A Christmas Prayer by Pope John XXIII
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.
A Note From an Editor: Before you go out shopping for the last minute gifts, or look for the next big sale, take a second and think about what this season is all about. We lose the meaning of Christmas among all the rushing, wrapping and studying. Every year it feels less and less like Christmas, especially when there are more and more responsibilities. My advice: take a couple hours each week to do something Christmas-y. Watch a Christmas movie with your family, go look at Christmas lights, visit Santa at the mall, go see Christmas concerts, plays or musicals. As a child, Christmas is the most magical time of the year. The snow is falling, songs are playing and letters to Santa are written. Nothing is weighing down on their minds in attempts to find the perfect gift for that stubborn boyfriend who says they don’t want anything, or the grandmother that gives so much and deserves the best. As a child all that matters is the spirit and happiness that Christmas brings. The thoughts of making cookies and decorations are the only things they have. In high school, the magic fades away with more responsibilities and by watching our parents shop and stress out about making the holiday special. We need to work together to end this moment of lost magic in our lives. Like Frosty the Snowman teaches us, make the most out of the short season that is Christmas. Have fun with your friends and explore this season. Make your own fun like Buddy the elf. Wherever Buddy went he was spreading “Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear,” as he was taught in elf school. Wherever Buddy was, he made the most out of his time and was happy. Get outside of your comfort zone like Jack Skellington who brought Christmas to Halloween Town. He didn’t care what people thought, he felt a need to change it up and dive into the season. If you keep a positive attitude among the grinches in your life, you may be able to change their heart, just as Cindy Lou Who was able to transform the Grinch. Some of our favorite Christmas classics give us the meanings we are searching for. to make the season special. But we shouldn’t forget the entire and most important reason for this holiday season: The love poured out to us from God in the birth of Jesus. My all time favorite Christmas movie is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The movie has one of the best scenes to remind the audience of the Christmas Spirit. Charlie Brown forgets the meaning of Christmas among all the glowy trees and shopping, and needs a reminder. Linus responds with one of the best moments in television history: “And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.’ That’s what Christmas is all about.” Charlie Brown takes this to heart as he goes home only to be surrounded by his friends as they sing together “Hark the Harold.” Even today, in a world that seems to be afraid of the true meaning of Christmas, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues to be played yearly to remind us what Christmas is all about. Keep Jesus in mind when you are running around wrapping and shopping this season. Make time to go to mass and spend time with your family. Enjoy the season like Frosty does and be sure to change the hearts of those grinches in your life by spreading the love and light of Christ. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rebecca Darmetko
Caroling, Caroling Through the Snow By Ian Wardowski Imagine setting up the Christmas tree with family this holiday season. The snow is falling down by the inch; it is noticeably calm and quiet outside. The fireplace is crackling in the background. The house is warm because the oven is busy baking Christmas cookies. The only thing missing is the Christmas music! This year, 100.3 WNIC began playing Christmas music Nov. 9. It might have been too soon for some people, but others froze their radio on 100.3, pun intended, to enter into the holiday spirit. SiriusXM satellite radio began their Christmas music around the clock nine days earlier on the first of November. Clare Walby (‘19) feels strongly about Christmas music saying, “I don’t think Christmas music in November is a bad thing at all. Even though Thanksgiving is the closest holiday, there’s nothing wrong with getting in the Christmas spirit a little early. Besides, Christmas music is so festive and fun, one month isn’t enough time to enjoy all of it!” Now that stations are playing Christmas music, the question becomes: What are the best Christmas songs out this holiday season? Fortunately, iTunes already answered that question providing a list of the most popular holiday songs for 2017.
Some might be rolling their eyes over Christmas music this year. Their argument being: “It’s so overplayed,” or “The same six songs are all I hear!” So, to shake the Scrooge out of some people, a trip back in time is necessary. Christmas music has evolved through the decades in America. The music took a journey from Nat King Cole and the 60s all the way to Pentatonix in the present day. Themes switched back and forth between Christian views of the holiday, love, and secular Western traditions which provide the world today with a large selection of music that will satisfy any holiday mood. The following is a list of some of the less common and undiscovered songs spanning from the 60s to today.
Caroling, Caroling Through the Snow (continued)
Caroling, Caroling Through the Snow (continued) Nothing brings the Christmas mood to people better than Christmas music. At Bishop Foley, the season takes a while to sink in. Students are usually worried about their upcoming finals; teachers are busy grading papers. In the past few years, snow hasn’t even fallen until Christmas break began. In order to bring the Christmas mindset into Foley, a sample of teachers were asked what their favorite Christmas songs were.
