Patterson Post — Post 07

Post 7

December 2007 Merry Christmas everyone! This is our 7th edition of The Patterson Post Christmas Newsletter. We do this newsletter instead of sending out Christmas Cards. We believe this newsletter makes it more personal and catches everyone up on what is going on.

bestwishes@usexpress.net bestwishes.cardeologist.com Cell: (865) 898-6385 This year has been so busy it’s been difficult to keep up with everything!

Although I made little strides in the hunt for family members, I had to put most of it aside to work on crafts for some crafts fairs with my mother-in-law. It’s not the same as the ones my mom did when I was little. It’s more vendors of product lines than anything which makes it difficult for those of us making it all by hand. So after the first of the year I am heading back to genealogy!

I am still the line supervisor at work and have taken on more responsibilities since L’Oreal Professional has bought the entire company. I’ve also been concentrating on my health since my doctor has informed me I am headed to a life of high blood pressure. So far the whole family is eating better and I have lost 25 pounds already!

So other than that I’ve not done a whole lot of anything this year!

It’s another Meow-y Christmas and I am still the cat that sleeps whereever I can.

I cannot believe this will be my fourth Meow-y Christmas with The Patterson’s.

They are so nice that they even let me have a column in The Patterson Post Christmas Newsletter. They sure do make me fit right into the family. I cannot wait to see Santa again this year. He always gives me a pet on my head before he leaves from deliverying the presents to the family. I wonder what he will leave me this year?

drcards@cardeologist.com www.cardeologist.com Cell: (865) 898-6163 I started a new graphic design job this year. My business card collection has grown the most this year than any other year. I now have over 141,000 business cards. I am on my way to one million! My business card collection is possibly going to be featured in an upcoming book. I will share more details as they come in. Plus, I don’t want to jinx myself. I am always looking to gain business cards in my collection, so please keep them coming my way! I am also still tracking my one dollar bills on a Web site called Where’s George. It is fun and addicting to see where my money has come from and where it goes after I have it.

ilovescoobydoo@usexpress.net Well I’ve spent most of the year playing and listening to music and going to school.

I made it to the fourth grade this year and my teachers are awesome! I have a lot of my friends in class this year. In music class I have been playing musical instruments and my favorite is the auto harp. I’ve been helping mommy and daddy take care of our cat, Missy. I made a bunch of meltybead magents for momma’s craft fairs and sold a bunch my first day! Other than that I’ve been hanging out having fun and trying to stay out of trouble.

Lord Jesus, Wise men travelled for miles to bring you the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us. Amen

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, every single one of them; from Rudolph to Blitzen; had to be a girl. We should’ve known. Only women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost! Let the holiday begin!

The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity’s existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year.

Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people’s birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus’ birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ’s Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.

Steve: I would like to try to lose a little bit more weight.

Amy: To get into shape and get healthier.

Amber: To learn how to swim and to do gymnastics.

Missy: To stop sleeping in front of the heating vent and blocking the heat.

The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples, and colored paper. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter’s night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820’s.

Rudy Reindeer

From Rhodes Breads 1 loaf Bread Dough, thawed but still cold 1 egg, beaten 2 chocolate kisses 1 maraschino cherry Slice the loaf lengthwise halfway down the middle. Pull these sections apart. Make cuts on each section to form antlers and ears. The first three prongs on each section form the antlers. Pull and twist to give them character. Remove the triangle shape between the last two cuts on each side of the face and discard the dough. Pinch the slices together to form ears.

Pull the ears slightly down and away from the antlers. Press the remaining half loaf into an elongated face, narrower at the top by the ears, and wider at the bottom. Place on a sprayed baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Let rise for about 20 min. Bake at 350°F 25-30 min. Let cool and decorate with chocolate kisses for eyes and a maraschino cherry for the nose. May be served with your favorite sweet dip.