We’ve rung in the new year and Christmas is over . . . or is it? I’ve written before about Old Christmas–the mountain tradition of celebrating the holiday on January 6 due to some calendar confusion dating back hundreds of years. But there’s also an Appalachian tradition called “Breakin’ Up Christmas” that only goes backContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Breakin’ Up Christmas”
Category Archives: holidays
Blowing Out the Old
I’ve written in previous posts about new year’s traditions like first-footing and eating lucky foods. But do you know about blowing out the old for the new year? The idea is to throw open all the doors and windows in the house just before midnight so that the old year can blow out and theContinue reading “Blowing Out the Old”
Appalachian Thursday – The Day After Christmas
It’s over. Christmas is done. Anyone tempted to take the tree down? Oh, the kids are still out of school and maybe there’s still family to visit, but for so many people these are the days when the blahs strike. The anticipation has been building since Halloween and maybe the day met your expectations–or maybeContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – The Day After Christmas”
Are you waiting to experience joy?
Our pastor has been doing a great series called Songs of the Season that focuses on a different Christmas carol each week. Yesterday was Joy to the World. So, of course, we talked about joy (and yes, he does invite the congregation to interact!). One of his comments got me to thinking about how oftenContinue reading “Are you waiting to experience joy?”
Appalachian Thursday – How about a Christmas story?
Here’ in the mountains it’s getting to be the season for curling up with hot cocoa and a good book while the temperatures drop outside. And what could be better than a Christmas story? Oh wait–I have one of those! My novella, A Shot at Love (the one nominated for a Christy Award!), is nowContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – How about a Christmas story?”
Independence Day at the Museum of Appalachia
My home state’s motto is: Mountaineers are always free. There’s a serious thread of independence running through the mountains I call home. And what better day to celebrate that than the Fourth of July? And what better way than by shooting off some anvils? Wait. What? Yes. Anvils. I wrote about anvil shooting last July,Continue reading “Independence Day at the Museum of Appalachia”
Appalachian Thursday – WV Quiz Results
Last Thursday was WV Day. To celebrate, I sent out a quiz to help readers determine if they could pass as a Mountaineer. The results were interesting! The first question was whether or not you’ve ever used an outhouse. I was amazed that almost EVERYONE who took the survey had done so–92%. Only one personContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – WV Quiz Results”
Appalachian Thursday – What do diamonds, women who dunk, and stalagmite sitting have in common?
Today is WV Day. But you probably already knew that. My home state is turning 156 and in honor of the day I thought I’d share some unusual facts about the Mountain State. The largest diamond ever found in North America was discovered in Peterson, WV, by the Jones family. They kept it in aContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – What do diamonds, women who dunk, and stalagmite sitting have in common?”
Memorial Day – Remembering Veterans
Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering those who have died in the service of our nation. Originally, it was proclaimed in honor of the Civil War dead by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The order became official on May 5, 1868, and was first observedContinue reading “Memorial Day – Remembering Veterans”
Appalachian Thursday – Decoration Day
Monday is Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer. And in Appalachia it means time to start planning for Decoration Day. Usually held on a Sunday in June, this is a day when cemeteries would be tidied and flowers placed on the graves. I’m not talking about those silk monstrosities either. I’m talking roses and daisiesContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Decoration Day”
