Bit By the Bug: Another Bug is Born

Hello and welcome to the third week of our 'Tis the Season collection of images.  Over the course of the last two weeks, we have taken a look at some of the celebrations taking place around the world during the holiday season.  We are going to continue on that trend as we make our way through December learning about the different kinds of occasions.  Whether they are religious or spiritual in nature, in celebration with the winter solstice, or just plain goofy and out there, someone in this world will be celebrating them.

Over the course of this next five days, the following occasions will be observed:

December 12

Jamhuri Day

Each year on this day, Kenya celebrates Jamhuri Day.  This is a national holiday in Kenya,  that officially marks the date that Kenya established itself as a republic in 1964. Jamhuri is the Swahili word for "republic".

Poinsettia Day

The beautiful poinsettia plant, often referred to as the Christmas plant, has had its own day created in the United States.  In honour of  Joel Roberts Poinsett, who died on December 12, 1851, the Act of Congress officially declared Poinsettia Day.  Poinsett was the first Ambassador to Mexico and when he returned home to his plantation in Greeville, South Carolina, he brought this colorful plant back with him.  He proceeded to grow the plants and gave them out as gifts to friends.

According to Mexican folklore, there is a story of a young girl who was poor and had nothing to bring to church for Christmas. On her way to the church, she picked some plants by the side of the road.  It is said that when she entered the church, the leaves at the tips of the branches turned into bright, brilliant red flowers. You guessed it... Poinsettias. It is nice that that beautiful plant has a day of recognition.

 

December 13

St. Lucia Day

For people of Italian and Scandinavian heritage, today is St. Lucia Day, also referred to as St. Lucy's Day. This day is celebrated in honour of the patron of light and each region emphasizes a different part of the story.  In traditional celebrations, Saint Lucy comes as a young woman with lights and sweets. In some forms, a procession is headed by one girl wearing a crown of candles (or lights), while others in the procession hold only a single candle each.  Traditionally, St. Lucia Day marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration in Sweden.

December 14

Monkey Day

Now here is a day, we definitely had to mention, especially since we are so found of sock monkeys.  Well, this day is dedicated to their brethren--real monkeys.  Hallmark refers to it as "the one day when monkey business is actually encouraged".   Monkey Day is an unofficial holiday that is celebrated internationally each year on December 14^.  While the focus of the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it does also celebrate other non-human primates including apes, tarsiers, maliks and lemurs. So, go ape today, it is completely sanctioned!

 

December 15

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Seriously?  The States seem to have all the best kind of national days.  I need to lobby our Canadian government to incorporate this one into our own yearly calendar!  Come on, what chocoholic anywhere wouldn't want a day where it is sanctioned to indulge, binge, and eat as much chocolate as your little heart desires. So get busy people--pour, spread, or drizzle chocolate over anything your little heart desires.  However, since this is a G-rated blog, we better keep that drizzling to food items only.   Ahhh, chocolate...can there ever be too much?!  That question is rhetorical you know.  Rejoice chocoholics everywhere!

Well now that we have all the different special holidays and occurrences taking place between now and the next 'Tis the Season' post, how about we take a look at what is new in the store this week.  Let me introduce you to....

 

North Pole Ambassador

 

North Pole Ambassador should be available in the store for purchase shortly.  However, if you are wanting to purchase it right away, please contact me (links below) and we'll make arrangements for you to get it sooner rather than later.

Just look at that smile--that is an expression that could bring joy to anyone who sees it.  If you ever happen to make it to the north pole, this little guy will be the one to greet you!  Just imagine all the stories he'll be able to share with you as he guides you in to Santa's Village!

Now let's check out what one of our DT came up with to showcase Naomi's wonderful ambassador...

Wow! Not only is there a flurry going on in the image, but there is also one going on in the paper too!  The lace adds a nice breezy feel to the card as well.  You can check out the details of this creation over on Suze's blog, Craftysuze.

Great textures, a beautiful die and some sparkly goodness help to showcase our little ambassador in this card.  Wonderful layout too!  You can check out all the details of Monica's card by visiting her blog, TaylorMade 4U.

Sneak peek guesses...

Apparently, my meannie pants weren't quite as mean as I thought they were since KT Fit Kitty, Edwina, Sarah and Kimberly all guessed that it was a snowman.  So, ladies, if you'd like a copy of the paper I created, send me an email by clicking HERE with the subject heading 'CBD Sneak Peek: North Pole Ambassador' and I'll send you off the digital paper displayed below.  Please note that it might take me a few days to get back to you though, so I appreciate your patience.

Now, it is your chance to win a copy of the latest new release...

It is time once again to try and give away a copy or two of Naomi's newest release.  In order to have your name in the running to win a copy of the North Pole Ambassador, I want to know, what is your favourite holiday tradition?   Holiday traditions are unique to both countries and families so I'm interested to hear what yours are.  Leave a comment ON THIS POST by noon on December 16th, in order to have your chance at winning this image.  Since there won't be a new release until January, the period open for entering into the draw will be much shorter than the typical two weeks.

Winners will be announced on December 17th just before the team goes on a holiday break!

Which brings me to the winner of the last new release.  I had wanted to know, what is your favourite holiday decoration?   Four of you shared with me and I loved hearing all about your favourite decorations.  This week, the winner of the last new release, Christmas Tree, is... 

Desíre

Desíre, please contact me by clicking HERE with the subject heading 'Christmas Tree' to get your copy.  Like I mentioned above, it might take me a few days to get back to you, so I appreciate your patience.

Now you can't go without this week's joke for the kid in all of us:

 Q:  What kind of money do they use at the North Pole?
  A: Cold cash!

(source:  http://emailsanta.com/jokes_Christmas2.htm)

 

Just one more image to go in our 'Tis the Season collection.  I hope that you will all join me on Saturday when it is time to show a snippet of it.  Until then, have a fantastic couple days and good luck everyone!  

Please note:  I apologize if any of these dates or information are incorrect.  It is not meant to be a slight on your particular faith or observances.  I am simply going by the research that I uncovered.  

References:
Author Unknown. (N.D.). December. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.
Author Unknown. (N.D.). Jamhuri Day. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamhuri_Day. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.
Author Unknown. (N.D.). Monkey Day. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Day. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.
Author Unknown. (2000-2013). National Chocolate Covered Anything Day . Available: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/December/chocolatecovered.htm. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013
Author Unknown. (2000-2013). Poinsettia Day. Available: http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/poinsettia.htm. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.
Author Unknown. (N.D.). Saint Lucy's Day. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lucia_Day. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.
L. Decosse. (2012). Holiday Handout: Day 4. Available: http://decossesdynamitedoodles.blogspot.ca/2012/12/holiday-handout-day-4.html. Last accessed 11th Dec 2013.