For those traveling this holiday season, forget the radio Christmas stations. There are way too many advertisements and the radio stations tend to play the same songs over and over again. Diversity in Christmas music is easier to achieve through applications like Pandora or Spotify. Spotify is highly recommended for people who want to make their own playlist. A free membership allows one to search for songs and add them to a specific playlist. The best part is that the Spotify music library is so large that listeners are guaranteed to have almost every song out there. If playlists are too much work, allow Pandora to mix songs on its own. Pentatonix Christmas station on Pandora provides listeners with a more contemporary Christmas feel. Elvis Christmas will bring the old school sound to every home. The best part is the lack of commercials. Making a new Christmas mix may be the answer some are looking for this season, but still others may want the abundance of classics provided by the radio. “If you listen to the station enough, you can hear the same 10 songs play over and over again, but I would rather deal with it than make my own playlist,” said Mary Ryan Pennington (‘18). Christmas music is a long-awaited part of the holiday season. At some point in December, everyone gets around to listening to it. Like the bow on a present, Christmas music seems to be the perfect finishing touch to any car ride or family gathering.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year By Evan Similuk It’s that time of year again as boys and girls everywhere are making up their Christmas lists, trees are going up, and everyone is full of cheer. Christmas is a wonderful time filled with fun, family, and kindness. Holiday movies that bring good tidings and joy unite everyone at this special time. Christmas movies are tremendously popular, especially during the “25 Days of Christmas” on Freeform, viewed daily during this time each year. There are many favorites, instant classics, and modern movies that bring the holly jolly feelings of the season. One movie that’s a hit with many is “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell. The movie tells the story of a human baby named Buddy who sneaks into Santa’s bag of toys and grows up in the North Pole. When he is old enough, he learns that he is a human and not an elf, and goes to New York City to find his dad. Throughout the story, Buddy brings Christmas cheer to all and shows the importance of the holiday, and eventually helping Santa save Christmas. While bringing laughs, “Elf” sparks many memorable moments. “My favorite part is when everyone in Central Park is singing to try to get Santa’s sleigh off the ground,” said Clare Walby (‘19). “It just makes me so happy and excited to see all those people in the Christmas spirit.” There’s no doubt that “Elf” has become a holiday hit. Not everyone is as merry during the holiday season as Buddy the elf. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” tells the story about the mean Grinch played by Jim Carrey, who hates all the noise and commotion about the holiday, and attempts to ruin it by stealing all holiday gifts and decorations. This film brings Dr. Seuss’ classic story to life, as the film is full of holiday fun and laughter. At BFC, the movie is a favorite for students. “My favorite scene is the Christmas decoration battle between Cindy Lou Who’s mother and their neighbor,” said Nate Daley (‘19). “It shows how awesome Christmas is and how excited it gets people.” As the Grinch seems to be successful and is about to destroy every bit of holiday cheer, he realizes the true meaning of Christmas and how it isn’t about the gifts. The Grinch recovers every holiday item, and restores Christmas to Whoville. another film that is a hit with every student is “Home Alone.” “Home Alone” tells the story of an eight-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister, who is left behind at home as his family leaves for vacation, and must protect his house from robbers looking to break in. Through laughs and memorable moments, “Home Alone” proves to be an instant Christmas classic. “Our favorite scene is when Kevin comes up with all the gadgets and tricks to defend his house,” said Andrew Dixon (‘19) and Grace Counsman (‘19). “It’s super funny and always makes us laugh.” Christmas movies are immensely popular, and bring good tidings to every person. Whether one is as cheerful as Buddy the elf or as grumpy as the Grinch, There is no denying there is something special about the Christmas season.
The 12 Days of Christmas By Kateri Sollars “The 12 Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas Carol. From 1558-1820 the Roman Catholics in England weren’t allowed to openly practice their faith. The song was thus written as a catechism song for Catholics to secretly celebrate, help them remember the meaning of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and why they practice their faith. Each gift in the carol is said to represent something biblical. For example, in the phrase “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,” “true love” represents God, symbolizing the belief that God is the one true love. At the end of each day, the gift receiver is given a “partridge in a pear tree.” The “partridge” is Jesus. The “two turtle doves” represent the Old and New Testaments while the “three French hens” represent Faith, Hope, and Love. The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are represented by the “four calling birds.” The “five golden rings” symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament and also describe how men fell into sin and how God was going to send a Savior. The rest of the song goes on to describe the six days of creation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are wisdom, understanding, council, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. “Eight maids a-milking” symbolizes the eight beatitudes and is followed by “nine ladies dancing” naming the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 shows the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit which are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. After, come “ten lords a-leaping,” “11 pipers piping,” and “12 drummers drumming.” “Ten lords a-leaping” symbolize the Ten Commandments, and this is followed by the 11 faithful Apostles and the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed. The song is named “The 12 Days of Christmas” because of the 12 days between the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25, and the Epiphany on Jan. 6. It’s interesting to know how people use songs or poems for their religion. Catholics used “The 12 Days of Christmas” because they weren’t able to openly practice their faith. Now, when singing this song during Christmas, one can appreciate the depth and beautiful display of the Catholic faith hidden within the lines.
How Christmas Came to Be for Catholics By Madelyn Ensley Christmas is a holiday involving the joy and the love of the giving season, but how did Christmas become such a distinguished holiday? There are many stories about how Christmas came to be such an important holiday. Why is Christmas celebrated on Dec. 25? Though Scripture doesn’t give the exact date of the birth of Jesus, Dec. 25 was a significant date to the Early Christians, according to Catholic Answers. As early as 204 AD, early Christians were writing about the birth of Jesus, when Hippolytus wrote in his Commentary on the Book of Daniel that Jesus was born on Dec. 25. Many early Christians believed Dec. 25 to be the day that Jesus was born, which would mean that they would celebrate His birth on that day. These early Christians believed , according to Hippolytus’ calculations, that the world was created on Mar. 25, so Jesus would be born nine months after the anniversary of creation, on Dec. 25. Many believe that the celebration of Christmas falls on Dec. 25 because of pagan celebrations, but these claims are false. There is not evidence to suggest a connection between pagan celebrations and Christmas. In fact, some of the pagan celebrations that some claim connect the two appeared after Christmas started being celebrated on Dec. 25. The earliest evidence of a pagan celebration on Dec. 25 was in 354 AD with the Chronography of 354, which was a calendar that listed the celebration of the birth of Sol Invictus, the Roman sun god, as Dec. 25. This was the first time that a record appeared indicating Sol Invictus, or any pagan god, was celebrated on Dec. 25. The calendar also listed Christmas as being celebrated on that day, and it is unlikely that the first celebration of Christmas on Dec. 25 would take place in the same year as the first celebration of a pagan god since there is record that early Christians wanted to distance themselves from pagan worship. Aside from designating a time to celebrate Christmas, Saint Nicholas also had an impact on the holiday. Commonly known as “Santa Claus,” Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra in Greece in the fourth century. During his life, he provided for the poor and sick. The most famous story of St. Nicholas is when there were three sisters who didn’t have any money and St. Nicholas would secretly drop bags of money so that the sisters weren’t sold into slavery. St. Nicholas went through many transformations, from how he is portrayed to the way his story is told. His feast day is Dec. 6 and is celebrated around the world. Eventually, he became known as “Santa Claus” and was adopted into the Christmas holiday. Christmas is an important holiday for Catholics. Through Christmas and Advent, mankind was given a Savior and King who was born to take the steps to His death, and redeem humanity. Celebrating the birth of Jesus means recognizing that He is the best gift anyone could receive, as He gave up His life to heal mankind from their sins. This is something creation can never repay Him for, but the least mankind can do is designate a time to celebrate His birth in gratitude.
