Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

For the past few years, I have had intentions of sending my family fresh mistletoe during the Christmas season. (It will happen!) Not the "packaged fresh" mistletoe found at the checkout stand, but mistletoe I gathered myself.
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I have known mistletoe grew nearby, but even in all my asking of friends where to find it, I have been at a loss. I would walk and drive near the locations I was told I would find it, but I had no idea what I was actually looking for.  A tree, a bush... what was mistletoe?
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This year, I decided to do a Google image search for mistletoe. As I scrolled through the photos, a light bulb went on - I discovered I had been looking at mistletoe at almost every turn.
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Here in Central California, there is mistletoe growing all over the place. I now know, that it is really easy to spot during the winter months, especially when the rest of the leaves have fallen from the trees. The picture below is one of the photos I found online... a striking image of a tree in winter, filled with mistletoe. As you can see, when you purchase those plastic mistletoe spheres, it's pretty close to true form. :)  Someone should climb this tree (below) and tie big red bows above each ball of mistletoe.

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Once I learned how to spot mistletoe I had to learn more! And when I learn something new I like to share. Sometimes over and over again, just ask my kids. They know all about mistletoe now. My parents, who visited recently from Utah, know all about mistletoe, my daughter's friends know about mistletoe (if they have been in the car with me recently). :)  I have to hold my tongue and simply point now, for fear of being shot down with eye rolls and deep sighs.

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WHAT IS MISTLETOE?

Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant. It grows on the stems of woody plants, from which they derive water, minerals, nutrients and small amounts of organic compounds carried in the sap. Mistletoe can may grow on ash, beech, birch, hickory, maple, oak, pecan, sycamore, walnut and willow.

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Birds spread mistletoe from tree to tree when they eat the pulp around the seeds, which stick to them. The seeds then germinate and the parasite grows through the bark into the tree's water-conducting tissues where the sinkers develop. While the seeds aren't harmful to birds, they are poisonous to humans and pets.

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Though a parasite, mistletoe does do some good. It offers food to a wide variety of creatures throughout the year, helps improve soil quality beneath infected trees, and often provides a safe hiding or nesting place. In addition, it offers up an invitation to all who stand beneath it... "Kiss!"

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SHARING A LITTLE LOVE
On Superbowl Sunday, I took my kids on a nice little hike - after church and before the big game. At the end of the hike we found a tree filled with mistletoe. We each took turns beneath it. :) Can I just tell you... I love my kids! :)

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WHY DO WE "KISS" BENEATH THE MISTLETOE?

The origin of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is vague. However, the tradition may have stemmed from either the Viking association of the plant with Frigga (the goddess of love) or from the ancient belief that mistletoe was related to fertility.

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The correct mistletoe etiquette is for the man to remove one berry when he kisses a woman. When all the berries are gone, there's no more kissing permitted underneath that plant. :)

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One legend states that a couple who kisses underneath mistletoe will have good luck, but a couple neglecting to kiss will have bad luck. Specifically, it is believed that a couple kissing under the mistletoe ensure themselves of marriage and a long, happy life, while an unmarried woman not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for another year.

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Maidens may place a sprig of the plant under their pillow at night in the same manner a child places his or her lost tooth in anticipation of a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Instead of exchanging teeth for money, however, the sprig of mistletoe allows women to dream of their Prince Charming.

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While mistletoe is widely viewed as a symbol of love and fertility, it's also representative of peace. Ancient tales tell of enemies who encounter each other underneath trees bearing mistletoe. The enemies lay down their arms, embrace, and agree to a truce until the next day. This act of goodwill is yet another possibility for why we kiss under mistletoe: abstaining from violence and exchanging greetings under the plant may have prompted the custom of kissing.

