Sunday, January 1, 2012
Ring in 2012 with a few things you probably didn’t know about celebrating a new year.
It's amazing how the beginning of a new year can bring such a newfound sense of responsibility, renewed hope in lost endeavors, and pledges to change the way we think, act and feel. Of course, by mid-January those hopes and pledges usually dissolve into empty promises, leaving only a foggy memory of a really awesome New Year’s Eve party. That said, here are a few fun facts about celebrating a new year that might stay with you: 1. The first New Year’s Eve ball was made because of a ban on fireworks. In 1904, the owner of the New York Times threw a huge New Year’s Eve party with an enormous fireworks display. This became a tradition—hence the Times Square party every year—until 1907, when NYC banned fireworks. So that everyone would have …
Ring in 2012 with a few things you probably didn’t know about celebrating a new year.
- NEWS
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Sunday, January 1, 2012
It's amazing how the beginning of a new year can bring such a newfound sense of responsibility, renewed hope in lost endeavors, and pledges to change the way we think, act and feel. Of course, by mid-January those hopes and pledges usually dissolve into empty promises, leaving only a foggy memory of a really awesome New Year’s Eve party. That said, here are a few fun facts about celebrating a new year that might stay with you: 1. The first New Year’s Eve ball was made because of a ban on fireworks. In 1904, the owner of the New York Times threw a huge New Year’s Eve party with an enormous fireworks display. This became a tradition—hence the Times Square party every year—until 1907, when NYC banned fireworks. So that everyone would have …
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Northfielders tell Patch how they celebrate the holidays.
Everyone has a different favorite holiday tradition, from caroling to gift giving to baking. So Patch hit the streets to find out what Northfield loves about the holidays.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Regardless of how nice your child may have been, where does Santa's generosity get cut off?
Your kid may be perfect. But does Santa have a spending limit for him or her? And if she or he isn't perfect? Does that mean Santa's less kind when it comes to giving? Is that $300 gaming system out of question? Or do you stick to more conventional gifts like clothing and books? What do you say? Comment below. About Parents Talk: Each week in Parents Talk, our Parents Council—a group of parents who work with us to share what matters to them and in turn to other local parents—will take your questions, offer advice and provide solutions. The parents, who have graciously given their time and thoughts, and who you'll see posting their comments on our Parents Talk discussions, are: Pat Allen, Megan Basinger, Frances Boehning and Betsy Gasior.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Here are some tips and tricks on how to take better pictures of those festive Northfield holiday lights at night.
For some, the holiday tradition is all about the lights. If you own a digital SLR (digital camera) and want to be able to show off your home and holiday lights, here are some tips and tricks to getting a good picture at night to share with family and friends that may not be able to see your work of art in person. Plan ahead of time: The last thing you want to do is to be running in and out of your house because you forgot something. Gather up everything you need before you go out so you have more time to enjoy experimenting with night photography. Additionally, keep in mind what time you will be taking pictures and weather conditions. Having the backdrop of dusk on your house and holiday lights will give your photograph a completely …
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I’m sure every volunteer imagined what it might be like for that participant’s child at home opening their gift, delighting in the surprise of the moment.
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
To the Editor, Last week I witnessed a powerful surge of compassion from within this Northfield community as the Christmas Sharing program unfolded at the Community Action Center. Volunteers offered and collected gifts, arranged hand-sewn pajamas and quilts, passed out cookies to those waiting and then escorted anxious parents as they selected their gift items and brought them to get wrapped. I’m sure every volunteer imagined what it might be like for that participant’s child at home opening their gift, delighting in the surprise of the moment. What better way to celebrate your holy day than with an expression of caring and compassion that this community is so good at doing. And you know what else? Those kids remember their parents’ love…
Nothing tempts burglars like empty houses or shoppers with armloads of gifts.
Thinking of joining coworkers for a holiday happy hour? Better leave the laptop at the office. During the holiday season, it’s easy to get distracted and not be as vigilant about protecting belongings. Restaurant parking lots—especially during happy hour—and shopping centers during the busy holiday shopping season are some of the favorite places for thieves looking for quick and easy score. When shopping Christmas time in the city doesn’t necessarily mean, as the song goes, that shoppers will rush directly home with their treasures. Often, they rush from store to store and then to lunch or dinner, leaving packages destined for under the tree in their back seat. Law enforcement officers urge shoppers not to leave valuables or electronic …
Several other holidays—some religious, some secular—make December a special month for non-Christians, too.
Jesus is the reason for the season, the old saying goes, but that’s only partially true. December is also a special time for people from other faith traditions, and those with none at all. Hanukkah In the spectrum of Jewish observances, Hanukkah is a relatively minor event, says Rabbi Lynn Liberman of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights. The holiday has grown in prominence largely because of its proximity to that other big religious holiday that comes along at about the same time. Hanukkah celebrates a military victory and the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. During this eight-day festival of lights, a special candelabrum, called a hanukiah, is used and a new candle is lit on the evening …
Here are some coping techniques to bring back the joy.
You get a feeling of dread starting around Halloween that grows each week as you lead up the holidays because, face it, your family is nothing like the Brady Bunch, and your holidays look nothing like one of those Currier & Ives lithographs. You hear old, familiar Christmas carols and rather than the joy you’re supposed to feel, you plunge into an overwhelming sadness, perhaps even tears, over memories lost or opportunities missed. You rush, rush, rush, get the house ready, buy gifts, host friends and family and then, come Dec. 26, find yourself in a funk as you look around and think ‘Is that all there is’? Sound familiar? You may just have the holiday blues—and you’re far from alone. The cause varies by individual, but the blues are …
After five days of voting, Pruitt received 1,500 votes, good for more than half the votes tallied in a poll on Patch. In all, there were 2,974 votes.
Zach Pruitt is Northfield Patch’s Person of the Year. After five days of voting, Pruitt received 1,500 votes, good for more than half the votes tallied in a poll on Patch. In all, there were 2,974 votes. Pruitt was one of 10 names submitted when Patch asked readers to nominate people they thought were worthy of the honor, which were to based on their contributions to the community in the past year. On the line was a story about the chosen person’s giving spirit. As the top vote getter, Pruitt isn’t receiving an award, gift certificate or anything to that nature—just a little recognition. Pruitt is executive director of the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, which works “to foster a collaborative environment in Northfield that …
Susan Boggs
12:58 pm on Sunday, January 1, 2012
Actually this year, lose weight has been pushed to #2, save money is #1 resolution for 2012. more ›