What’s on the Christmas Menu? By Thomas Riley There are numerous types of Christmas meals and traditions at Bishop Foley. Several students continue traditions brought over by their families. Christmas dinner is one of the best parts of Christmas and this year, Foley students are looking forward to celebrating their cultures. Many cultures are represented in the Foley Family and each has their own Christmas traditions to share. Bishop Foley is home to those whose backgrounds are Italian, Polish, Irish, Lebanese, and Ukrainian, amongst many others. An Italian Christmas might not be as predictable as it seems. A traditionally light meal with zero meat and plenty of seafood is the best way to celebrate the holiday. The different types of fish often served are swordfish, tuna, salmon, and baccalà (salted cod). Normally Italians celebrate with light pasta dishes and a meatless antipasti. “My family tries to follow an Italian custom of having seven different fish on Christmas Eve,” said Theology teacher Mr. McCormick. In Poland, unlike America, they celebrate Christmas mainly on the night before, which is called Wigilia. Similar to the Italians, Polish people usually have a meal with no red meat and a good deal of fish (normally carp). Sides include herring, pierogi, braised sauerkraut, and cabbage rolls. The desserts include poppy seed rolls (makowiec), and paczkis. Another great Polish tradition is opłatek. It is a flat wafer and the culture involves one person breaking a small piece off of another’s wafer in order to send positive wishes. “Opłatek is one of the best traditions to tie into Christmas because it is a moment to share good tidings with family and share a moment of love with them,” said Rebecca Darmetko (‘18). In Ireland, their Christmas meal is extremely similar to American Thanksgiving day celebrations. They have a roasted turkey and stuffing, crispy goose, fat potatoes, steamed brussel sprouts, sweet carrots, and cranberry sauce. Some desserts include a citrus fruit loaf, or some classic vanilla fudge. The Lebanese traditional Christmas dinner will more than likely feature a kibbeh pie. This dish is made from minced meat and burghul, often served in warm yogurt sauce. Often served to the side is chicken or turkey with spiced nutty rice, tabbouleh, mezze plates of hummus and beets and tahini salad. The traditional Ukrainian Christmas meal starts with a meatless borscht, stuffed salmon or pickled herring. with sides including potato, sauerkraut, and broad beans or mashed beans. The dessert menu includes syrniki (fried quart fritters) and scuffles. Nina Rudnitsky (‘18) said, “We open our presents on Christmas Eve, instead of the next morning. I enjoy doing this because I can be with family that
What’s on the Christmas Menu? (Continued) night and then we go to Midnight Mass, and then we can sleep late the next morning.” Celebrating Christmas Eve makes for a very calm and pleasant Christmas with family in the Ukrainian culture. One of the best things about having different cultures involved in a Christmas meal is having the opportunity to try all the foods from around the world. Nicole Massoud (‘18) said, “It means alot to me to have multiple cultures be present during the holidays. I like both American and Middle Eastern food, so it is great that I get to eat both.” Christmas will be special for many Foley families and filled with plenty of foods that will make mouths water. While celebrating Christmas cultures, Foley students will be able to enjoy delicious meals and keep Christ at the center.
Foley Family Recipes By Evan Ludwick
The Minzeys’ Fruit Salsa and Baked Chips The Minzeys have a delicious recipe for Fruit Salsa with baked cinnamon chips! Ingredients: 2 kiwis peeled and diced 2 golden delicious apples peeled, cored, and diced 8oz raspberries 1 (16oz) carton of strawberries diced 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar 3 tablespoons fruit preserves of any flavor 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas Melted butter or butter flavored cookie spray Cinnamon 10 white sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon Preparation: Large bowl- kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar, and fruit preserves. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes Preheat oven 350 degrees Coat one side of each flour tortilla with melted butter. Sprinkle tortillas with cinnamon sugar Place in oven until crisp
The Barneys’ Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup brown sugar 1 cup softened butter 1 teaspoon 1 egg 2 ¼ cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups chocolate chips Preparations: Heat oven to 375 degrees Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and egg in large bow;. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips Roll dough into balls and set on baking sheet 2” apart from each other Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown
The Bojis’ Green Bean Casserole Ingredients: 1 can (10 ½ oz.) Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup ¾ cup milk ⅛ tablespoon black pepper 4 cups cooked cut green beans or 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) any style Del Monte green beans, drained 1 ⅓ cups French’s crispy fried onions Preparations: Mix soup, milk and pepper in 1 ½ -qt. Baking dish. Stir in beans and 2/4 cup crispy fried onions Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot then stir Top with remaining ⅔ cup onions bake for 5 minutes until onions are golden
Mr. Merricle’s Zucchini Bread Ingredients 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups grated zucchini, seeded 2 cups flour 2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup black walnuts (optional) Preparation: Beat eggs until foamy, then add sugar, oil, and vanilla into large bowl. Beat until thick, then stir in grated zucchini. Sift together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in medium bowl. Stir sifted mixture into large bowl with the egg mixture. Fold in walnuts; if using. Bake at 350° in a greased loaf pan for 1 hour (50 minutes for a gas oven). * 2 cups of zucchini needed per batch.
