Celebrate the Holidays Around the World

December 18, 2013
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Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring.  People in China see it as a way to wish for good luck.  They put good luck sayings in their homes and watch a colorful Lion Dance.  The Lion Dance is supposed to ward away the bad luck.  People also give gifts to others. […]

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A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

December 15, 2013
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NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL — (1X) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.  Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my mother.  Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of […]

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Emme Readers Voted…

December 11, 2013
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With the holidays right around the corner, everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit!  Emme readers are in the midst of decorating their homes, wrapping gifts, and going to see the beautiful Christmas lights downtown.  But, take a moment to talk about their favorite things this time of year. Movie 1.  Christmas Vacation 2.  Home […]

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Christmas Celebrations and Traditions in Italy

December 10, 2013
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Filomena Orsi DeMarco Calabria, Italy Emme Magazine was excited to interview Filomena Orsi DeMarco, a native of Calabria, Italy.  Growing up in Italy, Filomena had memorable holidays.  I am excited that she decided to share it with Emme! Food In our family, we would eat fish and vegetables on Christmas Eve.  We would also bake […]

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Get Cozy with a Candy Cane Martini

December 9, 2013
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Candy Cane Martini 1 1/2 ounces of vanilla vodka 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps 1 ounce club soda crushed candy canes for garnish Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes. Mix vodka, schnapps, and club soda with ice in a cocktail shaker; strain into prepared glass. You could also also hang a candy cane outside […]

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Grandma Catherine’s “Cucina Del Sole” Struffoli

December 8, 2013
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4 cups all-purpose flour 8 eggs 2 egg yolks Pinch of salt 4 tablespoons softened butter Grated rind of 1/2 lemon Grated rind of 1/2 orange Oil for frying 3/4 cup honey 4 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cup diced candied orange peel (optional) Multi-colored candy shots for decoration Sift the flour into a bowl.  Make a […]

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Was Jesus Born on December 25?

December 6, 2013
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On Dec. 25, we drink eggnog, have parties, and exchange presents all in celebration of the birth of Jesus.  But, was Jesus really born on Dec. 25? According to howstuffworks.com: “By the early fourth century, Church leaders decided they needed a Christian alternative to rival popular solstice celebrations. They chose December 25th as the date […]

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Are the Holidays Making You Depressed?

December 5, 2013
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this website and the comments from Dr. Hughes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or psychological disorder. The information presented is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment. You are advised to seek professional medical and psychological help as necessary. Although holidays are billed as […]

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Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party

December 4, 2013
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Cookies, cookies, cookies!  Who doesn’t love a delicious Christmas cookie?  For those of you who love cookies and parties, hosting a cookie exchange is a great idea for you! Get out your favorite recipes and invite over friends, co-workers, and family for an afternoon of cookie and Christmas delights!  Bake your cookies ahead of time […]

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A Very Merry 1950’s Christmas: More Cheer, Less Materials

December 3, 2013
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When I was growing up, Christmas was based more on the birth of Christ, and less on material objects.  There wasn’t any huge sales like there is today.  There wasn’t such an emphasis on getting and giving big presents.  Christmas was more of a religious holiday.  NOTHING was open on Christmas day.  For Thanksgiving, stores […]

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