History........Family..........Fun..........Purpose
What is the mission of Holidays with Honor?To perpetuate annual family traditions and celebrations while remembering the true heroic stories of the past, when God worked through the lives of men and women for His Pleasure and Purpose. What does Easter mean to you?
Who was "Saint" Patrick? Why is July 4th so special? How did the Thanksgiving holiday begin? Where did Valentine's Day come from? Every year many retail stores decorate and display their goods with an upcoming holiday theme. The calendar can dictate our spending habits, social events, and dining choices. Why? What's our reasoning for celebrating a holiday, when often we have no idea about the true meaning, origin, or symbolism it involves? Not until the twentieth century did workers have a two day weekend from their employment. For thousands of years people had often worked seven days a week. Historically, only the days of rest (for a few cultures) and "holidays" offered a break from the constant toil of common men and women. Thus, such days were cherished. Currently, certain dates on our calendar stand out from the regular routines of life, which serve as a yearly distraction, a reprieve, a celebration of something significant, or a day of remembering. Just Another Reason to Party?
Several of the holidays that many Americans celebrate had their initiation around the biography of a notable and highly regarded person. Patrick of England and Valentinus of Italy had such an impact in the early 3rd and 5th centuries, that their stories have been carried down to us over more than 1500 years. Their noble deeds and sacrifices have blatantly been watered down to the point that most Americans have no idea that the tales of real men initiated these yearly celebrations. Christmas, of course, is celebrated around the world, but the December 25th holiday overlays a non-Christian "day of note" in antiquity. The church leadership in the Middle Ages wanted to downplay the ungodly influences of the secular and often violent festivities of idol worship, fear, and the control of the masses. The people would not give up these annual events, perhaps for fear or habit, therefore, the church leaders decided to replace one for the other. The people did not have to give up a "holiday", but instead, were slowly convinced to honor the Christ Child in Christ-Mass. They redefined the day and season, and, thereby, millions were influenced. |
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Gateways to Better Education has a marvelous website, which informs parents of their religious rights within the public school system.
They, also, have a segment of their website dedicated to restoring the true messages of holidays with Christ-honoring roots.
"The Holiday Restoration Campaign is designed to help correct misinformation and restore accurate teaching of the religious nature of these traditional American holidays.
Join us in restoring the real reasons for the seasons for public school children."
http://www.gtbe.org/holidayrestoration/
They, also, have a segment of their website dedicated to restoring the true messages of holidays with Christ-honoring roots.
"The Holiday Restoration Campaign is designed to help correct misinformation and restore accurate teaching of the religious nature of these traditional American holidays.
Join us in restoring the real reasons for the seasons for public school children."
http://www.gtbe.org/holidayrestoration/
Teaching Techniques
Parents were instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-9...
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
Hear, speak, do, touch, see...
The LORD God describes the best ways to learn.
Parents were instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-9...
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
Hear, speak, do, touch, see...
The LORD God describes the best ways to learn.
Ways to Celebrate & Remember
Consider using as many of the 5 senses as possible:
Hearing
Touching
Tasting
Seeing
Smelling
Consider using as many of the 5 senses as possible:
Hearing
Touching
Tasting
Seeing
Smelling
Go to Pinterest site "Holidays With Honor" for more ideas.
Meals Inspired By Geography
Three Kings Day.......Jan. 6......Mexican
Valentine's Day......Feb. 14...Italian
St. Patrick's Day......Mar.17.........Irish
Passover.....................varies.........Jewish
Memorial Day.............May.........American
Independence Day........July 4...........American
Reformation Day.........Oct. 31.........German
Thanksgiving......................Nov......British/American
Three Kings Day.......Jan. 6......Mexican
Valentine's Day......Feb. 14...Italian
St. Patrick's Day......Mar.17.........Irish
Passover.....................varies.........Jewish
Memorial Day.............May.........American
Independence Day........July 4...........American
Reformation Day.........Oct. 31.........German
Thanksgiving......................Nov......British/American
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" Anything that refreshes you |
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How can we give the Lord a more prominent place in our celebrations?
