Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior suddenly realized that it was New Year’s Eve night.  They began to frantically ransack their minds for all the lore they had learned about what to do to bring themselves luck for the New Year.   “Don’t put up a new calendar until tomorrow!” said Balthasar.  “Don’t have any unpaid bills on New Year’s day or you will owe money all year!” said Gaspar, the miser.  “Open the doors at midnight tonight so the spirit of the old year can depart!”  “No washing dishes or laundry tomorrow!”  “Woe to those who aren’t wearing anything new!”  “Is your red underwear on?” said Melchior.   They were getting very tired.  To keep themselves awake so they could ring in the new year when the clock strikes midnight, Donnie led the men to CUMC’s coffee bar for a little caffeine boost.

Today’s Quote: “OUTLAW CHRISTMAS!  From the way our cities and homes are decorated today you would never guess that displays of Christmas were once outlawed, denounced as a sign of a pagan festival.  When the Puritans came to power in England, they immediately outlawed it.  They decreed it a day of fast and penance.  This prohibition against decorations or outward signs of Christmas continued in America in the New England states.  Until 1856, December 25 was a common workday in Boston.  Public schools were in session on Christmas day as late as 1870.  The arrival of Irish, German and Italian immigrants with their great enthusiasm for celebrating Christmas began to change this intolerance.” (Ed Hayes)

Today’s Microchallenge:  Be safe tonight.  Happy New Year!  Welcome 2024!