Today is the official first day of winter, the December solstice. If you’ve been paying attention to pop culture, it’s thought that the 2012 winter solstice will be the end of the world. If that’s the case, get out your bucket list and resolve to make the next 365 days the best ever.
The winter solstice is associated with a rich history of pre-Christian traditions. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia, to honor the Roman god Saturn, began Dec. 17 and lasted seven days. Traditional gifts included imitation fruit, dolls and candles. Over time, the festival degenerated into a week-long spree of bad behavior, leading some historians to believe that the early Christian church instituted the celebration of Christmas during the same time to provide an alternative to the debauchery of the Roman celebration of Saturnalia.
However you choose to celebrate, make it a safe and healthy holiday weekend!
Happy belated birthday yesterday to Joseph Cardile, Dec. 21. Happy birthday today to Gus Halandras and Tricia Rupp, Dec. 22; Zack Williams, Dec. 23; Mickey Pearson, Dec. 24; Peggy Kilduff, Roy Light, Melissa Sheridan, Billie Watson, Brett Watson and Gina Zielinske, Dec. 26; Dennis Cook, Marie McCoy, Vicky Tate, Jake Nieslanik, Adrienne Wix and Travis Mobley, Dec. 28.
Happy anniversary to Dale and Emma Lou Frisby, Dec. 27; Tyler and Jodi Goss, Dec. 27; Denver and Janet Hayes, Dec. 27, and Donald and Cassi Hobbs, Dec. 28.
“Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theheraldtimes or “follow” us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HeraldTimes.
Please send birthday greetings, anniversary wishes and other local social news to [email protected] or mail information to P.O. Box 720, Meeker, CO 81641.