Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21st commemorates the birth of a challenging word game enjoyed by millions around the world.
The first crossword puzzles were published in England in children’s books and other publications. They were simple word games derived from the word squares where letters were arranged in a square so that the words read the same across and down.
The object of a crossword puzzle is to fill in the white spaces of a grid with the correct words using the clues provided. Black spaces separate individual words. The clues to more challenging puzzles read like riddles, making the game more complex.
Many tout the benefits of crossword puzzles. Not only are they fun, but challenging crossword puzzles may help delay the effects of dementia or sharpen the brain for problem-solving. They can also increase vocabulary and even relieve the mind from the stress of the day by focusing on something other than worldly problems.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY HISTORY
Journalist Arthur Wynne from Liverpool is credited as the inventor of the word game we know today. He created what is considered the first known published crossword puzzle. The puzzle appeared in the December 21, 1913, edition of the New York World newspaper.
Buy a crossword book or find one online. Enjoy some popcorn while you puzzle your way through your favorite crossword! Use #CrosswordPuzzleDay to post on social media.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), is observed for eight nights and days. It starts on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Did you know these facts?
Hanukkah is not considered a significant religious holiday when compared to other Jewish holidays.
The menorah holds nine candles. In the center stands the shamus or servant. The shamus lights the eight other Hanukkah candles.
The Hanukkah candles are strictly for pleasure. They are not to be utilized for any useful or productive purpose. The shamus is available, so the Hanukkah candles aren’t accidentally used to light a fire in the fireplace or another useful purpose.
Gift giving is not traditionally a part of the Hanukkah holiday.
Playing dreidel is a gambling game popular during the Hanukkah holiday.
Fried foods are traditional during the holiday, representing the oil used to light the lamps.
During the time of Alexander the Great, Jewish culture began to blend with the Greek culture. Jews who accepted Greek culture at the expense of their religion became known as Hellenists. Alexander and the Jews had a mostly peaceful relationship; the Jews were loyal to his rule, and Alexander didn’t destroy and abuse them.
Around 190 BCE, when Alexander left Israel, and Antiochus IV took over, most Jews had assimilated to Greek culture but continued to practice their faith. However, Antiochus expected more from the Jews.
Antiochus forced Greek culture on the devout Jewish people by placing Hellenistic priests in the Temple. He also desecrated the Temple by sacrificing pigs at the altar, prohibiting Jews from practicing their faith, killing their faithful, and levying heavy taxes upon them.
A rebel force of Jews formed around the year 166 BCE. They revolted against Antiochus’ government and took back the Temple. So that they could rededicate the Temple, oil was needed for the menorah. But there was only enough undefiled oil to last one night. Miraculously, it lasted eight days. Hanukkah is the eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating this miracle of the oil.
National Argyle Day on January 8th celebrates the pattern derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland. The Scottish Highlanders have worn the design in kilts and plaids and patterned socks (known as a tartan hose) since the 17th century. Each year it is recognized and honored on this day.
Occasionally you may find argyle spelled argyll.
The word ” argyle ” is most commonly referred to as the overall pattern made of diamonds or lozenges, which sometimes indicates a single diamond in the design. You will find layers of overlapping motifs found in most argyle layouts. The overlapping patterns add a sense of three-dimensionality, movement, and texture. Typically the pattern includes an overlay of intercrossing diagonal lines on solid diamonds.
The Duke of Windsor, a luxury knitwear manufacturer and importer, helped increase argyle’s popularity. Like many other manufacturers, the Duke used the argyle design pattern for golf clothing. Designers embraced the use of argyle on both jerseys and long socks as part of the day’s plus-fours trouser fashion.
Argyle knitwear became fashionable in the USA after the first world war.
U.S. Open and PGA champion Payne Stewart (1957-1999) was known and loved by his fans for his bright and flashy outfits of tams, knickerbockers, and argyle socks.
Argyle never really left the fashion world. Whether the pattern compliments a wardrobe or adds charm to a home, argyle provides classic style. Share your favorite argyle pattern. While you explore your wardrobe, invite your co-workers to celebrate as a team. Go argyle for the day in the office or at home. Drape it over your chair or wear it in your hair. Argyle goes on the feet, around the neck, or even on your fingernails.
Host a contest to see who’s the most argyle among you. From head to toe, we’re sure someone loves their argyle more than anyone else.
Wear your favorite argyle sweater, socks, ties, and hats. Go shopping for an argyle fashion accessory to update your wardrobe. We want to see how you dress up for the day, too. Be sure to share, using #NationalArgyleDay to post on social media.
December Holidays and History – December ushers in winter holidays such as Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah. It is also a time when families gather in the warmth of their homes.
Throughout the month, our thoughts and actions turn toward charity and peace. During the twelfth and final month of the year, December inspires a flurry of activity both in the business world and our personal lives. Sales, shopping, family gatherings, school holidays, baking, and seasonal changes remind us of the the past while we look to our futures.
But December is not so somber, peaceful, and busy as to have no fun at all. Holidays like Ugly Sweater Day, Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day, and National Ding-A-Ling Day add a bit of whimsey.
The name December comes from the Latin word ‘decem’ meaning ten. On the Roman Calendar, December was the 10th month. However, Numa Pompilius adjusted the calendar when January and February were added. December became the twelfth month, and the calendar more accurately reflected the length of a year on Earth.
During December, the winter solstice tips the Northern hemisphere its furthest distance from the sun. Through most of the month, its inhabitants lose about 2 minutes of sunlight per day until the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the start of winter and the shortest day on the calendar. However, from that day forward, the days will slowly lengthen. They may not be warmer, but the Earth is tilting on its axis back toward the sun.
Hot cocoa and cold toes remind me of Christmas. ~Toni Sorenson
December Holidays and Traditions Overview
December is a big baking month for many. In the United States, families, churches, schools, and organizations bake cookies to exchange. They are often part of the gift-giving and ugly sweater parties that occur right before or during Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah.
Winter sports are in high gear throughout December. Whether indoor or outdoor, fans tune in or fill arenas. While hockey, football, and basketball seasons bring thrills each year, skiing and snowmobiling keep the outdoors busy.
Beyond sports, the December holidays also offer lots of ways to celebrate our free time. National Crossword Puzzle Day is just one way to spend some quiet time. Plenty of baking and food days bring celebrations to the kitchen, too. In fact, there are 29 food-related days in December in addition to the popular beverage holidays. We can even celebrate our laundry with National Sock Day.
Those born in December claim three icy cool birthstones. Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, is a deep glacial purple. Blue Zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia) is the oldest mineral on Earth and comes in a variety of colors. However, for those born in December, the icy blue zircon is beautiful. Finally, turquoise, with its distinct color and veins, comes in a variety of shades. Prevalent throughout the Southwestern United States, turquoise also added value and meaning to clothing, ceremonies, and more.
The fragrant narcissus usually blooms in spring. However, for December birthdays, some species bloom in winter. The paperwhite is one, making the narcissus the ideal birthday flower for December. Among its several meanings, narcissus also means hope. During winter, hope is a thing often looked for through the cold, ice, and snow.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus is well known as the attractive young hunter obsessed with his good looks. His obsession later got the best of him when he looked at his reflection in a pond, and upon closer inspection, fell and drown.
