Dear Friends,
At approximately 3:07am on December 1, I awoke with a start and said to my husband in panic, “We forgot to put out the elf!” It’s that time of year when he and I have to rely on one another to move that Elf On the Shelf to a new spot every night before we go to sleep, so that our children can go hunting in the morning and delight in the fact that their own personal emissary to the North Pole has returned to spread cheer in our house once again. Of course, that’s plan A. Plan B - for those mornings when we realize we forgot to move Elfie (our elf’s actual name, I never said we were creative) the night before - is that one of us distracts the kids while the other makes a mad dash to fling him from one corner of the house to another. It’s ridiculous, it’s oddly stressful, and it’s one of my favorite things about this season, because it means that the magic still exists for my kids - and therefore still exists for us.
The thing is, my kids are getting older and, honestly, they probably know what we’re up to. They might just be humoring us, but maybe we are all trying to maintain the wonder and excitement of the season for one another for as long as we can. That sense of wonder and that innocence is precious, and even in the best of circumstances it can be fleeting. For too many children and families, though, it’s practically non-existent; they don’t get the chance to enjoy it because life’s harsher realities insist on getting in the way. While the pursuit of happiness is a codified right, it seems that the actual achievement of happiness is a luxury. That’s wrong; it shouldn’t be that way, and I know you agree. I know that because for the past year, you have worked hand in hand with us at Penny Lane Centers to try to alleviate the burdens shouldered by our clients. You have donated time and resources to help meet the needs of those who rely on us, and with every gift you have made it possible for our clients and families to find peace and joy - not just during the holidays, but every day.
Our work is not possible without you. As you reflect on what you’ve done this past year and consider what you’ll do in the year ahead, we ask that you consider continuing your support of Penny Lane so we can accomplish our united mission and serve even more members of our community.
The spirit of the season doesn’t come from a plastic elf, and it isn’t found in presents wrapped with fancy paper and ribbons. It comes from within each of us and is found in the kindness of strangers and the generosity that is a grace as much for the giver as it is for the receiver. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for the kindness and generosity you’ve shown to our clients and the support you’ve given to our dedicated team at Penny Lane. We look forward to spreading more magic with you in the year ahead.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Please go to www.pennylane.org and hit our donate button, or, if you prefer to send a check, please send it to:
PO Box 2548; Attn: Fund Development; North Hills, CA 91343
When we think of the month of December we often think of the holidays. The chestnuts are roasting, and the dreidels are spinning, and the bells are jingling. For so many of us the month of December is a time to celebrate with family and friends. We get dressed up or chill in pajamas. We gather over feasts, pop champagnes, sing songs, attend religious services, play games, eat, and exchange gifts. Because of how special this month is, I thought it would be nice to take a moment to look at the various holidays that December brings around the globe.
6 billion people around the globe celebrate holidays in December, making it the most popular month for holidays. These 6 billion celebrate in any number of ways, but regardless of the celebration, we can all agree that these celebrations represent the beauty of diversity around the planet. These December holidays are often based on traditions, religion and values that are important to the people who celebrate them.
Here are a few of the holidays that are celebrated in December. Some you know and some may be new to you!
On this day, Thailand celebrates the birthday of its beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Bhumibol was born in 1927 and was the king of Thailand between 1950 and 2016.
Bodhi Day is a holiday that celebrates the moment when the Buddha reached enlightenment. It is observed on December 8th in most countries, but some celebrate it on other dates
The Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast day that celebrates the conception of Jesus Christ by Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is celebrated on December 8th and is one of the most important Catholic holidays
December 13 is a religious holiday in honor of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of light. It is often celebrated with special church services, parades, and cookouts. In some countries, such as Italy and Sweden, it is also a day for celebrating the start of the Christmas season.
Las Posadas is a December holiday celebrated in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. It commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, usually beginning on the 25th of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.
The winter solstice is a holiday that celebrates the shortest day of the year. It is observed on December 21st in most countries, but some celebrate it on other dates. The word “solstice” means “sun stands still,” and this name reflects the fact that on the winter solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky. After the winter solstice, the days begin to get longer again.
Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians all around the world and is considered one of the most important holidays of the year.
Boxing Day is a public holiday originally celebrated in the middle-ages in the United Kingdom, today it’s celebrated in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia
Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is celebrated every year from December 26th to January 1st.
On New Year’s Eve, people around the globe celebrate the coming of the New Year on this last day in the Gregorian calendar.
Omisoka is the last of the December global holidays as the Japanese celebrate it on December 31st. It is a day to celebrate the coming of the New Year, and people typically exchange gifts, eat special foods, and participate in traditional ceremonies
Wherever you are in the world and no matter what you celebrate, we at Penny Lane want to recognize the richness and beauty of the holiday season. Relish in your traditions as you enjoy the time with family and friends and make memories to last a lifetime.
Penny Lane Centers wishes all a glorious December.
