CHRISTMAS, CHANUKAH, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Did you know that the last time that Christmas and Chanukah landed on the same exact day was in 2005? The next time this happens will be in 2024. 

The word Chanukah translates to dedication, as it was following a revolt and the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem, occurred. When the temple was liberated, they found one bottle of oil which was enough for one day’s burning. Miraculously it lasted for 8 days and is the reason Chanukah is celebrated for 8 days. However, it is a minor holiday in the Jewish religion. 

Christmas, however, is a major holiday in the Christian religion. There is nothing in the bible that designates the day Jesus was actually born. They estimate his birth was somewhere around 4 BC. Emperor Constantine in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25th in 336. It is believed that the selection of December 25th for celebration is because it is exactly nine months after March 25th, the date of his crucifixion. 
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Both holidays for their respective religions denote Celebration, Religion, Family, Lights, Food, and Presents, and in this we are united. Oh yes, both begin with the letters, CH. 

The New Year

What is the purpose? 

It not only designates the numbered year but is the day we say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new. It is a new beginning and a national holiday in the United States. 

1904 was the first year this was celebrated in Times Square, New York. In 1907 the first ball was dropped in this location from a flag pole. 

Our current Times Square ball is a sphere, 12 ft. in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds. It is covered in 2688 Waterford Crystal triangles varying in size. It is worth more than One million dollars. It has 672 LED nodules. 

It begins its descent at 11:59:00 p.m. EST, and lands at midnight to signal the start of the New Year. It is estimated that one million people attend these festivities in New York City. This year will mark the year 2024. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES!!!!