[JustAmy]

12-8-04
Graphic by MamaBear

The Legend of the Poinsettia

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.

"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.

Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia!

-Author Unknown-

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for the beautiful poem and graphic!

[JustAmy]

Ding Dong Santa

Santa, dear Santa, you worry us so.
I feel I must tell you some things you should know.
That belly of yours just gets bigger each year.
We think it reveals too much holiday cheer.

We've started a fan club, there's three of us here.
There's me and an elf and a faithful reindeer.
You are our hero, you've touched us somehow.
You're all that we have to believe in right now.

You check us all out to see if we're naughty.
Is that glow on your nose from an extra hot toddy?
While we love to hear all your ho ho ho ho-ing,
The list of fat stories they tell just keeps growing.

Is it true that last Christmas you suffered from gout,
And those snazzy red trousers you wear were let out?
One strange vicious rumor, it's a false one we hope:
Has you dropping gifts down the chimneys by rope.

While all of your ho hos we know very well,
Your ding dongs, we fear, don't come from a bell.
They say, as your reindeer streak through the sky,
You drink cherry cokes with your raspberry pie.

The aerobics instructors are all sure to say,
"You ought to work out, maybe jog with the sleigh."
Perhaps strong exertion is too much for you.
But you really should try just a sit up or two.

So shed a few pounds, Santa, what do you say?
We all want you back to enjoy Christmas day.
Season's greetings from me, one reindeer, one elf.
Merry Christmas to you, please take care of yourself.

-Grandpa Tucker-
Copyright ©1996 by Bob Tucker

[Diver Dave]

-Author Unknown-

That Arthur Unknown is quite the writer. He's written some of my favorite stories and poems. Haven't been able to find any of his works listed at Amazon though.

[tuliptree76]

Hi everyone. Here are more holidays for us to celbrate...

Wed. Dec. 8:
Winter Flowers Day
Brownie Day
Feast of Immaculate Conception

Thurs. Dec. 9:
Christmas Card Day
Homemade Gift Day
Weary Willie Day
Pastry Day

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Wednesday!

Have a cup while you Freep !

[kassie]

I like your Poinsetta story. Copy and printed to read to my g-daughters.