America's First Christmas (and Christmas Floral Paintings)

Some historians believe the first Christmas in the United States was celebrated in 1539 by Hernando de Soto, a dozen Catholic priests, and around 600 Spanish explorers. The settlers held a Christmas Mass in Anhaica, an Indigenous village now known as Tallahassee, Florida.

The first clearly recorded Christmas in the South was in 1607 at Jamestown, Virginia. This is if you exclude a celebration in 1604 by French settlers when they tried to establish a colony on St. Croix Island off the coast of Maine.

Some call 1776 the first "American" Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created the previous summer.

Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a legal holiday in 1836. Oklahoma was the last state to recognize Christmas as a legal holiday in 1907.

By 1860, 14 states, including several in New England, had adopted Christmas as a legal holiday.

Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston. It wasn't until the 1800s that Americans began to embrace Christmas.

In the United States, Christmas was established as a federal holiday on June 26, 1870.

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(Content generated using Google develop generative AI in Search)

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In the holiday spirit? ~ Lift your spirits!
Floral paintings always lift my spirit.
Adorn any room with these art prints!

'Christmas Roses' Giclee Print - William Jabez Muckley | @AllPosters https://t.co/qcoZq8o9xR #Christmas #flowers #floral #art #gifts #giftideas for #home or #office #HappyHolidays pic.twitter.com/T5DzMls2tA

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 19, 2023

'A Flower that Makes You Imagine Christmas' Giclee Print - Hiroyuki Izutsu | @AllPosters https://t.co/0xSh6CRRyx #Christmas #flowers #floral #art #gifts #giftideas for #home or #office #HappyHolidays pic.twitter.com/edQSL2fthE

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 19, 2023

'Still-Life of Christmas Roses' Giclee Print - Charles Etienne Guerin | @AllPosters https://t.co/bi8OZkJfUZ #Christmas #flowers #floral #art #gifts #giftideas for #home or #office #HappyHolidays pic.twitter.com/heIHmMBWtc

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 19, 2023

'A Christmas Arrangement with Holly, Mistletoe and Other Winter Flowers' Giclee Print - Albert Williams | @AllPosters https://t.co/KJgzb8wM7C #Christmas #flowers #floral #art #gifts #giftideas for #home or #office #HappyHolidays pic.twitter.com/PsMCEpElxc

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 19, 2023

'Bear and Christmas Flowers' Giclee Print - Makiko | @AllPosters https://t.co/zHOXvs17tn #Christmas #flowers #floral #art #gifts #giftideas for #home or #office #HappyHolidays pic.twitter.com/szN1bGe62B

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 19, 2023

REFERENCES:

Contreras, Russell. “Hispanics Led First U.S. Christmas Celebrations.” Axios. Axios, December 21, 2021. https://www.axios.com/2021/12/21/hispanics-first-christmas-celebrations-us.

‌Celebrating Holidays. “History of Christmas in America,” 2023. https://www.celebratingholidays.com/?page_id=1046.

‌billpetro. “History of the First American Christmas: 1776.” Bill Petro. The BPC Group, November 29, 2023. https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-first-american-christmas-1776/.

‌Bhagat, Dhruti. “Boston Public Library.” Bpl.org, December 21, 2018. https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-holidays-christmas/.

‌HISTORY. “History of Christmas - Origins, Traditions & Facts | HISTORY,” October 27, 2009. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas.

‌Dallascitynews.net. “Ten Interesting Facts about Christmas - Dallas City News,” 2023. https://www.dallascitynews.net/ten-interesting-facts-about-christmas.

‌Wikipedia Contributors. “Christmas.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, December 19, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas.

Consumer Electronics and Gadgets Wish List

A fellow freelance writer published his list of the Top 5 Technology Gadgets Christmas Wishlist. However, that was in 2018. Since it's 2020 and I know how fast technology is outdated or invented, I compared that list to tech gadgets on two lists for 2020.

• Tech Radar published a list of Best Gadgets for 2020; and 
• Best Products published The 100 Coolest Tech Gadgets of 2020.

For those who like gaming, TR's list includes the best games console; and for those into health and fitness, TR's list includes the best fitness tracker. (Singular. They only listed one tracker.)

As for me, the Robot Vacuum is still on MY wishlist.

But in that list of 100 gadgets, here are the tech toys that caught my eye:

* There is a Portable Photo Printer. I'm from the Polaroid generation. I remember when one of my brothers got a Polaroid Instant Camera for Christmas. When I saw that gadget I felt this really strong nostalgia vibe.

Image Credit:  Amazon.com

* The Compact Wall Charger is awesome! Carry it in your pocket or your purse and if you need to rapidly charge a smartphone or tablet, just stick in an electrical outlet. It will charge your device and has a feature that protects from overheating.

