Entries by Jeff Westover

The First Christmas Tree in England

It was the British royal family’s German connections which led to the introduction of the Christmas tree custom in England. King George III’s wife, Queen Charlotte — who was of German descent– arranged for a great yew tree to be erected inside the Queen’s Lodge at Windsor on December 25 1800. A party of children […]

Disturbed Christmas

It is that time of year again, folks — time for the Christmas light showcase. Our first entry this year rocks: it’s Disturbed Christmas and even if this isn’t your cup of Christmas tea in terms of music you gotta admire the technical detail of this light display — hang on til the guitar solo:

Singing with Drumsticks

For three years we have avoided sharing this video. That’s how much we don’t like this song. But, nearly 20 million views over three years makes this song something of a tradition — to somebody out there. It comes from Nicole Westbrook who uses — no kidding — a turkey leg as a microphone to […]

St. Augustine Brings Christmas to England

Known as the “Apostle of the English,” Augustine (also called Austin; not to be confused with Augustine of Hippo, who came earlier) founded the Christian Church in southern England and became the first archbishop of Canterbury. Augustine was selected as leader of a mission of several dozen monks to England in the 590s. The mission […]

Legend of the Christmas Orange

Nicholas, as you know, was a Bishop long before he ever was a Saint. This story is but one of many that make up his legend and it is sacred to those who consider him a saint. He had heard of a family that lived closed by — not even members of his faith — […]

Barbie’s Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, Listen you fat little troll, I’ve been helping you out every year, playing at being the perfect Christmas Present, wearing skimpy bathing suits in frigid weather, and drowning in fake tea from one too many tea parties, and I hate to break it to ya Santa, but IT’S DEFINITELY PAY BACK TIME! There […]