Mr. Donoghue’s Bread Pudding Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup butter softened 1 cup chopped pecans Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350º. Grease a 13x9x2-inch pan. Mix together 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 eggs, one at a time, and milk in a bowl; add 2 teaspoons vanilla in intervals. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes. In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, softened butter, and pecans. Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.
Dr. Bluestein’s Lemon Frosted Ricotta Cookies Ingredients: Butter - 2 sticks unsalted, softened Sugar - 2 cups Eggs - 3 room temperature (put in bowl of hot water to bring to room temp. when cold) Ricotta - 1 lb Vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons Flour - 4 cups Salt - 1 teaspoon Baking soda - 1 teaspoon Lemon - 1 zest only (save whole lemon for frosting) Frosting ingredients: 1/2 pack powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 lemon (squeeze juice) Preparation: Cookies Cream butter and sugar. Mix (mash) in separate bowl eggs, ricotta, and vanilla. Zest lemon over cream butter mix then add ricotta mix and mix well. Slowly add dry ingredients and mix well. Drop quarter size cookies on ungreased cookie sheet or on parchment paper. Bake 350° 12-15 minutes (6 minutes top shelf, 6 minutes bottom shelf). Cool and frost. Frosting Start with powdered sugar. Slowly add lemon juice while mixing, and vanilla. Get to a soft, frosting consistency, and frost. Add sprinkles if desired.
Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas) By Jonathan Nordstrom Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated a lot longer compared to other places around the globe. Christmas carols can be heard as early as September, but the formal Christmas celebrations begin on the Dec. 16. Most people go to one of the many early morning masses throughout the season. The last mass is on Christmas day, and the celebrations persist for the twelve days that Christmas lasts, until Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. As Christmas Eve arrives, many people stay awake throughout the night and into Christmas day. During the evening of Christmas Eve, many Christians go to the Christmas Eve mass. This is followed by a midnight feast, called Misa de Aguinaldo where family members dine together on foods like rice, lechon (pork roast), pansit (noodles), buko salad (fruit salad with young coconut), and bibingka (rice cake), among others. Some families would also open presents at this time. Christmas Day is celebrated mainly with family. The Misa de Gallo mass takes place on this day, and all family members partake in it. In the morning, Filipinos usually visit their extended family, especially to pay their respects to relatives that are generally older than themselves. This tradition is done when the receiver takes the back of the older relative’s hand and presses it against their own forehead while greeting each other. The older relative often responds by reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture and in return, gives a gift or money. A lunch would eventually take place during the festivities of the day. What is eaten depends on how much money the family has. The families with more money usually prepare more food, while poorer families choose to cook less food keeping it simple, yet traditional. Some families decide to open presents on this day after the lunch. During the night, the family is home to spend time with one another. Christmas in the Philippines is a time for enjoying food, celebrating the mass, and spending time with family. Many Filipino families go through this tradition each Christmas, and look forward to doing so each year.
Santas Around the World By Kateri Sollars There are many different holiday traditions around the world and they are unique in each country. Some countries might have a Christmas tree in their home while others don’t. While still other countries might celebrate the Epiphany and focus more on the Three Wise Men. One tradition that always seems to make its way into countries’ Christmas traditions is the idea of Santa Claus. Spain has a couple of different ideas of Santa Claus, or Papá Noel as they call him. He brings gifts for the children to open on Christmas Eve, but if the children are bad, he will come and take the children away. Nacho Lopezosa Serrano (‘19) from Spain describes their Santa like this: “Santa is exactly like here in the U.S. Indeed we took that tradition from the U.S., but we have another thing called “Los Reyes Magos” (The Three Kings) and they also give presents but it’s on Jan. 6.” Other Santa figures are Olentzero and Tío de Nadal. Olentzero comes from the Basque Mountains and is celebrated in the region of Aragon. He leaves gifts for good kids and coal for naughty kids. Olentzero is described as overweight, with a beret that rests on his head. He smokes a pipe and is said to dress like a Basque farmer. In Catalonia, their Santa is Tío de Nadal. Tío de Nadal translates to Christmas log. People give the log food and hit it with a stick to help with digestion. The log, in return, drops out sweets, nuts, and fruit. When garlic or an onion falls out of the log, the log is done giving treats for the year. Belgium’s Santa is called Père Noël. Père Noël’s appearance is similar to that of Santa’s. Père Noël wears a red cloak with a hood lined in white fur so that he can’t be seen. Père Noël surprises the kids with toys and brings them after the Evening Mass on Christmas Eve. The Belgian citizens don’t leave out milk and cookies for Père Noël, in fact the adults hardly drink milk themselves, but they will leave out Calvados or wine. To get their presents, the children leave out their shoes and slippers by the fireplace. Today, most find their presents under the Christmas tree. Instead of leaving coal for naughty kids, Père Noël’s partner, Le Père Fouettard which translates to the bogeyman, whips and beats the naughty children. In Russia, their Santa is called Ded Moroz, which translates to Grandfather Frost. Ded Moroz is an old Slavic legend that is about 2,000 years old. The children decided to give him a birthday celebrated on Nov. 18. He wears a long Russian style coat lined with white fur that’s decorated in red, blue, silver, or gold. He also wears a Russian rounded cap trimmed with fur. His clothes are decorated with embroidery and he is described as tall, slim, and old. Along with his coat, he carries a staff, has a long white beard and wears valenki, which are felted boots.