* The Robot Vacuum is Number 35 on this Top 100 List and still Numero Uno on my list.

* The Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip I like because my kids said that I should like it. They usually know what they're talking about for a lot of this tech stuff.

* The Hot+Cool Cryptomic Air Purifier. To me, this should be the first gadget on the list. Everybody needs to breathe pure air. I believe in air purifiers. I have worked in companies that had air purifiers in the offices. They are amazing!

* Number 100 on this list of 100 is a product that I would have never guessed. It's a Wind-Resistant Umbrella. An umbrella is not an item I usually list under tech gadgets. But this umbrella is no ordinary umbrella! It can survive wind gusts up to 72 mph. Uh-huh. I'm not buying it. I have no need for that. According to the Beaufort Wind Scale, gale-force hurricane winds for a storm are 64 - 73 mph. I grew up in Miami, Florida. I don't go outside in hurricanes and we get enough advanced warning to know that we're supposed to find shelter. I have no need for an umbrella that can withstand 72 mph cause I'm not stupid enough to go outside and try to brave that kind of wind force!

Anyway! That Top 100 List is very easy to peruse. It's a gallery of photos with a description of about 1 or 2 paragraphs and tells you where you can buy these gadgets and how much they cost.

♦♦

Interesting Link:

How Much is Your Old Polaroid Camera Worth? - Catawiki

Source: ForumCoin.com

Loner Games ~ When You Want To Be Alone (Reblog)

Everybody has those moments when they want to be along or they find themselves alone and need some fun to occupy their minds and ... ??? ... and they don't have Internet access! What to do? What to do? Do what we all used to do. Play solitaire!

Loner Games ~ When You Want To Be Alone (or You Find Yourself All Alone)

In case you don't know how I looked up the rules. Enjoy!
How to Play Marble Solitaire

Imagine Yourself an Exotic Belly Dancer (For Halloween or Whenever!)

Suggested for "intimate" Halloween celebrations. Imagine Yourself as an Egyptian belly dancer.

Just for Halloween?  Or … maybe all year long. Why not??

Shopping for a belly dancer outfit? 

More designs and colors available, but these are my personal preferences.

Egyptian Bellydancer Set A complete set comprising of an egyptian bra & matching harem pants. Both the top & pants are decorated with coins,beads & crocheted threads.The pants have a typical bellydancer side slit with a triangular coin design in center.   Oooh-la-la!

Turkish Chiffon 3 Parallel Row Hip Scarf Beautiful chiffon hip scarf with 3 lines of coins.With crocheted thread & beadwork adding to the beauty, the scarf would go well with any bellydancer outfit.

♥ ♥ ♥

Related product:

• 
  Belly Dance For Beginners

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White Elephant Gift Shopping : Pomander, Potpourri, and Paperweights

Holiday gift shopping?  Looking for white elephant gift ideas that don't come across as cheap and tacky?

Pomander comes from the French word "pomamber" and from Old French, "pomme d'embre" (apple of amber). Pomanders started out as small cloth bags that people either wore to hide body odor, or hung in a room to mask unpleasant smells. ...

The cloth bags are still around, though people generally don’t wear them any more. ( – Too obvious?) ...

Paperweights used to be kept in kings’ treasure vaults. They are hardly ever returned or re-gifted. Some are even valuable collectibles. They make the perfect gift for a loyal employee or favorite teacher, etc.

Link to the original blog post:  

Pomanders and Potpourri

Fun Fact:
A white elephant is a possession which its owner cannot dispose of and whose cost, particularly that of maintenance, is out of proportion to its usefulness. The term derives from the story that the kings of Siam, now Thailand, were accustomed to make a present of one of these animals to courtiers who had rendered themselves obnoxious, in order to ruin the recipient by the cost of its maintenance. In modern usage, it is an object, building project, scheme, business venture, facility, etc., considered expensive but without use or value.^{[Wikipedia Note 1]}


Here's a thought. Why not buy a white elephant as a white elephant gift Nobody has ever given me a white elephant. :)

Entertainment : The Beatles : Trivia and Tidbits About the Fab Four

Fans love to latch on to info about The Beatles aka the Fab Four, no matter if it's current or old news.

The late John Lennon, an original member of the Fab Four, known officially as The Beatles will always be a hot topic if you're discussing celebrity trivia, pop music history, etc. Linking back to an old post published a few months back sharing MY unofficial opinion of the unsuccessful musical career of Julian Lennon and connecting it to this link from The Guardian. Not that anybody in the Lennon family gives a hoot about my thoughts, observations or opinions. Not a hater, but the title of the article is a quote from Julian's step-brother Sean Lennon which perfectly summarizes the way I see him. LOL. 

