Graduating Senior: Allison Donth

Written by: Allison Donth '12

Quick! It doesn't seem like it when you walk though the doors freshman year, but high school flies by and graduation pops up out of nowhere! It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in freshman connections and now I'm applying for scholarships, getting my EDP ready, and going to college orientations! I've worked really hard all of high school, taking AP classes and maintaining good grades, but it all paid off receiving my acceptance letter from Michigan State University. It's going to go by so fast so don't fall behind but live it up! My biggest regret is not slowing down and just enjoying all of the fun high school has to offer. So don't forget to live, love, and laugh while it lasts!

The most popular New Year's Resolutions of 2012

Written by: Mariah Rochester '12

             New Years is an opportunity for people to set new goals for themselves and to start over in a new, positive way. Though resolutions are easy to set, sticking to them isn’t always easy. People set resolutions in order to make goals, or simply just to make everyday life more organized. New Year’s resolutions vary in what they are and why they are set, but many resolutions stay the same throughout the years.

            Losing weight and getting in shape is the top New Year’s resolution that people have. By following through with this resolution, there is more to gain from physical activity. Some people want to lose weight for themselves, their family, or because of the potential health risks that being overweight creates.

Regular exercise can slow or reverse the trend of chronic disease and can show benefits for those who already have a chronic condition. Setting a resolution to lose weight and get in shape is the easiest way to make sure the goal is met.

            Developing and sticking to a budget prevents overspending and ensures peace of mind. Sticking to a budget is one of the most difficult things to do and takes much self-discipline. The longer people stick to a budget, the easier it gets.

            Reducing debt is a big goal for people nowadays, but many people don’t know where to start. The first step to reducing debt is to stop using charge cards and get financially stable. The best rule to follow is: if you can’t pay cash for it, you don’t need it.

Keeping a diary of all money spent will help figure out where cash is being spent and where spending needs to be reduced. After figuring out where money is being spent, people can then work towards creating a budget and getting out of debt.

Jobs tend to take up a lot of people’s time and energy, and time spent with family and friends is often reduced. In order to make more time for family and friends, people must consciously decide to work on improving their family situation every day. Business activities may have to be rescheduled for there to be more time. Parents can help their children to set and achieve goals and set aside one hour everyday for family.

Finding love is something everyone wants to do in their life, and making sure that happens is becoming more common. Soul mate relationships are the romantic relationships that people have dreamt about since they were young. They are loving and erotic, committed and inspiring, and lasting.

People can now search for love in ways that weren’t around before. Internet chat sites, smart phones, and dating sites now give people the opportunity to meet new people from different places.

Quitting smoking is a life changing and life saving decision that anyone can make. There are benefits of health, relationships, finances, vitality, the environment, and self-esteem. Quitting smoking creates a longer life and the ability to enjoy the finer things in life. It is a Do-It-Yourself decision that is worth making.

Many people want to find a better job for different reasons. The salary might not be enough, it’s not what they wanted to do, or sometimes they just don’t know what they want to do. The question to ask when considering a new career is: does you current job match core interests, beliefs, values, needs, and skills? Many people get stuck in a career and don’t know how to get out, but if they ask themselves that questions, figuring out where to go becomes a lot easier.

Everyone learns something new everyday. People learn throughout their life cycle; from cradle to grave. They learn in different environments, formally, and informally. People can learn new things by getting a new career, through a new language, learning to play an instrument, anything. Learning something new is one of the easiest, most motivating, and beneficial resolutions to keep.

Volunteering gives the people the feeling that they just did something selfless and beneficial for someone else. Helping others benefits the person who needed help and the person who provided help. Spending time helping out at a local library, mentoring center, or helping build a house are things that can be beneficial for many people. People become successful by contributing.

Hectic work schedules, children, and other errands make being organized difficult, and often take time away from being able to get organized. Planning days, reducing interruptions, cleaning off a desk, saying “No”, and making detailed lists are good first-steps towards organization. Being organized allows people to save time, reduce stress, and be more productive.