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FREE PRINTABLE
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"Meet Me Under the Mistletoe"

by Freshaire Designs (me) :)

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OPERATION: KISS ME

I think mistletoe should be a Valentine's Day tradition, not just Christmas. I am on a mission to make this happen! It just seems to be a perfect fit - with all the kissing. :)

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POSSIBLE FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

One of my daughters is earning half her tuition for EFY this summer. To help her reach her goal we packaged up: a sprig of mistletoe, instructions for use, and a heart shaped Dove chocolate into a cello bag and tied it up with a bow. She sold them for $1.
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If you live in an area where you can gather fresh mistletoe, this could be a fun and easy fundraiser for you during any of the following holidays:  Christmas (tradition), Valentine's Day (Kiss Me), St. Patrick's Day ("Kiss Me! I'm Irish"), or at Halloween (in the European Middle Ages mistletoe was hung over doors to ward off witches).

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For more information on everything mistletoe, visit: www.mistletoe.org.uk or Mistletoe Matters

No Room at the Inn

One of the most memorable young women activities I can remember (during the Christmas season) has to be "No Room at the Inn". There wasn't actually an official name for the activity, but this suits it well. I am losing my memory, so if there are small details I have forgotten or remember wrong - please forgive me. This is how I remember the night. :)

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"His Name Shall be Called Wonderful" by Simon Dewey

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I do not recall who to give the credit to, though I believe it may have been the current young women president, Stefanie. There were many hands involved it creating an atmosphere worthy of the spirit. I was serving as a young women advisor at the time.

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The young women and leaders (who were not involved in the planning of the activity - myself being one of them) were simply under the impression that the activity for the night was caroling. We grabbed coats, our scarves, our gloves, and our knitted hats... it was typical cold winter's night in Utah Valley.

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We gathered at the church and decided on the carols we would sing, then we ventured into the cold night air. It was one of those nights you could see the air with every breath and every word spoken. Crisp, to say the least. Despite the chill, the night started with a group of energetic young women and leaders. Excited to sing together door to door, for family and friends.

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We knocked on the first door and no one was home. It seems that the second door was quiet as well. The group was not discouraged, their enthusiasm was strong as they locked arms and skipped to the next house where the lights were on and was clearly occupied.

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The home was of one of my friends from high school, Marianne. The girls knocked on the door, ready to finally burst out in song.  Marianne open the door - holding a baby in her arms, she looked frazzled. Another child was yelling in the background. As we started singing, she cut us off, shook her head, and told us it was a bad time. You have to know, she is one of the sweetest, easy going, fun loving women I know... I think we all thought she was joking. And anyways, music soothes the savage beast, right? :)  We kept singing. She shook her head and shut the door in our faces. I thought to myself, "How rude!" and I wasn't the only one. Shock and disappointment entered the mood of the group.

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We continued on to the next home, only to find that they were in a hurry to get somewhere, keys in hand and heading to their car. They didn't even offer the courtesy of listening to one carol. They actually got in their car and shut the door as we tried to sing to them anyways. The girls were no longer skipping. Their smiles and enthusiasm were diminishing. And honestly, so was mine.

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I believe we experienced one more disappointing door, where the usually sweet sister was on a long distance telephone call and could not take the time for her visiting carolers. She simply pointed to the phone at her ear and shut the door.

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Remember, it was cold. It was dark. And now, we were discouraged. The idea of ending the activity and going home had been discussed. But we were encouraged to try one more door. It was the door of a new family to our ward. They didn't speak much English, lived very modestly - still trying to get on their feet. We thought they might be grateful for our visit. We walked up the street, passing homes where the porch lights had been turned off, until we reached their home.

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Without much hope of a warm welcome, one of the young women knocked at the door. After a brief wait, the porch light turned on and the mother open the door with a smile. As we began singing, she invited us into their humble home. Though she didn't communicate it with words, she obviously knew we were cold (to say the least) and wanted to give us a place to warm ourselves.

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We were a little confused though, she lead us right through her home and into the unlit garage. There a string of white Christmas lights had been strung. A simple backdrop (possibly a sheet), and Mary and Joseph looking sweetly at baby Jesus laying in a bed of straw. (members of our ward playing the parts). We were all in awe at the sight.  Stefanie, the young women president, shared briefly the experience Mary and Joseph must have had, and the story of our Savior's birth.