Sean Lennon: ‘People only see me as the spoiled slacker son of John and Yoko’

People will always be curious about the lives of the offspring of music legends. You may not go looking for tidbits but when you see one, it's time for a conversation by the office water cooler. :)

Content republished from Persona Paper.

* * *
Links of Interest:
(More chit-chat for the water cooler)

The History Of Pop Music In 5 Defining Decades

27 Children of Classic Rock Legends

Gift Ideas for Fab Four Fans


Long and Winding Road: The Greatest Beatles Stories Ever Told

Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More Gift Ideas for Holiday Shopping!

Four years ago, published this article sharing my gift ideas for relaxation products. It's the holiday season for 2016 and these health and beauty bath spa products are still immensely popular.  These natural skin care products are gluten-free, vegan, and Green-Certified. You can even get products for your pets!  🐱🐕😄

Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More

Do you plan to do your gift shopping online?  

If so, here are various places around the web where you can find all kinds of suggested gift ideas, products reviews, and recommendations, most wished for or wishlist items, etc.

Disclosure:  The sites and web pages are part of my home business projects.

My Shopping Channel for Home and Garden 
Find feng shui gifts for home or office.

TABLE TOP FENG SHUI

Legitmate work at home opportunities; affiliate advertisements for a wide variety of products: health and beauty, food, real estate, books, etc.

My Other Shopping Channel (Webnuggetz.com)
A popular affiliate marketing website which has been around for over 5 years.

Gifts for Tree Lovers : Give the Blessing of a Tree

When John the Apostle described his vision wherein he saw what heaven looked like, he wrote about seeing "the tree of life" and said that "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all tree leaves could be used for the healing of nations?

If you're signed into your social media account anyway, why not go shopping? My Shopping Channel is on: Google Plus; Facebook; Twitter; and Pinterest .

Finally ... this is a brand new online shopping site on BlogJob.  My Shopping Channel ~ "Mi Tienda es Su Tienda".  Happy One Year Anniversary!  Started November 2016.

Hope to make your online gift shopping experience easy and enjoyable.

Updated My Twitter Profile (@goshoppingbees)

After listening/reading to all the doom and gloom business reports about Twitter not being likely to survive and maintain its place among the social media giants, I decided to ignore them. Just updated my Twitter profile for one of my niche Twitter accounts. It's for shoppers, shopaholics, wish listers, and such like.

My Shopping Channel on Twitter

@goshoppingbees

~ http://shoppingchannel.webs.com
~ https://blogjob.com/shoppingchannel
~ https://www.pinterest.com/cmoneyspinner/
~ @EverydaySpices @FoxMarks_ATX@cmoneyspinner
Texas, USA
~ webnuggetz.com/author/cmoneys…
Joined Twitter October 2015

* * *

My followers are in USA(52%), UK.(8%)
Get your free map https://t.co/7OcMmIkkbo pic.twitter.com/Uwd8Y3GGyj

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) October 27, 2017

* My Shopping Channels on Facebook and Google Plus:

Tweets about @goshoppingbees

In Car Refridgerators (Great for Travel and Also For Diabetics)

Practical for summer travel (or any travel); and also great for diabetics who need to keep medicines cool.

• In Car Refridgerators

Always on the road?  Pricey convenience stores costing you a fortune for a drink and a snack?  Can’t carry your kitchen sink with you but you can take an In Car Refridgerator .  Practical for any travel; especially with kids.  Also great for diabetics who need to keep medicines cool.  Some of these portable products keep drinks cool and meals hot.  Very handy! Featured Images: #1) Family Size In Car Refrigerator #2) Huge In Car Refrigerator And Freezer Found this suggested product via Something For Everyone Gift Ideas.

Consider us your personal shopper. We love shopping for you and directing you to great buys and bargains around the web.  Need more gift ideas?  Let Us Shop For You!

A Valentine's Day Gift For Any Occasion
Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More
Blue Suede Shoes!! Elvis Would Be Pleased!!
Create Your Own Cooking Adventure! Educational Activity Toys for Babies
Gift Ideas For Kids and Cat Lovers
Gifts For Bird Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers!
Pamper Yourself with Spa Gift Products
Sexy Corsets (Sure to Delight!) Sexy Lingerie: Top Brands
These Boots Were Made For Stylin'!

Need Gift Shopping Ideas : Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More

Gift shopping for the holidays or any occasion? Consider us your personal shopper. We love shopping for you and directing you to great buys and bargains.