Every year, people are given the opportunity to set new goals in order to make a change in their life. The reasons for these goals can be simple, complex, or there may not be a reason. Setting a resolution is the first step, starting or keeping the resolution is the harder part, and sticking to goals makes setting them worth it in the end.

UNKOWN ARTIST: The Horrible Crowes

Written by: Elizabeth Prieskorn '14

           The Horrible Crowes have a captivating sound that pulls you in and makes you want to listen to more. A two-man band of Brian Fallon and Ian Perkins have traveled around the world playing music together.

            Their first song as the Horrible Crowes, “Behold the Hurricane”, was released and streamed on RollingStone.com on July 13^th. They have one album called Elsie, which after 17 days of recording, was finally released by Side One Dummy Records on September 6^th, 2011. Their album includes 12 songs and one song was even featured on iTunes as a free song of the week; Go Tell Everybody. As well as their first song “Behold the Hurricane”, their album Elsie is also streaming on RollingStone.com.

            Shortly after their release of their album Elsie, Ian and Brian headed over to Europe for the Fall Revival Tour. The Revival Tour was the first tour where Brian and Ian actually played together live as the Horrible Crowes.

            Currently they don’t have any shows booked for 2012 but The Crowes have many expectations. Their expectations would include playing in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the U.K.

            Their first shows ever were just in September. On September 8^th they played in NYC at the Bowery Ballroom. Their second show was Troubadour in LA on September 14^th. At their first two shows they played the whole album of Elsie as well as a mixture of covers.

            Brian and Ian hope 2012 will be as successful as 2011 and hope to excel farther in their music career together as the Horrible Crowes.

UNKNOWN ARTIST: Michael Henry and Justin Robinett

Written by:Michael McElwain '12

           

            Michael Henry and Justin Robinett are two amazing vocalists who have come together to record mesmerizing cover songs which range from Adele’s “Someone like you” to Maroon 5’s “Never Gonna Leave this Bed”.

Both Robinett and Henry had an interest in fine arts from a young age, Robinett was able to play piano, guitar, and the drums by age 13, and Henry had taken a couple years of piano lessons, as well as being able to play the drums in his high school’s band.

Although Justin and Michael both displayed a passion for music, neither of the two had ever explored their talent for singing, which suddenly changed during their two years they spent at Texas Tech, where they would share a dorm and play for the school’s drum line. Justin had received some equipment to record amateur songs and Michael, being slightly curious, asked Justin if he could have a go at things.

Out of pure luck, the two decided to record a song and post it to YouTube, where it would become an instant hit. They had originally uploaded it for their friends and family to check out, but soon found that YouTube users worldwide instantly became fans.

Although the two remain unsigned, their popularity has continued to grow. Robinett and Henry have created a wide range of cover songs in response, as well as sharing a few pieces of their own. Michael and Justin recently started a website where fans can stay updated, www.mhjrmusic.com. As well, Robinett and Henry have also announced that their songs are now being published and distributed via iTunes.   

Athlete of the Month: Jaedin Sklapsky

Written by: Elizabeth Prieskorn '14

          

 

           How many freshmen wrestlers have a record of 26-1? One: Jaedin Sklapsky. Jaedin Sklapsky is a 15 year old freshman on the varsity wrestling team. He’s been wrestling since he was five. For ten years straight wrestling has been Jaedin’s number one sport, although he also plays football. Throughout Jaedin’s wrestling career he’s had four coaches; Mr. Warriner, Troy Nault, Dave Milheim, and Bill Dorner. The one coach that has stuck with him has been Troy Nault.

Troy Nault has coached Jaedin for seven years and is part of the reason why Jaedin is as successful as he is now. “Troy has been the most fun coach I’ve had. He’s been with me the longest and he’s just fun to be around,” says Jaedin. Another factor to Jaedin’s success is his family. His parents have always supported him in anything he does and his brothers, being wrestlers themselves, always set high expectations for him. Jaedin looks up to them and sees them as his role models. They inspire him to do more. He hopes that soon he’ll be better than both of them.

