WhiteKingdom 2007-12-11 17:06:19

and a happy new year!

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-13 13:28:07

Well mr scrooge, here is a brief history for you:

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-14 11:14:52

and many many happy cocks!

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-15 11:20:45

no, CHRISTMAS.

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-15 20:19:59

However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Whatever words I say I will always love you
I will always love you

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-17 07:36:58

That's lovely

WhiteKingdom 2007-12-27 13:47:37

everything you aren't.