Santas Around the World (Continued) Instead of using eight reindeer to pull his troika, which is a sled, Ded Moroz uses three horses to deliver gifts to the children on New Year’s Eve. He has a partner that helps him deliver the gifts, Snegurochka. Snegurochka comes from the Russian fairy tales and is said to be a snow maiden. She is also said to be Ded Moroz’s granddaughter. She is described as having blonde hair and glowing cheeks that are accompanied with a smile. Ded Moroz lives in the Russian town of Veliky Ustyug. The children can write letters to Ded Moroz to ask him for what they want. If people visit Veliky Ustyug, they can get their picture taken with Ded Moroz and ride in the troika. In Iceland, they don’t have one Santa--they have 13! Their Santas are called Jolasveinar, which translates to Yule Lads. Their names are Sheep-Cote Clod, Gully Gawk, Stubby, Spoon Licker, Pot Scraper, Bowl Licker, Door Slammer, Skyr Gobbler, Sausage Swiper, Window Peeper, Door Sniffer, Meat Hook, and Candle Beggar. The Yule Lads were sons of trolls that resided in the mountains and first appeared in the 17th century. At first, the Yule Lads were pranksters, dressing in rags and frightening kids. Many years passed and the mean and annoying Yule Lads turned into friendly gift givers. They give gifts from the Dec. 12 to Dec. 24. On each of the 13 days, one of the Yule Lads will place a gift in the children’s shoes that sits on the windowsill. The children that were naughty find potatoes in their shoes. Nowadays, the Yule Lads wear nice red garments instead of rags. There are different Santas all over the world who help bring joy to the children, bringing gifts and the spirit of Christmas. Their mysterious characteristics provide an intriguing perspective of how different cultures interpret Santa.
Origin of the Christmas Tree By Daniel Grembi As Christmas time comes around, the Christmas trees begin to come out, but why do people put them up in the first place? It all started in Germany with St. Boniface. St. Boniface was a monk in the eighth century who preached the Gospel to the pagan Germans. While preaching in Germany, St. Boniface learned that the people of the village Geismar gathered around a large oak tree, called the “Thunder Oak,” to worship the god Thor. At the Thunder Oak, they would sacrifice someone, usually a small child. Boniface and other missionaries went to the village to destroy the tree. They arrived at the time of the sacrifice, and Boniface chopped down the tree. Amazed by this, the Germans were baptized. Boniface then found a small fir tree behind where the Thunder Oak was and used that to spread the Gospel. He said that the tree was a sign of peace and life, and should be used to celebrate Jesus. According to the site History, the first record of a Christmas tree being on display in America was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania. By the 1880s, the popularity of Christmas trees was on the rise. Christmas trees later came into almost every household and is now known as a classic Christmas decoration. Events such as Macy’s Great Tree have been celebrated annually for decades. Formally known as Rich’s Great Tree, the Macy’s Great Tree is a 70-foot tall Christmas tree that has been a tradition in Atlanta since 1948. The tree used to be made of pine but changed to an artificial tree in 2013. Today, many people use Christmas trees as a way to express their Christmas spirit as 25-30 million pine trees are used each year for Christmas trees. About 350 million real Christmas trees are being grown by farmers from both the United States and Canada. They’re grown in all 50 States and take up to seven to ten years to be fully grown, but over 80% of all artificial trees are manufactured in China. Though Christmas trees have Christian roots, many associated them with pagan meanings, but that has faded as it has been widely accepted by Christians. In 2004, Pope Saint John Paul II became the first Pope to place a Christmas tree inside St. Peter’s Square. When he did this, he said to over 20,000 pilgrims that the Christmas tree is a sign of life and that it represents Christ. He also said that it symbolizes the Tree of Life seen in Genesis 2:9. Whether it is made of real pine or artificial, having a Christmas tree will always tie a household’s Christmas decorations together. The tradition of the pine has deep roots in many cultures and is celebrated as a source of life and happiness.
What’s Underneath the Christmas Tree? By Franklin Lama Each Christmas, the must-have toys are gone minutes after they hit the shelves. The craze for the top toys fills the minds of parents, aunts and uncles, all hunting for the perfect gift. Sometimes, this means traveling hours away just to get the last one. Different years have seen different toys become popular. The 1980s saw the Cabbage Patch craze and last year Hatchimals were the must-have item. The most sold gifts for this Christmas include Fingerling Monkeys, Hatchimals, Googly Eyes, BB-8, Fitbit, and the Samsung Gear VR Headset. The Fingerling Monkeys are the top choice for kids and are about $15, however many are exploiting the situation and selling them online for double the price. Kids are very excited for this toy because it is interactive. It is a small toy that can attach onto fingers or other objects like pencils and it became popular because it makes sounds when it moves. Hatchimals are priced at $10. Hatchimals were among the top-ranked toys for kids last year and are hot again this Christmas. They are eggs that will hatch over time and on the inside are small collectible toys. There are over 70 collectable toys that children can find. Googly Eyes is a game that children ages three and up can play. Goggles are worn by one person who has to write or draw something while their partner has to guess what it is. This is a great family game that can be bought for $15. BB-8 is an interactive droid from Star Wars. It rolls around and makes sounds. It is controlled through a smartphone app. The price for BB-8 is $135. The Fitbit is priced at $150. With it, workouts, heart-rate, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes and steps can be tracked. It can even record how well one sleeps at night, as well as receive text messages and calls. The battery life for the Fitbit is seven days. The Samsung Gear VR Headset is priced at $99. It is lightweight and easy to use. One can play games, watch TV shows or movies and can experience virtual life in a whole new way. VR headsets will be a huge gift this year and in the future as they are great investments. “VR headsets are the future, they are being used for different treatments such as PTSD and will be beneficial in learning as well,” said Mary Fromm (‘18.) Some lucky children will wake up this Christmas to find these hot toys underneath the tree waiting for them. The hottest toys of the year will be off shelves quickly this holiday season.