Relaxation Bath and Beauty Products : Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More

Feng shui products are great home decorating ideas for home or office.  Though there are different schools of thoughts regarding this six thousand year old Chinese practice, the purpose of applying the principles is the same, i.e. to create a calm, stress-free, serene atmosphere where you live or where you work.  Find gift ideas here: Unique Feng Shui Gifts on Wizzley and here Table Top Feng Shui Water Fountains

Gift Ideas For Kids and Cat Lovers

For cat lovers ... who have allergies, who can't violate their lease agreement, who can't afford a pet, ... for whatever reason ... here is a reasonable substitute. Enjoy these life-like stuffed animals. Inexpensive, comforting, and adorable.

Gift Ideas For Kids and Cat Lovers

For cat lovers ... who have allergies, who can't violate their lease agreement, who can't afford a pet, ... for whatever reason ... here is a reasonable substitute. Enjoy these life-like stuffed animals. Inexpensive, comforting, and adorable.

Sexy Corsets (Sure to Delight!)

A shop that specializes in clothing and costumes “for every pirate” may not be the first place you think to look if you want to find sexy corsets. But guess what?

Sexy Corsets (Sure to Delight!)

A shop that specializes in clothing and costumes “for every pirate” may not be the first place you think to look if you want to find sexy corsets. But guess what?

Searching for more gift ideas?  Here are some more suggestions.  Visit my My Shopping Channel on Google+ - find a variety of products - from toys to food gifts to art and more! Hope you find something that's perfect!  :)

NOTE:  MSC falls under the umbrella of Cmoneyspinner's Home Business Projects. 

My First Blog Post at My Blog Stop! Welcome! (UPDATE)

My first blog post (My First Blog Post at My Blog Stop! Welcome!) was dated 2014. Don't laugh! Yes.  There are a lot of strikethroughs.  To borrow from Alanis Morissette's song lyrics: "You live. You learn."


It's almost the end of 2016 and this blog is still here!!

The American Thanksgiving holiday is next week and that this blog has not been deleted is on my list of things to be thankful for.  :)

Presidential Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgivings Around the World

 

Here is the list of my blogs (or blogging attempts, if your prefer).  Obviously I don't have to include this one on this list, since you're here and reading this.

• Food Ways Presented by Everyday Exotic Spices  (1st post Oct 11, 2016)

• My Shopping Channel  (1st post Nov 9, 2016)

• My Pain, Your Gain!  (1st post Sep 9, 2015)

Below are sample posts. Hope you are impressed! :)

#FoodieFriday : Cool Foodies and Food Lovers Celebrating Their "Firsts" on Twitter

Happy Friday! (It's FoodieFriday!) Always searching for like-minded food lovers and found people celebrating their "firsts". First food blog post. First food article accepted at a major site. Etc. Here are their tweets. Interesting variation. French food; Health / Energy Food tips; Asian food; Vegan recipes; and Food Photography.

Shop for Gifts in My Gold Mine ⋅ Before I started this online shopping site, I had been sharing my shopping finds and wish list at another that I call "The Other Shopping Channel" . ...

Finding the Path to Successful Affiliate Marketing

Read everywhere about people who earn money from affiliate marketing or advertising affiliate products. Several years back, saw a write-up about an online entrepreneur who insisted he earned thousands of dollars in affiliate referral commissions. Also said it was really easy to do!

My Blop Stop! will Auto-Share Posts to My Shopping Channel on G+ for Nov-Dec

Starting TODAY after this post, My Blog Stop! will automatically share published posts to the Google+ page for My Shopping Channel for the remainder of the year 2014 (November and December). 

Since it's that time of the year when most people are gift shopping, the majority of the posts will likely be product suggestions or gift ideas in a wide range of categories (see listing below).  Many of the recommended items have been previously shared elsewhere around the web (Pinterest, Twitter, etc.), but if don't follow my homebiz activity in those networks, but you do follow this blog, then for your convenience they will shared here too. :)


My Shopping Channel comes under the scope of Cmoneyspinner's Home Business Projects. The G+ page was created during the early part of this year, 2014, and shared its first post January 13, 2014. (See below.) The Facebook page was launched October 23, 2014.


Both business pages support two affiliate marketing websites;

• My Shopping Channel
• Webnuggetz ~ The Other Shopping Channel

MSC Product Category Listing:
(Click on appropriate link to view sampling of selected products at the My Shopping Channel Featured Products Blog for specific category.  Similar items will be posted at My Blog Stop! for Nov-Dec.)

• Bath and Beauty
  
• Clothing and Apparel
  
• Consumer Electronics
  
• Grocery and Gourmet
  
• Health Care
• Home and Garden
• Jewelry and Accessories
• Kitchen and Dining
• Movies Music Books
• Toys and Games
• Unique Gift Ideas
  

My Shopping Channel ~ Featured Products Google Plus Collection

Warm wishes for winter to carry you through

into the New Year!  :)

glitter-graphics.com

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• First Public Share Via My Google Plus Business Page
• Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More