Happy New Year

Happy New Year ! 2010 Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος !

Meaning of Christmas

Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is one of my favourite holidays. I look forward to it every year. Even though as we age the spirit doesn’t remain the same, we try to rekindle it. It's a wonderful time to get together with family and friends to celebrate. The decoration of the Christmas tree originated from Martin Luther who was German. On a clear and cold night as he was walking home he saw stars shining through the fir trees. Luther then cut a small tree and brought it home. Afterwards the early Germans brought this custom to America. Today’s Santa Claus developed from a real person Saint Nicholas who lived in the 300`s A.D. He was very kind and went out often at night taking presents to the needy. After Saint Nicholas died, his fame spread throughout Europe. Later on the Dutch settlers introduced Santa Claus as they migrated to America. But the real meaning of Christmas comes from Christ. We shouldn’t forget that Jesus Christ was born. Even though Jesus was born on a different date, December 25th was recognized as the official holiday of his birth in 354 A.D. The word Christmas is traced to 1038 A.D. and the shortened version Xmas from the fourteenth century. Merry Christmas to all of you!

A Christmas message to all on December 25th

Merry Christmas

Paralio, Astros, Arcadia, Greece

Paralio Astros, is located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese. It's only a two hour drive southeast of Athens. It's a beautiful resort, with two sandy beaches and nice shops. About 900 people live there permanently. I had the pleasure to visit Paralio Astros, for several days, in September of 1997 and August of 2008. I had a good time and I look forward to going there again..

Picture taken August 6, 2009 (Horseshoe Falls) Canada

I visited Niagara Falls the summer of 2009.