Gifts Galore By Nicole Massoud Gifts are a huge part of the Christmas season. National Retail Federation estimates that the average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts, totaling more than $465 billion! During this season, malls are congested with people eager to find the best deals for their families and friends. The exchange of Christmas presents is something that makes the holidays so enjoyable. Seeing the smiles on loved ones’ faces after giving them a gift makes it all worthwhile. On the other hand, receiving the gift that you’ve been longing for is also an awesome feeling. Bishop Foley seniors were surveyed on the best gifts they have given and received. Hannah Pattinson (‘18) says that the best Christmas gift she has ever received is her Jeep Liberty and the best gift she has given is a picture collage to one of her best friends. “It was special because it was close to the end of eighth grade and we were going to different high schools, so I wanted her to remember the good times we had.” Valerie Georges (‘18) remembers receiving a rosary bracelet from her mother, and it was the most sentimental Christmas gift she has received. It meant the world to her because it was a reminder of her strong faith in God and her relationship with her mother. She also remembers giving her brother Leo Georges (‘21) a Macbook last Christmas. She was delighted to see how thrilled he was. Sonia Moozhayil (‘18) reminisces about receiving an art set from her parents a couple years ago on Christmas. It meant a lot to her because she is passionate about art and had been yearning for the set for a while. It is important to recognize that it’s not the dollar amount that makes a gift special. Sometimes, the best gifts are having the presence of our loved ones and the thought that they put into our gifts. We give gifts to show our love and appreciation, so any gift received from a loved one should be special, no matter the monetary amount. Some people cannot afford to buy gifts, so people must learn to be understanding and know that not everything is about receiving; giving time, love, patience, and forgiveness can be the least expensive, yet the most priceless gifts one can give. Giving adds joy to the holiday as a whole, and the thoughts and feelings that go along with gifts make them even more special. Seeing what students give and receive this year, whether physical or abstract, is highly anticipated.
BFC Staff Wish List By Jena Kendro It is that time of the year again, when people are in the giving spirit and thinking about what they want to find under their tree on Christmas morning. The Bishop Foley faculty is no exception. The hardworking staff put aside some time this year to write down their Christmas wishes. In a world burdened by never ending conflict, a few staff members wrote down that they wanted world peace. The Pettys took a more humorous approach, asking for favors of their students. After viewing the following responses, one can conclude that this staff wishlist is one for the records. Below is the complete list of the staff’s Christmas wishes.
BFC Staff Wish List (Continued)
BFC Staff Wish List (Continued)
The Foley Family Participates in Charities By Rebecca Darmetko This season many clubs are showing their Christmas spirit by participating in charities and charitable ideas. The Bishop Foley Family shared their Christmas spirit with others this holiday season. Their love and joy helped make Christmas that much better for those who needed it. The Bishop Foley Cathletes Wrote a Christmas letter to Destiny Coselman, a 19-year-old girl diagnosed with IV Glioblastoma. She asked for pleasant thoughts and wishes during this Christmas season in order to put a smile on her face. The Cathletes immediately responded to a student in need by sending her some Christmas spirit. Kayla Moore (‘20) said, “ I think that it was wonderful to see the amount of effort that all the Cathletes put into the letters for Destiny. I really enjoyed making them because I know that even little things like a card or a note can make someone’s day. I believe that she will love the letters and put her into the Christmas spirit knowing that there are many people thinking of her and praying for her while she is sick.” Key Club, in participation with the Salvation Army, is continuing its annual tradition of bell ringing. Each year, Key Clubbers go out to various locations to ring bells and sing. The Salvation Army says that “the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises about $30 per hour – enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries, or shelter an individual for a night is a volunteer.” Our students join in the mission of giving during the quickness of the Christmas season to take a couple hours to benefit the Salvation Army. President of Key Club Jeffrey Mandziuk (‘18) said, “I’m always excited for the annual bell-ringing that Key Club does. It’s rewarding within itself to give a gift during the Christmas season, especially to those who don’t have much.” Student Council gathered donations to give to the Ronald McDonald house this holiday season. They collected items to give to the families of sick children who are brought, at no cost, to a house near the hospital where their child is receiving treatments. The travel sized items, phone chargers, and new movies will be small tokens to both children and adults who need an extra boost this holiday season. Historian of the Executive Council Nathan Daley (‘19) said, “Participating in donating to the Ronald McDonald House gives the entire school a chance to realize that the community around us needs more than just food. We’ve never done a collection at Foley that wasn’t food or money, and it provides the opportunity to help out in a different way. The items collected will be a great help to the Metro Detroit Community and brings our school together for a wonderful cause.” The Mission and Ministry team hosted a week of small Christmas activities Dec. 11 through Dec. 15. These activities included decorating Christmas cards for children in the hospital, signing a Christmas card for Pope Francis, making Christmas ornaments for the nursing home, making encouragement bags for students in need,
The Foley Family Participates in Charities (continued) and participating in the annual Macy’s letters to Santa donation. Ms. Hursin, along with the Mission and Ministry team set up a week of activities quickly in order to spread Christmas cheer to others. Lauren Kowal (‘18) pointed out that the “Mission and Ministry is bursting right onto the scene this year for the Christma and Advent season. ‘Giving Week’ is an opportunity for students to take some time every day to remember their own blessings and bring holiday cheer to those in need and who may not be in the same situations as us this year.” Mission and Ministry is also putting up an Advent Prayer tree where students were invited to pick prayer ornaments from the tree and pray for the intentions that students presented at the beginning of the school year. The Mission and Ministry team may have just begun this school year, but they are trying to bring the joy of Christ to our peers, teachers, and those in the community in unique and thoughtful ways. Christmas is the best time to decide to give to others and the Foley Family does it right. They give their all even with finals coming up. Not only do they care about their school family, but they go the extra mile by participating in charities at school. Busy Decembers and end of semesters don’t stop Bishop Foley students from making a difference.
