and sayings:

· Francis P. Church 

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.”

· Clement Clarke Moore

“His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!”

· Chris, "The Polar Express"

“On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound I was afraid I’d never hear. The ringing bells of Santa’s sleigh.”

· Francis P. Church

"Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!”

· Shirley Temple Black

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.”

· Robert Paul

“You know you're getting old when Santa starts looking younger.”

· Charmaine J. Forde

"An ounce of goodness every day,

Can soothe the heart in many ways,

An ounce of goodness 'just because'

Don't wait until Christmas to be Santa Claus."

· Jon Bon Jovi

“Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa Claus. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don’t, who will?”

· Lemony Snicket

“The real Santa Claus is at the mall.”

· Anonymous

“Dear Santa, Before I explain, how much do you know already?”

· Truman Capote

“Of course there is a Santa Claus. It’s just that no single somebody could do all he has to do. So the Lord has spread the task among us all. That’s why everybody is Santa Claus. I am. You are.”

· Jack Handy

"If you ever have to steal money from your kid, and later on he discovers it's gone, I think a good thing to do is to blame it on Santa Claus."

· James Gould

"A cynic is just a man who found out when he was about 10 that there wasn't any Santa Claus, and he's still upset."

· Tom Armstrong

"Let me see if I've got this Santa business straight. You say he wears a beard, has no discernible source of income, and flies to cities all over the world under the cover of darkness? You sure this guy isn't laundering illegal drug money?"

· Victor Borge

"Santa Claus has the right idea—visit people only once a year."

· Dick Gregory

"I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into my neighborhood after dark."

· Herbert Hoover

"A good many things go around in the dark besides Santa Claus."

· Francis P. Church

"Alas! How dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus! There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence."

· Edwin Osgood Grover

"Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows."

· Paul M. Ell

"They err who thinks Santa Claus comes down through the chimney; he really enters through the heart."

· Bob Phillips

"There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus."

· Pat Boone

"The greatest thing is not to believe in Santa Claus; it is to be Santa Claus."

· Dolly Parton

"I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and true love. Don't even try to tell me different."

· Gary Allan

“Let’s be naughty and save Santa the trip.”

· Anonymous

“It’s all fun and games until Santa checks the naughty list.”

· Matt Groening

“Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. You know, the birth of Santa?”

· Catherine Tate

“Who’s the bane of Santa’s life? The elf and safety officer.”

· Anonymous

“I left Santa gluten-free cookies and organic soy milk and he put a solar panel in my stocking.”

· Unknown

"Dear Santa, I have been nice all year. Most of the time. Once in awhile. Never mind, I'll buy my own stuff."

· Santa Claus in "Home Alone"

“How can you give Kris Kringle a parking ticket on Christmas Eve? What’s next, rabies shots for the Easter Bunny?”

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You may read more – from The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus Quotes: 

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/701311-the-life-and-adventures-of-santa-claus#:~:text=In%20all%20this%20world%20there,beautiful%20as%20a%20happy%20child.&text=Everything%20perishes%20except%20the%20world,are%20sure%20to%20live%20again.

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Santa books: 

https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Santa&qid=q1MepTaMmz

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December 2024 in Massage Luc:

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The month of November 2024 was really an "interesting" month. 

I have been busy. 

I had my regular local clients - and unexpectedly this November I was having tourists. 

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I had several interesting experiences.

I will mention one specific experience - because I believe that it is worth mentioning:

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I received a call to go massage 2 clients in a  five - stars - Hotel downtown. 

I asked if the clients were a gay - couple. 

And I got this reply: 

"Just one gay man. The second man is not gay - but wants the experience. I will explain more in person." 

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So, I went. 

I met a very nice guy - he is from the US. 

He explained to me that he is "openly gay". 

In the company where he is working, he is "out of the closet". 

And he said that for many years he was having “secret feelings" for another person inside the same company. 

But he could never speak openly about his "secret love". 

Because the "object of his desire" was a happily married family man. 

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And the company at a certain point sent an entire team of people to Montreal for some reason. 

Our "gay guy" and his "secret love" were included in this team. 

They completed their company's mission - and they were all very happy. 

The last day in Montreal, they were all having lunch together to celebrate the success of their mission. 

At the lunch table the "gay guy" said to the rest of the company that he wanted to call a "Montreal - male - masseur" to celebrate. 

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And then happened the unthinkable: 

The guy that was his "secret love" for all these years, approached him after lunch. 

He approached him secretly and he confessed that he wanted to have the experience of being "touched by another man". 

But this had to be a secret from everybody else. 

PLUS: 

Because it would be the very first time that another man would touch his body, he wanted to have his eyes covered with a sleeping mask. 

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So, the "gay guy" called me. 

He wanted me to massage him and his "secret love". 

He just gave me a condition: 

While his "secret love" would have his eyes covered, he wanted to enter the room and watch. 

Because he was deeply in love with this guy and he wanted at least to see him naked while receiving a massage. 

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So: 

My duty was:

1. First to massage the “gay guy”. 

2. And after to massage the second guy while his eyes were covered.  

And while the eyes of the second guy would be covered, I had to allow the "gay guy" into the room. 

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And so I did. 

I completed the massage with my first client - the gay guy was really very happy with my service. 

After the second guy walked in. 

He covered his eyes and lied naked in front of me.

I started massaging him. 

Then the "gay guy" entered the room secretly. 

And then:

I made a signal to the "gay guy". 

He approached me. 

I put his trembling hand over the body of his "secret love" - and I allowed him to continue the massage that I started. 

I just stepped aside. 

The guy with the “covered eyes” was not aware of the changing of masseurs. 

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Allowing him to continue the massage was not in the schedule. 

That was my “initiative”. 

But had been very appreciated from the “gay guy”. 

And the “massage of love” that he offered to his “secret love” with the “covered eyes” was very-very appreciated from the “receiver”. 

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I had to be there - for the moment the "family guy" would uncover his eyes. 

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It was really very interesting. 

The way the hands of the "gay guy" were touching the body of his "secret love" - that was something that I would never forget. 

That was a real love feeling!

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Both clients were very happy. 

I got paid well and they had given me a very good tip. 

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But I feel that this experience was "above money". 

I feel that I did witness real feelings of love - "secret love". 

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The simplified special  $130  for everything has been very popular and I will keep it for the month of December 2024. 

My regular special is always valid: 

The client that will come 4 times in one month gets a free "boudoir Photography session" value of  $250. 

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December is the month of Christmas, the month of Holidays.

This Holiday season, you allow yourself the inexpensive luxury of a Professional Male Massage. 

Come to Massage Luc. 

I am waiting for YOU!

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Merry Christmas to all my clients. 

Happy Holidays 2024 to all my clients.