The two main differences between middle school wrestling and high school wrestling are coaching, and talent. “The talent and competition is at a lot level in high school. The coaches work you harder and push you to be your best”, says Jaedin. Jaedin’s transition into high school was fairly easy. Balancing school and sports is no obstacle for him. He works diligently in class to get his work done. Like many of us, Jaedin enjoys high school more than middle school. Jaedin says, “Yeah high school is way more fun than middle school, even though the classes are stricter.” During his free time Jaedin likes to do the same things as many high school boys do. Eat, sleep, and hangout with friends.

Jaedin has many goals for his wresting career. The goals that he has set for himself for this year are to beast the Most Wins record. The goals that Jaedin has for his full high school wrestling career are to win leagues all four years, break all of the wrestling records, and to win states his junior and senior year. After high school Jaedin would like to attend a Division-one college and wrestle. After college Jaedin would like to become a wrestling coach at a high school.

Jaedin’s favorite wrestler is Anthony Robles. He’s a graduate from Arizona State University and is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Arizona State history. His interests are in Michigan State University, Iowa University, and Penn State University. They all have extremely good programs and Jaedin plans to work hard during high school to reach his goals. Jaedin’s greatest accomplishment in wrestling was when he was in seventh grade. Jaedin went down to Orem, Utah and won his weight class at Nationals. Jaedin is very excited for the rest of his high school wrestling career and beyond. In his future he hopes to reach all of his goals.

30% of athletes overcome debilitating condition to compete

Written by: Carly Darrow '12

                The statistics aren’t good; as an extensive amount of people are affected by asthma, make that 18.7 million people. It also accounts for an ample amount of hospitalizations for kids and kills nearly 5,000 people every year.

You would think a condition that includes the symptoms of chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and breathlessness wouldn’t exactly coincide with sports. In actuality, many athletes deal with this disease on a day to day basis. Medically known as “exercise-induced asthma”, it occurs when people typically breathe through their mouths, inhaling colder and drier air. The muscle bands around the airways contract due to the changes in temperature and humidity.

Although asthma restricts those who suffer from it, it does not mean that people or athletes should stop physical activity. In fact, physical activity when done right with medications and inhalers can help those with exercise induced asthma. The fitter someone is, the less air they need for a physical task, because your cardio respiratory system grows more efficient resulting in less strain on your bronchial tubes.

Precautions while exercising are always necessary. Inhalers should only be used before exercise but always on hand while exercising. Not only are attacks random and potentially deadly, but nothing can really be done to help someone with an asthma attack other than an inhaler or medical personnel.

                Despite this many athletes, famous Olympians even, have not let asthma keep them from competing. NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman, Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, NFL Pro Bowl running back Emmitt Smith, and Olympic medalist swimmer Amy VanDyken, are all examples of athletes who don’t let asthma run their lives.

“Having a full on asthma attack is something that you can never imagine without having experienced one,” states senior athlete Anna Archey. “It is like drowning with air all around you that you just can’t breathe in. When I was first diagnosed with asthma in middle school, I didn’t work hard enough to control it and that showed in my athletic performance up until last year.”

                Many people are still undiagnosed of asthma; and most athletes will not even display signs of asthma or symptoms. Athletes can help counteract the effects of asthma by working with medical personnel, taking an inhaler 15-30 minutes before sports, and making sure to do a warm up and cool down with stretching before and after working out.

                “It’s wonderful when my asthma isn’t acting up and I can perform to my full potential,” says Archey. “It takes a lot of medications, exercises, shots, and doctor’s appointments to make it there. When I do jump my furthest and run my fastest, it just makes the moment that much better knowing what I overcame to make it there.”