Winter Wish Week Success By Rebecca Darmetko Student Council’s annual Winter Wish Week was a huge success this year. Every student and faculty member in the school was given one wish and student council picked 17 wishes each day: one from faculty, and four from each grade. This year, the rules were as follows: there was a $5 limit and all wishes must have been available on the Foley Campus or be purchased over the weekend (i.e. no starbucks but a free coffee from Foley is okay). Students were encouraged to be creative and wish for events rather than objects. For example, music playing during passing, a teacher rap battle, or even dumping a container of water on Mr. Accavitti as if he was a coach who had just won a championship. This year many fun wishes were granted. Plenty of music played throughout the halls including “Hamilton,” Christmas songs, The Beatles and the MJR theme song. All grades had wishes filled with Sour Patch Kids, Kit-Kats, donuts, pancakes, cough drops, Darth Vader hot wheels, ear buds, a $5 Chipotle gift card, and plenty of Foley cookies. Alyssa Flowers (‘19) was so excited to receive her pancakes during homeroom that her jaw dropped. “I was completely ecstatic when I realized I was picked for Winter Wish Week because I did not think at all that I would be picked. The pancakes during home room absolutely made my day and it also felt good to be able to give my pancakes to the class as well,” Alyssa said. There were many gifts purchased for the students, though some of the best wishes required no money. Mr. Accavitti and Mr. Madsen both wore fun wigs during the day and plenty of shenanigans went on. Jeffrey Mandziuk (‘18) received a signed picture of Mr. Luck to take with him to college . This special picture had Mr. Luck’s catch phrase on it: “Have fun, be safe, make smart choices.” The tradition of Winter Wish Week is the best way to end the semester. The smiles brought to the faces of those who had wishes granted make all of the hard work to plan the wishes worth it. The best way to blow off steam and take a break before finals is one tradition that Bishop Foley students will never forget.
Places to Go: Christmas Lights to See By Lauren Valade There is nothing like Christmas time in Michigan. There are so many things to do throughout the Christmas season to entertain the need for the Christmas spirit. Michigan is one of the most beautiful states during the winter and offers all types of Christmas activities. There are things to do for the adventurers, the wanderers, the crafters and the family men and women just looking for a Christmas escape. Wild Lights The Detroit Zoo will light up this holiday season with its annual Wild Lights. For 24 nights, more than five million LED lights will glisten up in the trees, on buildings and illuminate more than 230 animal sculptures throughout the front half of the zoo. Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as the lights and holiday entertainment sparkle brightly for guests of all ages. Tim Zoski (‘18) said, “It is really hard to imagine all of the time and effort put into decorating the Wild Lights each year. Being able to make the zoo spectacular enough to make me go into the bitter cold is quite the feat.” Greenfield Village Holiday Nights For a wonderful night filled with Christmas, look no further than Greenfield village. At Greenfield Village there are plenty of things to see, including, Santa and his live reindeer, carolers and live musical performances, holiday vignettes and activities featuring costumed presenters, decorated homes and shops, and holiday cooking demonstrations. There are also opportunities to go ice skating and take rides on horse-drawn wagons, Model T’s and the 1913 Herschell-Spillman Carousel. One can also see skilled artisan demonstrations, Christmas trees, the fireworks finale and sing along to Christmas songs. This is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying a beautiful display of Christmas spirit. Gladys Oster (‘18) said, “ I am so excited to see the old fashioned carolers this year when I go with my family.” Bronner’s Bronner’s brings the warmth and wonder of the Christmas season to guests all year long. It is the world’s largest Christmas store and has more than 350 decorated Christmas trees displayed in the saleroom. At Bronner’s, there is something for everyone to buy. Art teacher Mr. Donoghue thinks that Christmas Eve is the best time to go to Bronner’s and he enjoys visiting with his family every year.
Places to Go: Christmas Lights to See (Continued) Campus Martius Campus Martius has some events during the Christmas season as well. One of the events is the family-friendly outdoor skating rink. There is also the Holiday Market, a collaboration of many different stores. It is a fun market where fun, enjoyable gifts will be available to purchase for family and friends. Christmas Lite Show The Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park is a drive-thru light show. It has grown, year after year, for twenty years to become a tradition for many people. There are millions of lights for the two-mile-long show, which includes light tunnels and animated displays. It is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. each day from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Cookie Walk The annual Bishop Foley event is a busy day at BFC. Every year, parents and faculty make cookies for the Cookie Walk and set up the hundreds of cookies in the cafeteria for people to buy. The school-wide raffle and a craft show is also hosted on this day. The annual event takes place the first weekend in December. 31st Annual Mistletoe Market Holiday Art & Gift Sale At the Holiday and Gift Sale, shoppers can choose from a wonderful variety of original works from different artists. The wonderful works come in a variety of material and mediums from photography to pieces created from recycled materials. It lasts all the way to Dec. 24. It is in South Haven Center for the Arts in South Haven. Big Bright Light Show Every year on Nov. 20, all of the businesses in downtown Rochester light up their buildings with beautiful Christmas lights. According to visitdetroit.com, the buildings will be covered with more than 1 million lights. The buildings will be lit every evening from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Everyone can spend an evening going out to eat and then walking in downtown Rochester to see all of the amazing different colored lights. These are just some of the amazing activities that are happening this time of year. Around this time of year, one can easily get into the Christmas spirit by going with friends or family to one of these wonderful activities offered only during the Christmas time. Be sure to visit some Christmas places to be filled with the Christmas spirit.
