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FROM THE PRESIDING DIRECTOR GENERAL Dateline, 22 December 2024. Manahattas and New Amsterdam (present day New York). Countdown to Christmas. The Bowery Boys brings us, and I quote, this story of; How Dutch New Amsterdam helped create the American Christmas tradition New Netherland’s population in 1624 was only 270 people, with few if any children. Over the next 40 years, however, dozens of families populated the outpost, passing down family customs and linking their distant home with the mainland. With Dutch residents eventually outnumbering the others, their traditions became the most prevalent. Combine that prevalence (with its extra-exciting gift-getting component) with the envy of the other non-Dutch children, and suddenly Sinterklaas becomes a highly anticipated holiday among the entire population of New Amsterdam. This, despite?Peter Stuyvesant‘s disgust at any holiday which promoted moral laxity (also known in some circles as fun). Over time, Christmas and Sinterklaas (Sint Nicolaas) — one an observance of Jesus’ birth, the other honoring one of his most popular saints — would melt into each other. Even when the Dutch were kicked out of Manhattan in 1664, Sinterklaas was still celebrated in the region, further infused with English Christmas customs. However, even as the British were expelled from Manhattan, American holiday traditions were still localized, often tied to one’s specific ethnicity and hardly unified. It would take New York city leaders in the 19th century and the work of New York’s greatest writers to define new holiday symbols for a national audience. In some Dutch pockets of upstate New York, the tradition of Sinterklaas is?still celebrated?today. //NYQC Sends// #Christmas #SinterKlaas #NewYork

Did you know that ancient Roman traditions influenced why we celebrate Christmas in December? My new blog post dives into the history of holiday celebrations and their impact on real estate. Read more here: ?? https://lnkd.in/eXv6hmEN ?? #realesteate #christmas #december #tistheseason

Did You Know? Three Kings Day, also known as?El Dia de los Reyes?in Spanish and?Epiphany?in other countries, is a long held?Latin American?tradition. It celebrates the gospel account relating to the visit of the three magi – or in this case kings – to the baby Jesus. According to Latin culture, January 6th saw three different men visiting Jesus – Melchor (representing Europe), Gaspar (representing Arabia) and Balthazar (representing Africa). The first is believed to have arrived by horse, the second by camel, and the third by elephant and they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh respectively. According to popular culture, the youths place a box filled with straw, grass or hay under their beds. This is a gesture of good will and is supposed to be used to feed the king’s horses while they rest as their owners make deliveries. If the child is good, he wakes up the next morning to find candies, sweets or toys in his box. If he was bad, he will only find a lump of dirt or charcoal. At Echelon Payments, you're never wondering about your business. You're always receiving the best in Tech, Customer Service and Pricing. No Contracts, No Coal. Just the Peace of Mind that comes from transparency that Echelon provides. #NOCONTRACTS #TRANSPARENTBILLING #NOJUNKFEES #LOCALSUPPORT #DEDICATEDREPRESENTATIVE Scott Roberge Ken Tow Dan Glazer

Generosity & Kindness : the act of giving to others freely and often Generosity is a learned character trait that involves both attitude and action. It's not just about giving anything, but giving things that are good for others. On December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day recognizes the third-century saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. St. Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his good deeds, especially for the needy and children. Here are a few ways we can be more like St. Nicholas today and every day: ??Generous with thoughts — about our neighbors AND ourselves. ... ??Generous with words — encouragement; he who refreshes another, refreshes himself. ... ??Generous with money — obvious; it's not the amount, it's the heart. ... ??Generous with influence — sharing helpful connections. ?? Generous with time — our most valuable commodity. We all have the same amount in a day. How we give it to others matters. Cherish given time from others; we don’t have any guarantees on how many days we will walk this earth. How and where can you show generosity and kindness today? Happy St. Nicholas Day ?????? #generosityandkindness #StNicholasDay #livealohalivewell #healthandwellness #activatedlife #underafullmoonandaguidingstar #alakaiassociates

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As we reflect on their courage and dedication, it's also a moment to consider the dreams they had and the legacy they've left behind. ?? In our dreams, we often find messages from those who have passed on, guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us of the values they held dear. This Memorial Day, let's take a moment to connect with those dreams, to listen to the whispers of wisdom and love from our ancestors. ? As a Dream Decipherer, I've seen how dreams can bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering profound insights and healing. Let your dreams be a source of comfort and inspiration today. Pay attention to the symbols and messages, and honor the dreams of those who came before us by living a life full of purpose and gratitude. ?? How do your dreams connect you with the past? Share your stories and thoughts below. Let's create a space of remembrance and hope together. ??? #TheDreamDecipherer #UnlockYourDreams #InnerJourney #ExploreYourMind #DreamerJourney #SelfDiscovery #DreamDeciphering #UnlockYourPotential #DreamInterpretation #DreamSymbols #MemorialDay