The hard nosed truth with Garrett Dubya

Written by: Garrett Johnson '12

        On December 8^th 2011 James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers laid a controversial helmet to helmet hit on quarterback Colt McCoy of the Cleveland Browns. The National Football League suspended Harrison from the Steelers game against the San Francisco 49ers.

        Harrison was not fined for the hit, but was docked one game check, which amounts to roughly $73,500.

        This is not Harrison’s first tangle up with fines and penalties due too flagrant head to head collisions. But honestly what is the game that we have all grown up watching and loving coming to? It’s the hits that people like James Harrison have on opposing players that fill the stands; the same hits that are shown over and over again on shows like NFL’s top 20 players to highlight the talents of previous great NFL players.

        Sure I will agree concussions are a major issue involving the sport, but then again doesn’t everyone know the risks when they step onto the grid iron?

        These are men ranging from the ages of twenty to almost forty years old. Can they not comprehend the dangers of the game of Football? I’m not going to knock the league but honestly let men be men.

        “Football is a sport of collision, emotion, and ferocity.” - Kanon McVicker. Not a game to limit the brutality of one player to another. In my opinion James Harrison was in the right and always has been. Let men be men and let the men try to prove dominance on the grid iron without a bunch of spectators crying about the dangers of the game.

         If you don’t like what you’re seeing… don’t watch, because when you cringe I smile.

The World According to Blake

Click photo to enlarge

Mrs. Sagaert: Feature Teacher and wildlife volunteer

Written by: Jessica Allen '13

            Mrs. Sagaert has been teaching for 26 years, ten of which have been at ERHS. She worked in an elementary school in Ionia, Greyhound Intermediate, and the Eaton Rapids Middle School. Sagaert has been working with Special Education for 20 years.

            She attended Grand Valley for her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in teaching. Sagaert knew she was going to be a teacher at age five, “When I was in the basement with all of my friends, I was always the kid at the blackboard being the teacher.” Many people in her family were teachers as well. Her grandfather was a professor and her aunt was a teacher, which helped show her that she could do it also if she wanted.

Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the growth of her students over the four-year period she gets to spend with them and her favorite class to teach is math. Students know that she is very loud and ‘out there’ about everything. She shares her stories with anyone who will listen because she hopes that someday it will help someone.

She decided to work in the Special Education program when she helped out during high school. She worked one summer in a program for mentally challenged children and continued going back every summer after that.

            Mrs. Sagaert’s grandmother and mother gave her the love she has for animals and taught her about making a commitment to something. Her mother has been a nurse for 50 years, and is still going strong in her profession. Her mother plans on continuing nursing until the day she dies and Sagaert says, “I’ll probably be a teacher until I pass as well!”

Sagaert always had a strong love for animals and had she not become a teacher, she would have been a veterinarian. When asked about it, Mrs. Sagaert said, “I do sometimes wonder what it would have been like to be a veterinarian, but when I was little no one told me that I could be a vet, I thought it was only a job for males. At age 30, I thought about going back to vet school, but decided that with my career already started and my wildlife rescue it would be too much.”

Her hobbies include taking care of wildlife and her pets and hanging out with her house full of animals. She owns 12 indoor cats and has three dogs as well. Sagaert was in Florida recently for an international wildlife conference. It was two days long and she learned oil spill training and disaster planning. She plans on attending the trip to Costa Rica with Mrs. Nutt and Mrs. Brantley in the summer of 2012 to experience some of the other wildlife around the world.

Sagaert is known for her love of animals, along with her willingness to help anyone, or anything that needs it. As a result, she runs a wildlife rescue in Eaton Rapids three miles south of town called Wildside Rehabilitation, which admits around 1,000 animals every year. The rescue opened 16 years ago on the corner Bellevue Hwy. and Houston Rd. and now has three rooms to house animals in. There is a mammal, songbird, and raptor room. The rescue currently has eight non-releasable animals that are used for education. These include a horned owl, a red-tailed hawk, a short-eared owl, a screech owl, a North American beaver, and a woodchuck that only has bottom teeth and hangs out with cats.