Bah Humbug By Donté Childs What holiday comes after Halloween? Thanksgiving? Nope. Though Thanksgiving comes before Christmas, many people see Christmas as more important. For instance, stores start Christmas sales in early November. Christmas candy hits the shelves before Halloween candy leaves them. Black Friday sales start in November, prompting many to shop for Christmas before December even starts. Some are so obsessed with Christmas that they fall into this annual trap, causing Christmas to become commercialized, sensationalized, and over-glamorized. What is the true meaning of Christmas? To give gifts? To celebrate Jesus’ birthday? According to the Christian faith, the meaning of Christmas is centered around Christ’s birth, the incarnation of God, to save mankind from sin and darkness. However, the meaning has evolved over time with the secularism of Christmas causing various interpretations. For one family, the meaning of Christmas may revolve around making gingerbread houses and decorating, while another family may choose to spend no money on gifts or decorations, opting instead to attend Christmas Mass and donate to charity. While there are now various interpretations and family traditions in relation to Christmas, it is necessary to become sensitive to how others can be affected by the celebration, and aware of how businesses may exploit the holiday. Christmas is commercialized. Stores like Toys R’ Us depend on Christmas. Every industry involved in anything gift-related makes a major jump around Christmas. People buy more toys, companies pay more for advertisements, and people pay more for plane and train tickets. Christmas has been turned into a scheme that stores and other corporations use to take money from people all around. Christmas is sensationalized. People are excited for Christmas, and will spend all day shopping, singing carols, and decorating for this holiday. It is a time to be joyous and to spend time with family and friends. It is a time to donate or do service for those who are in need. However, many people spend much of their time making Christmas about themselves, and they expect more than they should from others than they are willing to give out themselves. Christmas is over-glamorized. People start listening to Christmas music in the middle of November. Some people leave lights up all year and some even leave them on beyond that. Christmas is exciting for many people across the country, but can be very annoying for the people who don’t want to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. November is early for Christmas music, and many people should take into consideration how others may not be as excited as they are when attempting to spread their cheer.
Bah Humbug Christmas shouldn’t be as torturous for some as it is. People shouldn’t feel that they have to spend hundreds of dollars on presents and decorations. Christmas shouldn’t be forced upon everyone early. People of other religions have to put up with Christmas music. Stores depend on people’s money and take the true meaning out of Christmas. Christmas “deals” don’t necessarily save much money because although people spend more money on others, they usually tend to buy things for themselves as well. Christmas isn’t the worst holiday around, but many people who claim to be “in the giving spirit” don’t give to those who need. Christmas began with Christ, and the morals and values that go along with it are exemplified in the Christian meaning of Christmas. Today, with various religious beliefs, traditions and customs in relation to Christmas, people just need to realize that they should respect one another, and stop making Christmas about themselves. They should focus on each other, and expect to give more than they receive. Being selfless, generous of heart, and understanding of one another -- values perfectly embodied in Christ -- would make Christmas better, less sensationalized, less commercialized, and less glamorized.
Homework Over Break: Is it fair? By Zoe Goleniak It’s the last day before Christmas break and it’s almost time to leave. Students are staring at the clock waiting for the bell to ring. The bell rings, then the seventh hour teacher assigns homework. Although meant to help prepare students, homework can be exhausting and stressful. This is the case especially with midterms coming up. Many students wonder, is it fair to get homework over break? “Homework over break is not necessary. Everyone should be able to enjoy time with their family without stressing about homework,” said Madelyn Ensley (‘21). Students typically look forward to breaks because they don’t have to worry about homework and due dates. It is a time to relax and get rest before school starts again, but according to some teachers, some of this time should be used for homework and school-related activities. According to CNN in a 2015 article by Kelly Wallace, 60% of students are likely to forget what they have learned over break. Interestingly, some students actually prefer to get homework over break. “Having a light amount of homework is a good thing so we don’t forget what we just learned,” said Riley Luke (‘21). Fortunately, the BFC schedule works in such a way that students take their midterms before they leave for Christmas break, unlike some schools that take their midterms upon returning in January. Therefore, at BFC, no homework is necessary over Christmas break. At the very most, a teacher might suggest students can get a head start reading material for the following semester, but that is only if the student desires to do so. It’s an impactful decision that BFC made several years ago to change the exam schedule in order to benefit students’ learning.
Staff Page What’s your favorite Christmas Tradition?
Journalism I “My family hides a pickle ornament in the tree.” - Donté Childs (‘18) “Spending time with my family on Christmas eve.” - Madelyn Ensley (‘21) “Having a family party on Christmas Eve.” - Zoe Goleniak (‘21) “Going over my grandparents every year to have dinner and open gifts.” - Daniel Grembi (‘18) “We all pick one present from under the tree and open it on Christmas Eve.” - Jena Kendro (‘18) “Going to this chinese restaurant every Christmas Eve.” - Franklin Lama (‘18) “Decorating the house with all the lights.” - Evan Ludwick (‘18) “Seeing Christmas lights and decorations everywhere; I’m so fascinated by them.” Nicole Massoud (‘18) “Decorating the house with christmas decor as well as putting up the Christmas tree.”- Jonathan Nordstrom (‘20) “I love being home with my brothers.” - Thomas Riley (‘18) “Going to my grandparents house and trying out all the gifts my cousins and I received that day.”- Evan Similuk (‘19) “Baking cookies with my family after we open presents.” - Kateri Sollars (‘21) “Getting and decorating the christmas tree with my family.” - Lauren Valade (‘18) “Playing hockey with my cousins.” - Ian Wardowski (‘18) Journalism III “Spending time with my family.” - Shaun Davis (‘18) Journalism IV “Watching my dog open her gifts.”- Rebecca Darmetko (‘18) Journalism Instructor “Celebrating Mass with my family, baking and decorating Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses, and building a snowman with my little girls.” - Dr. May Bluestein
* Special thanks and credit to Lucas Tews (‘18) for his creative cover design.