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  • A Short History of the English Language
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    A Short History of the English Language

    Prior to c.450, the peoples of Britannia (Britons) spoke Celtic languages. Between 388 and 400, Romans occupied Britannia (modern England and Wales). Celtic-speaking Scots and Picts lived north of the Romanized Britons. In c.450, Germanic tribes including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded Britannia. The language that developed was Old English. Just as there are […] More

  • A Short History of Christmas Cards
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    A Short History of Christmas Cards

    How long do you think people have been sending Christmas cards? If you guessed “not that long,” then you are right. In the history of the holiday, the Christmas card is a modern invention. The first attested date of Christmas celebrated on December 25 was in 336 during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the first […] More

  • Christmastime Is Here: The Etymology of Christmas
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    Christmastime Is Here: The Etymology of Christmas

    Christmastime is here. Or is Christmas time here? From where and when does the word Christmas come? And is Xmas a secular perversion that seeks to remove the Christ from Christmas or an acceptable abbreviation? Even though Christmas is an important holiday for modern Christians, the church did not celebrate the birth of Jesus in […] More

  • The History of Halloween Costumes (Plus Easy Flamingo Costume)
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    The History of Halloween Costumes (Plus Easy Flamingo Costume)

    The story of the Halloween costume begins with the history of Halloween. The ancient Celtic people lived in northern Europe in areas now known as Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and northern France. Winter began early, around November, for the Celts, who marked the occasion with the harvest festival of Samhain, the night on which […] More

  • Ideas for Hosting an Ornament Decorating Party
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    Ideas for Hosting an Ornament Decorating Party

    I have been reading about the history of the Christmas holiday over the past few weeks. Each week my daughter participates in a kindergarten co-op with a local homeschool group. Last week three other parents and I taught a lesson on the holiday including a mini history lesson on the history of Christmas ornaments. The […] More

  • Smithsonian Interactive Books and Activity Kits
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    Smithsonian Interactive Books and Activity Kits Review

    I am always on the lookout for new educational books and materials to share with my kiddos. When recently offered the chance to review some new Smithsonian interactive books and activity kits, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I received Smithsonian Sticker Creations: Under the Sea, Smithsonian Sticker Creations: Dinosaurs, Smithsonian Discover: Earth, Smithsonian Everything You […] More