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I don't believe there was a dry eye, or a heart that was not softened and touched by the spirit that night, as we quietly sang together the sweet carols of Christmas... such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger.

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The night ended as it began. Despite the chill in the air, our hearts were warm, and excitement in the season returned. We shared hot chocolate and hugs. We laughed at the thought of all the phone calls and preparation, the "acting" from the usually sweet sisters who turned us away so rudely. This was not just another activity, it was an amazing experience never to be forgotten.

Here we go a Caroling!

In our neighborhood there is a group of college aged young men who share a house. They all belong to a local Christian church. When they first moved into the neighborhood they went door to door introducing themselves to all their new neighbors. In addition, they gave us their numbers along with a list of combined skill sets they were willing to share, if there was ever a need. Handyman work, yard work, and car repair were all on the list. Both my husband and I were impressed at their genuine kindness.

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Come to find out, these young men spend their Friday nights with other young men and women studying the Bible. Last Christmas, as they gathered together, they filled a wagon with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Styrofoam cups. Bundled up, they walked the neighborhood - guitar and snare drum (yet, a drum) in tow - offering up hot chocolate and Christmas carols to all who would open their doors. I know our family loved the music, appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the unexpected surprise.

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by Mary Engelbreit

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This is one thing I had missed up until then - neighborhood Christmas carolers. I absolutely love the sounds of this season!  I am really hoping they come around again this year.  :)

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ACTIVITY

I am sure many of you may already have this on your calendars... But if you don't, here's an invitation to share your voices in song this Christmas season!  The instruments were a nice touch. Especially the drum, which I think the young men would be happy to take charge of. ;)

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Here's a simple formula to follow as you go door to door:  First of all, keep it brief. Three song maximum. Start with a fun song. Follow with a song that shares the true spirit of Christmas. And end with the classic, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

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Here's a sample list of songs:

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Jingle Bells
• Santa Clause is Coming to Town
• Frosty the Snowman
• Deck the Halls
• Silver Bells
• Winter Wonderland
• Jingle Bell Rock
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
• Let it Snow

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• Away in a Manger
• Silent Night
• Angels We Have Heard on High
• Joy to the World
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
• O Holy Night

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

MINI DEVOTIONAL/THOUGHT

The Legend of the Sand Dollar, The Friend 1976

Main Thought: “Remember Him, and find peace within.”

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Walking slowly along the wet sand—hands in pockets and bare feet kicking the water that lapped at his toes—Guillermo (Gee-yer-mo) wished he had a present to welcome his friend Philip. Soon it would be time for Philip to arrive in Baja, California, after the trip with his family‍ along the Oregon seacoast. Two years ago the two boys had been neighbors in Arizona. Will Philip be the same?‍ he wondered. He was concerned that perhaps they wouldn’t still like the same things.
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Guillermo stooped to pick up a flat, gray, roundish seashell almost hidden in the wet sand. It was a sand dollar! He turned it over in his hand with the feeling of awe and wonder he always felt when he thought about the legend of the shell. He slipped the shell into his jeans pocket as he heard the sound of his mother’s voice floating down from the bluff.
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photo credit: here

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“Guillermo, it is time.”
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He climbed the winding path up the bluff to their red brick home at the top and opened the heavy wooden door to enter a cool, tile-bordered room.
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“Hurry, Guillermo, and help me set the table,” urged his mother. “Philip’s parents will want their lunch so they can be on their way to Cabo San Lucas. How nice that Philip can stay with you for a whole week!”
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Guillermo had just finished putting a bright cloth on the table and had changed into a clean T-shirt when he heard a car pull into the yard.
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“Here they are,” said his mother. “Tell Papa.”
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“Papa, they’re here!” called Guillermo. Then he hurried outside, one hand in his pocket.

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A red-haired boy ran toward him with a package in his hand.

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“Hola‍ (hello), Guillermo, como está usted‍ (how are you)?”

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“I’m fine, Philip,” Guillermo replied.

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“I’ve been practicing Spanish,” his friend explained. “Look what I brought you.” He shoved the package into Guillermo’s hand and said excitedly, “Open it, OK?”

