Winter Holiday Sites...

Following is information from our IIa staff at the Department of Labor's Wirtz Library. They provide a number of "virtual tours" via their Intranet. This holiday selection has many sites that might be of interest to you and your family.

Chanukah On the Net [www.holidays.net/chanukah/]

A comprehensive site that provides the story of the Maccabees and Chanukah, information about the Menorah, how to make a dreidel, music, goodies, recipes, and holiday prayers.

Christmas Symbolism [www.rumela.com/events/christmas_symbol.htm]

This site has information on various symbols of this Christian holiday such as frankincense and the holly and the ivy.

Christmas Around The World [christmas.com/worldview/]

This site, started in 1994 as an effort to share how Christmas is celebrated around the world, includes music, recipes, features, and information of the past in a community-based format.

Hanukkah [www1.sympatico.ca/Features/Hanukkah/]

This web site shows various traditions used to celebrate "The Festival of Lights," including games, songs and links to other web sites describing Jewish traditions.

History of the National Christmas Tree [usparks.about.com/travel/usparks/library/weekly/aa121899.htm]

This site, from the National Park Service, reveals various traditions surrounding the National Christmas Tree. This web site describes different events that have taken place through the years since the tradition was started in 1913.

Just for Fun, The Grinch [www.grinched.com/]

This web site is an outgrowth of the film, The Grinch, inspired by the Dr. Seuss book and cartoon of the 1960s. This site features commercial tie-ins to the film, has many high-resolution graphics, and a myriad of features, including checking the Whoville Registry for your "Who Name".

Kwanzaa Information Center [www.melanet.com/kwanzaa/]

This site provides a comprehensive guide to this African-inspired holiday, including links to other Kwanzaa pages and a how-to guide.

Kwanzaa on the Net [www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/]

This site presents the story and seven principles of Kwanzaa, instructions for the lighting the Kinara, craft ideas, and more.

Ramadan on the Net [www.holidays.net/ramadan/]

This Internet site, sponsored by USC, describes the essentials of Ramadan, the Fasting Month, celebrating the revelation of Al Qur'an.

Holiday Safety...

The American Red Cross offers these holiday safety tips:

Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Beware of holiday lighting. Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles. Always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits. Lit candles should not be used as tree decorations.

Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.

Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Enroll in a first aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact your local Red Cross.

Other holiday and winter safety tips can be found on the following Web sites:

FEMA Winter Driving:

www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/winterf.shtm

Red Cross Winter Storm Safety:

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readywinter.html

Medical University of South Carolina Holiday Crime Prevention:

www.musc.edu/publicsafety/Holidaycrimeprevention.htm

Bonnie and Pat enjoy special holiday hats!!