There are many colorful animals with big personalities at the rescue, many of which are present just long enough to get healthy and be adopted or released back into the wild. The rescue is fully funded by donations and veterinarian bills are paid out-of pocket by Sagaert and her volunteers. Student volunteers are accepted, but it is a large commitment and a big responsibility.

Sagaert has much dedication to her students and her wildlife. She is a great teacher and mentor. Mrs. Sagaert will continue her teaching career for many more years at ERHS.

Where are they now: Scott Smith

Written by: Elizabeth Prieskorn '14

          We all know “Old” Mr. Smith and “Young” Mr. Smith. They’re some of the friendly faces we see in the hallways and classrooms at our school every day. If you’re lucky you have or have had one or both of them as your teacher. But, what about the other Mr. Smith? Where’s Scooter?

          He used to walk the halls of Eaton Rapids High School as many of us do today. Just like most of us have and will, Scooter made many great memories here at ERHS. One event that he will never forget includes his track squad winning the Regional Championship in 2003.

          He liked all of his teachers here, but his favorite would have to be his Dad, Old Mr. Smith. “He made economics exciting and digestible for a 9th grade audience.  His teaching inspired me to pursue a business degree”, says Scooter. Some of his favorite classes were Economics, Retail Marketing, Global Issues and Spanish.

          Scooter thoroughly enjoyed high school here at ERHS. Some of his best friends in high school are still his best friends today. Though most all of them have moved away from Eaton Rapids, they still keep in touch and try to see each other whenever possible. Scooter graduated from ERHS in 2003 and later attended Michigan State University. He majored in marketing and obtained his undergraduate college degree in 2007 and then his MBA in 2011, also from MSU.

         After graduating college Scooter worked at Hormel Foods as a sales representative. While working at Hormel he was presented with many opportunities and new life experiences. He was able to live in two major US cities, Atlanta, GA, as well as, Minneapolis.

         Scooter saw his time employed at Hormel well spent and a great life experience and learning opportunity. After gaining work experience at Hormel Foods, he is now currently the Associate Product Manager at Arden Companies.  In his role at Arden he is in charge of managing the product portfolio for their new business division. Scooter’s job is going extremely well and he loves that he is constantly learning and continually improving while being put in situations to succeed.

         Scooter loves spending time with his wife and going out socializing to local places with his friends. He also enjoys watching Michigan State athletics and visiting new places. Scooter is still unsure exactly what his future holds, but is looking forward to finding out what it does hold.

         He seems to view all aspects of his life as an adventure and embrace the experience, whether professional or personal.  Some advice that Scooter would like to give to us, high school students, would be, “What you know today, is less than you know tomorrow and what you know tomorrow pales in comparison to what you will know a year from now.  In order to succeed, you should never become complacent.  You should always aspire to learn more and improve as a person.”  This is profound advice, which will hopefully resonate with all of us for years to come.

Mayan Calander raises questions for 2012

Written by: Isaiah Bellville '12

          A civilization that has astounded anthropologists for years due to their unexplained disappearance in history is now instilling more confusion in fear into people around the world. How can a civilization that made their grand exit so long ago have such a tight grip on today’s culture?

        The Mayan calendar was a complex system, based on mathematics and astronomical calculations. The calendar was complex, with cycles upon cycles with the largest unit of time measurement being a “ba’ak’tun”, set at 394 years. The end of every 13 ba’ak’tuns culminates a “new world”, making people believe that on December 21, 2012, the world will end; December 21, 2012 being the end of the current “world”. However, scientists argue that nowhere in Mayan scripture is there any indication that the end of 13 ba’ak’tuns would be an

apocalypse. In fact, some scientists argue that it may have been a cause for celebration.