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Guillermo opened the package. Inside was a plastic flying saucer.

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“Muchas gracias, Felipe‍ (many thanks, Philip),” he said, grinning.

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Again he wished he had a welcoming gift for Philip. Then he remembered the sand dollar he had picked up. He put his hand into his pocket and drew out the flat seashell.

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“I have a present for you, too, Philip. I’m sorry it isn’t wrapped.”

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photo credit: here

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“I’ve never seen a shell like this before,” said Philip. “What is it?”

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“It’s a sand dollar. However, some people call it a keyhole urchin. It’s found on the Gulf coast and Atlantic coast. After dinner let’s go to my room and I’ll tell you about it.”

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Later when they reached his bedroom, Guillermo opened a shoe box on his dresser and took out a dry, sun-bleached sand dollar. “The legend,” Guillermo began, “says that this shell tells the story of the birth and death of Jesus.”

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“How can a sand dollar do that?” asked Philip.

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Guillermo pointed to the shell in his hand.

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“The markings show up better on this dry shell than on yours. See, on the back there’s an Easter lily. In the center of it is the tracing of the star that guided the wise men to the Christ‍ child.”

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photo credit: here

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Guillermo turned the shell over. “Here on the other side are the markings of the Christmas poinsettia. In the middle are five holes, representing the wounds in Jesus’ body when He was crucified.”

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“Wow!” said Philip, “that’s interesting.” Then, looking closely at the holes, he thought of something else and asked, “How does the shell move?”

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“When it’s alive it’s covered with brown, hair-like spines, and it moves with them. It’s an animal like the starfish.” Guillermo pointed to a small hole in the bottom of the shell. “It takes food in through here.” He handed the shell to Philip. “Here, shake it,” he suggested to his friend.

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Guillermo watched as Philip gently shook the shell and sand fell out.

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“What’s inside, more sand?” asked Philip.

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“No. Hold out your hand. Now watch.”

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Guillermo broke open the sand dollar and out dropped several tiny white wing-like objects.

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photo credit: here

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“They’re like folded butterflies made of ivory or bone!” Philip exclaimed.

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“The legend says they are the white doves that spread goodwill and peace,” Guillermo explained.

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“That’s really neat,” said Philip. “Can we look for more sand dollars on the beach?”

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“Sure, Philip. Did you know that some women wear pendants of gold cast from real sand dollars? Other people thread sand dollars on strings and use them for wind chimes.”

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“I can make a chime for my mother!” said Philip excitedly. “Or maybe I could make her a necklace for Christmas. Boy, Guillermo, I’m so glad I came!"

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CRAFT ideas - Sand Dollar Inspired

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No-Sew Bleached Sand Dollar Pillow

This design would be awesome on a t-shirt!

tutorial here, from Crafts&Sutch

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Sand Dollar Art

I think the girls would have fun designing their own sand dollars.

I would!

Arcylic Paints, Watercolors, Oil Pastels, Markers.

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Dyed Sand Dollar Necklace

Take a real sand dollar - dry it, dye it, and seal it for strength.

idea found here, created by Sarah's Sand Dollars

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Sand Dollar Necklace

Another pendant idea. Add a ring clip to a smaller sand dollar.

The one above was created by Eli N Opus.

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Sand Dollar Hemp and Wood Bead Necklace

idea found here

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Sand Dollar Ornament

You could dress up your sand dollars with rhinestones and ribbon.

idea found here, from Nautical by Nature

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DIY Sand Dollar and Twine Garland

A cute and simple decoration for the cabins.

idea found here

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Stamped Metal and SandDollar Charm
With the right supplies, the girls could create a personalized stamped necklace like this one.
They could use metal washers, dog tags, or charms like the one used above.
Whatever budget allows.
You could even use real sand dollars (small ones) and spray paint them in gold or silver.
purchase here, from Simple Starfish
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Sand Dollar Stencil

I love this!  Great design for a t-shirt.
purchase here
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The Legend of the Sand Dollar
purchase book here
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There's a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
you'll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown
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