The Alternative Times

The History of Santa Claus

 By: Lauren Bucsko

The person known as "St. Nicholas" was born somewhere between 270 and 280 AD, in Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor. Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas did his best to help others whenever he could. As a young man, he migrated to Myra, Turkey, where he became ordained as a bishop. St. Nicholas spent his entire life helping the poor. He loved children and often went out at night disguised in a hooded cloak to leave gifts of money, food or clothing on the window sills of poor families. The most famous story of all about St. Nicholas is about a poor family with three daughters of marriageable age whose chances were dim due to the lack of dowries. St. Nicholas heard of their plight and one night climbed the roof and dropped three bags of gold coins which landed in the girls' stockings which had been hung on the fireplace to dry. He was caught in the act by the girls' father and St. Nicholas asked that he keep this visit a secret. However, two days later, the entire town was talking about the good deed done by Nicholas .But life was not always good for Nicholas. He along with many others was thrown into prison for not worshipping himself as a god as declared by the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was released in 313 AD when Diocletian resigned and Constantine came to power. He then returned to his post as Bishop of Myra continuing his good works until his death on December 6, 343In the 1200s, December 6th became known as Bishop Nicholas Day in France. He has come to be known as Santa clause over the years.

Now and days Santa clause is celebrated all over the U.S. Kids enjoy him its fun to pretend while you still can. I think that it shows us even thought there are a lot of bad things in he world there is still good. He represents what we need to remember that even the smallest of thing can touch someone. Santa Clause is more of a symbol than a real person. Although it’s really good some people forget the real meaning of Christmas I think that its family not gifts. The spirit of Santa clause is so commercial they have made him a ruse so the toys companies could make money. I think in some way Santa clause has taken away the real meaning of Christmas and I believe it is to be with family and to celebrate Jesus’s birthday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The History of Hanukkah

By: Litisha Pysell

         Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the temple at Jerusalem in 165 B.C. It celebrates the freedom of people to be who they want to be, and to worship according to their own beliefs. The story of Hanukkah is also known as the festival of lights or the Feast of Dedication. It has been told for centuries in Jewish homes all over the world.

To this day, Jewish people have celebrated this festival of lights every year at Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for dedication. Every night for eight nights, while someone recites the Hanukkah blessing, a candle is lit on the menorah. The menorah is the candelabra that symbolize the story of Hanukkah. It is traditionally lit at sunset, and the candles are placed from right to left, lit from left to right, and placed on the same level, and one candle, called the shammash, which sits higher or lower than the rest. The Shamash is used to light the other candles on each successive night. On the eighth night, all nine candles of the menorah burn brightly. Families gather to celebrate, play games, and enjoy festive meals together. Gifts are traditionally exchanged too, one on each night of Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah!