Christmas Wish List

Address Book

Forever 21 dress

Burberry Macintosh

Boots from Aldo

Mac Make-up

Narcissco Rodriguez purfume

Blackberry (limited edition)

Bag from Coach or Tods

Anything from Laura Ashley Home

Leopard for Mac

Mistletoe

Kissing under the Mistletoe has long been a tradition, dating back to the time of the Druids. The Druids considered it to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous properties which could cure illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft. Moreover, whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. From this has seemingly come the ancient custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.

Another version, however, says that this custom, which was widespread among the Anglo-Saxons, was connected to the legend of Freya, goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.

Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries as well as in Canada. Thus if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year’s Day: "Au gui l’An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.

Muse of the Month: Mary mother of Jesus

Mary was the Mother of Jesus, her life can teach lessons to everyone. Excluding Eve, Mary is the most well known woman in the Bible, and in history. Unlike Jesus, she was a human being, the difference is she was chosen for her specific purpose.

Mary was about thirteen, when she was visited by the Angel Gabriel, and told the news that she would give birth to the Son of God, Jehovah - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Her son would come into the world to save it.

In the Jewish culture, a woman became engaged in a public cermony that pledged her to her future husband. They remained betrothed for a period of time, sometimes a year, before they were actually married. Any woman found pregnant out of wedlock could be stoned to death. Mary knew this and must have been afraid when she found about her pregnancy.

Mary was willing to trust in God and surrendered her own plans and thoughts to Him. Her story is found in each of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Even though it was difficult for her to understand since she was a virgin, she trusted God and believed all things were possible through God.

People get side tracked when they try to do everything on their own and through their own power. Somehow in modern society surrender is looked on as a weakness. Surrender to God doesn’t take away personal power or identity, it strengthens the spirit. People are able to do things they could never do on their own. God works through us just like he worked through Mary.