The misconception may lie in the interpretation of Mayan literature, seeing as

records have become distorted and hard to read. Michael Coe wrote in 1966 in “The Maya” “there is a suggestion ... that Armageddon would overtake the degenerate peoples of the world and all creation on the

          The idea of an apocalyptic prophecy seems to be just an invention of over active minds in a time where people see peril in the most insignificant places.

final day of the 13th (ba’ak’tun). Thus ... our present universe (would) be annihilated (in December 2012) when the Great Cycle of the Long Count reaches completion.” Mark Van Stone, a scholar who specializes in Mayans, said “The notion of a ‘Great Cycle’ coming to an end is completely a modern invention.”

Christmas traditions and celebrations celebrated worldwide

Written by: Mariah Rochester '12           

            Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated worldwide and in a number of different ways. The traditions in different places around the world give each culture its own definition of Christmas.

            The Christmas season in the United States begins in the end of November and ends in the beginning of January, but Christmas is celebrated in December 25. The traditions in the U.S. are similar to those in England.

During the Christmas season, the weeks leading up to Christmas, the exterior and interior of homes is decorated with lights, Nativity scenes and other various decorations, and a Christmas tree. The tree can be real or artificial and is decorate with lights, garland, and ornaments. The Yule log in a firebox has remained a tradition for some time.

            On Christmas Eve, stockings are usually hung and children are sometimes allowed to open a few gifts from their family. Santa Clause is said to visit homes while children are sleeping on Christmas Eve. It is a tradition to leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa and carrots or oats for Santa’s reindeer. Gifts from Santa are opened on Christmas day.

            The traditional Christmas dinner is made up of turkey, ham, or roast beef, and Yorkshire pudding. A variety of sweet pastries and egg nog is commonly served for dessert. Christmas dinner can be held on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, depending on when families wish to have it.

            Other Christmas traditions include a special church service the Sunday before Christmas and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. A re-enactment of the Nativity of Jesus sometimes takes place at different churches.

            Local radio stations may temporarily play Christmas music, and many family Christmas movies are aired on television, as well.

            In Nigeria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Various festivals of singing and dancing take place, including masquerades. Gift giving in Nigeria often involves money and the flow of gifts is typically from the rich to the poor. Sometimes money is thrown into the air to be grabbed or stuck on sweaty foreheads of dancers.

            Rather than sweets, Nigerians tend to prepare different kinds of meat in large quantities. In the South, Jollof rice is served with stews of various meats, boiled beans, and fried plantains. In the North, rice pudding is served with various meat stews. Mainly alcoholic drinks are served and children and women are served locally-made soft-drink equivalents.

            Christmas in Ethiopia is celebrated in January 7 rather than December 25, and is called Ganna. On Christmas Eve, Christian priests carry a procession through town carrying decorated umbrellas, and the procession ends at local churches where Mass is held.

            On Christmas morning, gifts are opened and outdoors sports are played to celebrate. Typically the wealthy share a feast with the poor.

            Bangladesh celebrates Christmas on December 25, and it is called Borodin, or Great Day. The day celebrated in remembrance of Jesus’ birth. People greet their family and friends by saying, “Shubho Boro Din,” or “Greetings of the great day”. Traditional sweets are offered, also.

            Homes are decorated in a variety of different ways, and artificial stars are hung on rooftops to signify the Star of Bethlehem. Various festivities are held throughout the day to celebrate Christmas.

            In the People’s Republic of China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. It is designated as a public holiday in China’s special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

            In the mainland, a small percent of Christians, usually unofficially or privately, observe Christmas, while others who don’t consider themselves Christians celebrate Christmas-like festivities.

            Sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are some of the traditions for Christmas. In Hong Kong, many buildings facing the Victoria Harbour are decorated in Christmas lights.

            Israel is a Jewish state with strong emphasis on religious freedom. Jewish Israelis do not celebrate Christmas, but instead celebrate Hanukkah, which falls approximately at the same time. Israeli Arabs are Muslim and also do not celebrate Christmas.

