Hello December

 5 Things we are grateful for today:.Barron's answers/My replies.

1.  My PS5/ My Son.

2.  My 8Ball/ My Health.

3. My Phone/ New Beginnings.

4. My Computer/ Safe Community. 

5. Friendship/ Forgiveness.

advent

 Advent Sunday begins today and for once we did not discover it late, however we still do not have the purple and pink candles so we lite our candles that we had and sang along: 

Candle, Candle Burning Bright

Shining in the Cold Winter Night

Candle, Candle Burning Bright

Fill Our Hearts with Christmas Light

First Sunday happened to be December 1 and we lite the first purple (well we never had enough money so we used our other wonderful pumpkin scented candle) to represent Hope. 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Free-Advent-Candles-Wreath-from-Charlottes-Clips-Catholic-Christian-Series-992189

We were someone's first sale. 

Vintage Christmas Advent Calendar Challenge Cards | DIY Garland (PDF)

MadiCreativeLab

5 out of 5 stars    

https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/shop/MadiCreativeLab

We got a tree+Happy Thanksgiving

 

Rememberance Day+St.Martin's Day

 Saint Martin’s Day is observed annually on November 11. It honors Martin of Tours—a 4th-century saint known for his act of charity in giving half his cloak to a freezing beggar and for his later role as bishop.

Martin of Tours served as a Roman soldier, then converted to Christianity and eventually became bishop in Gaul. He died on November 8, 397, but was buried on November 11—which is why the date became associated with the feast in his name.

Over time, November 11 became not only a religious observance but also a folk festival in many European countries. It marked the end of the agricultural year and the start of winter preparations. This was often the time when livestock were slaughtered, wine from the first harvests was tasted, and communities gathered to celebrate and give thanks. 

Why is Saint Martin’s Day important?

I see this day as a meaningful blend of generosity, seasonal change, and cultural tradition. On one hand, it’s a reminder of Martin’s quiet but powerful act of sharing—giving half his cloak to someone in need. That image of compassion still resonates, especially in a world that often forgets simple acts of kindness.

On the other hand, it’s also about the rhythms of community life—sharing meals, lighting lanterns, reflecting on the past season, and preparing for the colder months ahead. That connection between sacred story and everyday celebration feels grounded and human.

It honors a small yet powerful act of compassion

It connects faith, folklore, and community in one meaningful moment

It reminds us to acknowledge and care for those in need

It offers a space for reflection as seasons shift and life slows down

It helps keep traditional cultural practices alive through food, music, and lantern walks

How to Celebrate Saint Martin’s Day

Celebrating this day doesn’t require anything extravagant. In many places, children carry handmade lanterns in evening processions, which is a beautiful way to symbolize bringing light into the darker time of year. You can light a candle at home or gather with family for a hearty autumn meal—traditionally, roast goose or seasonal dishes are served.

You might also take the opportunity to show kindness, whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply checking in on someone who might be alone. That small gesture would carry the spirit of Martin more than anything.

Attend or create a lantern walk with children or friends

Share a warm, seasonal meal with others—goose, root vegetables, or a baked dessert

Light a candle or lantern at home as a moment of quiet reflection

Do something generous—no matter how small—for someone else

Talk with your family about ways you can give and share during the colder season

Why is Saint Martin’s Day important?

I see this day as a meaningful blend of generosity, seasonal change, and cultural tradition. On one hand, it’s a reminder of Martin’s quiet but powerful act of sharing—giving half his cloak to someone in need. That image of compassion still resonates, especially in a world that often forgets simple acts of kindness.

On the other hand, it’s also about the rhythms of community life—sharing meals, lighting lanterns, reflecting on the past season, and preparing for the colder months ahead. That connection between sacred story and everyday celebration feels grounded and human.

It honors a small yet powerful act of compassion

It connects faith, folklore, and community in one meaningful moment

It reminds us to acknowledge and care for those in need

It offers a space for reflection as seasons shift and life slows down

It helps keep traditional cultural practices alive through food, music, and lantern walks

How to Celebrate Saint Martin’s Day

Celebrating this day doesn’t require anything extravagant. In many places, children carry handmade lanterns in evening processions, which is a beautiful way to symbolize bringing light into the darker time of year. You can light a candle at home or gather with family for a hearty autumn meal—traditionally, roast goose or seasonal dishes are served.

You might also take the opportunity to show kindness, whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply checking in on someone who might be alone. That small gesture would carry the spirit of Martin more than anything.

Attend or create a lantern walk with children or friends

Share a warm, seasonal meal with others—goose, root vegetables, or a baked dessert

Light a candle or lantern at home as a moment of quiet reflection

Do something generous—no matter how small—for someone else

Talk with your family about ways you can give and share during the colder season

https://holidaytoday.org/saint-martins-day/#google_vignette

Wearing a Poppy

 The Royal Canadian Legion webpage offers information on the poppy. 

"wearing a Poppy is a personal expression of Remembrance, and how someone chooses to wear a Poppy is always an individual choice. The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. The Legion’s lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with any pin that obstructs the Poppy...The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. As well, it is not inappropriate to wear a Poppy during other times to commemorate Fallen Veterans and it is an individual choice to do so...Poppies may be worn throughout the Remembrance period, including in the evening after Remembrance Day Ceremony. Some choose to remove their Poppy at the end of the day on November 11. Some choose to remove their Poppy at the conclusion of the ceremony and place their Poppy on the cenotaph or on a wreath as a sign of respect. This has become a poignant tradition each year at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa as thousands of Poppies are placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When a Poppy is removed, it should be stored appropriately or it may be disposed of respectfully. We encourage anyone who finds a Poppy that has fallen to the ground to pick it up and brush it off so that it can be kept or disposed of respectfully. " Source: https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy/how-to-wear-a-poppy

 Daylight Savings Time

Dia De Los Muertos

 Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which happens this weekend, is celebrated in communities across the U.S. The primarily Mexican holiday is rooted in the belief that the veil between the mortal and immortal worlds thins, allowing deceased spirits to cross over to the living world to be with loved ones.

The holiday takes place over three days. Official celebrations usually begin on Nov. 1 and end on Nov. 2 and preparations and vigils start on Oct. 31, depending on where the holiday is being celebrated. Nov. 1 is known as Día de los Angelitos, which honors the souls of deceased children, and Nov. 2 is Día de los Muertos.

As part of the holiday, which is rooted in indigenous culture, families will create a trail of marigold petals from their front doors to their altars to help guide spirits