A Legacy of Generosity: Honoring the Spirit of Saint Nicholas December 6th is a Day to Reflect on the Legacy of One of the Most Inspiring Figures in History: #SaintNicholas. While many know him as the Inspiration for Santa Claus, his Story is much Deeper—a Tale of Generosity, Kindness, and Unwavering Compassion. Saint Nicholas Devoted his Life to Giving, Often in Secret, to those in need. He didn't seek Recognition or Reward; Instead, He Embodied Selfless Service, Making a Tangible Difference in the Lives of Many. From Helping Families in Dire need to Protecting Sailors and Advocating for Children, his Actions remind us of the Profound Impact one Person can have when driven by Empathy and Purpose. Today, as We Celebrate **Saint Nicholas Day**, Let’s Draw Inspiration from his Life. How can we embody the #SpiritofGiving—not just during the Holiday Season, but all year round? Whether it’s Offering Time to Volunteer, Helping a Colleague, or Simply Showing Kindness in Small, Meaningful Ways, Each Act Creates a Ripple of Positivity. For me, This Day Serves as a Powerful Reminder to Not Only Give Back but also to Inspire Others Around Me to Do the Same. It’s not about Grand Gestures; even the Simplest Acts of Kindness can Change Someone’s Day, and Maybe Even Their Life??. Let’s Carry Forward The Legacy of SAINT NICHOLAS by Being the Reason Someone Smiles Today. ?? #SaintNicholasDay #GivingBack #KindnessMatters #Inspiration #LegacyOfGiving

1st May - Beltane Blessing In the tapestry of human history, ceremonies have long played a vital role in marking significant life events and fostering a sense of community and unity. From ancient rituals celebrating the changing seasons to modern-day ceremonies honoring milestones like births, weddings, vow renewals, and farewells, these traditions have always been a powerful force in bringing people together. Just as Beltane and other ancient festivals connected communities with nature's rhythms, naming ceremonies have symbolised the introduction of a new life into the world, while end-of-life rituals have provided solace and closure for both the departed and those left behind. Vow renewals, on the other hand, serve as a poignant reminder of enduring love and commitment. In today's fast-paced and often disconnected world, reviving and reimagining these ceremonies can serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and shared humanity. By coming together to celebrate life's joys and navigate its challenges, we reaffirm our bonds with one another and with the natural world. As we honor the traditions of the past and infuse them with new meaning and relevance, we create a tapestry of shared experiences that transcends time and space. Let us embrace the power of ceremonies to unite us, to spark joy and reflection, and to remind us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. May the spirit of coming together in celebration, in remembrance, and in love guide us on our journey towards greater unity, understanding, and compassion for all. #celebrantceremonies #Celebrant #celebratelife #beltaneblessings #rituals #manchester #tameside #cheshire #derbyshire #weddings #funerals #namingceremony #renewalofvows

Everyone knows what May 5, or Cinco De Mayo, means: tacos, margaritas, fun, and fiesta. But did you know that the United States may not have existed as we know it today without what happened on this fateful day? What exactly happened on this day of seemingly endless partying and celebration? Let’s take a deep dive into Mexican-American history! ?????? Let’s start by clearing the most significant misconception: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. But, that does not mean it’s less critical or notable than it actually is, for the history behind it dawns on the importance of the landscape of North America as a whole. The French intervened in an economically struggling Mexico for the second time, hoping to gain control of the Latin American country under the rule of Napoleon III. The French General Charles de Lorencez directed his army towards the capital of Mexico City, intending to overthrow the president of Mexico, Benito Juarez. But things didn’t go as planned, as they encountered heavy resistance, culminating at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Even if their forces had half the numbers of their opponents, the Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defeated the French army at Puebla, a city just 70 miles from Mexico City. Four days later, on May 9, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday. ?: Do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo? #CincoDeMayo #CincoDeMayoParty #ZempelInsurance #LakeMills #LakeMillsInsurance #LakeMillsOffice #CincoDeMayoCelebration #CincoDeMayoWeekend #CincoDeMayoFood #CincoDeMayoRecipes #CincoDeMayoParade #MexicanAmericanHistory #CincoDeMayoFacts #CincoDeMayoHistory #MexicanHeritage #MexicanCulture

While Christian missionaries strategically allure Hindus with promises to convert, many Hindus unknowingly pave the way for cultural erosion by wholeheartedly embracing Christmas traditions. Parents, in the festive spirit, introduce their children to #MerryChristmas, Christmas carols, and the myth of Santa Claus—a magical figure who rewards them with gifts. But have we paused to reflect on what we are really imparting? Are we, in the process of celebrating a foreign festival, diluting our children’s connection to their own rich heritage? This season, let’s shift the narrative. Instead of glorifying imported celebrations, let’s immerse our children in the timeless wisdom and grandeur of Sanatan Dharma. Share the stories, values, and profound teachings that define our civilization. Let’s empower the next generation to grow up with pride, clarity, and an unshakable understanding of their roots. The choice is ours: to follow the crowd or preserve our legacy. Make this festive season meaningful—teach truth, instill pride, and nurture heritage.

? Discover the true meaning of Christmas and take a deep dive into the dates of its celebration. December 25 or January 6? In this article, learn about the origins and traditions of Christmas.