            A minority of Christian Israeli Arabs celebrate Christmas. Some celebrate with Western churches on December 25, while others celebrate with Eastern churches on January 7. The pattern of Christmas observance by Palestinians is similar to that of Israeli Arabs.

            Christmas is important in both areas due to the region’s significance as a place where Jesus lived. Bethlehem lies in the West Bank, with the Church of the Nativity being a prominent symbol for both Christian and Muslim Palestinians.

            Jerusalem is associated with the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus and tends to focus pilgrimage towards Eastertide.

            Christmas is recognized as a national holiday in South Korea. Christian and non-Christian Koreans celebrate some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes. Children have embraced Santa Clause, whom they call Santa Halabuji, or Grandfather Santa.

             Local radio stations play Christmas music and television stations play Christmas films and cartoons popular in Western countries.

            Churches hold Christmas pageants and conduct special services on Christmas Eve, as well as Christmas day.

            In Central Europe, the main celebration date for Christmas is on Christmas Eve, December 24. Christmas Eve is a fasting day and children are told that if they fast until after dinner they will see a golden pig. When evening comes, preparation for Christmas dinner begins.

            Some dinners have up to twelve dishes. After dinner, gifts are opened and gifts are commonly attributed to Christkind. Many people go to Midnight Mass celebration on Christmas Eve, after gifts have been opened.

            In most areas, Santa Clause does not come for Christmas. Instead, he visits families earlier, on the dawn of St. Nicholas on December 6. He leaves gifts and candy bags in the polished shoes of well-behaved children. Santa is usually accompanied by a servant named Krampusz who gives birches to badly-behaved children. All children get gifts and birches, no matter how they behaved.

            Christmas in Russia is a mainly religious event that is celebrated on January 7 and is a national holiday. On Christmas Eve there are several long services.

            Royal Hours and Vespers are combined with the Divine Liturgy. After these services, families return home for the “Holy Supper”.

            The dinner consists of twelve dishes; one to honor each of the Twelve Apostles. Devout families then return to the church for the All Night Vigil and again on Christmas morning for the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity.

            In Italy, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a national holiday. December 8 is the day that Christmas decorations and the three are put up. Christmas is celebrated similar to Western European countries with a strong emphasis to Christian meaning and celebration by the Catholic Church. It is common for people to attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

            Not eating meat is a practiced custom on Christmas. Dinner traditionally consists of seafood with the Feats of the Seven Fishes followed by typical Italian Christmas sweets.

            Christmas on December 25 is celebrated with a family lunch. An ancient festival called Ndocciata is celebrated on Christmas Eve in Molise with a parade of torches leading up to the “Bonfire of Brotherhood”.

            December 26 is a public holiday is Italy, and festivities extend to the end of the year, then to Epiphany on January 6.

            On January 6, decorations are taken down and in some areas female puppets are burned to symbolize the end of the Christmas period and the death of the old year and beginning of a new one.

            Christmas day in New Zealand is a statutory holiday. A mix of United Kingdom and North American traditions are practiced.

            The traditional Christmas tree is a standard in New Zealand, along with traditional symbols of holly and ivy that are sometimes replaced by the Pohutukawa tree. The Pohutukawa tree is often called the “New Zealand Christmas tree”.

            Winter-styled hot food is served for Christmas dinner, and Christmas desserts are served after. House decorations are common and there are several Christmas-themed parades. The most popular Christmas parade is Auckland’s Santa Parade.

            In Venezuela, Christmas is celebrated as a religious occasion. Presents are brought by “El Nino Jesus,” or Baby Jesus instead of “Papa Noel”.

            The unofficial start of Christmas festivities is after the celebration of “Feris de la Chinita”, in the second half of November.

            In many cities, neighborhoods get together for “patinatas” night festivals. The festivals are usually sponsored by the local churches. Children write request letters to Baby Jesus. Gifts are sent by Baby Jesus at midnight and most people have parties that go until sunrise.