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  • The original Rudolph did not have a red nose. In that day and age, red noses were seen as an indicator of chronic alcoholism and Montgomery Ward didn’t want him to look like a drunkard. To complete the original picture, he was almost named Reginald or Rollo.
  • The Christmas wreath was originally hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly represents his crown of thorns and the red berries the blood he shed.
  • The three traditional colors of most Christmas decorations are red, green and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, green symbolized life and rebirth, and gold represents light, royalty and wealth.
  • Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germany and was once made of real silver.
  • The oldest artificial Christmas trees date back to the late 1800s and were made of green raffia (think grass hula skirts) or dyed goose feathers. Next the Addis Brush Company used their machinery that wove toilet brushes to create pine-like branches for artificial Christmas trees that were less flammable and could hold heavier decorations.
  • ‘Jingle Bells’ – the popular Christmas song was composed by James Pierpont in Massachusetts, America. It was, however, written for thanksgiving and not Christmas.
  • Coca-Cola was the first company that used Santa Claus during the winter season for promotion.
  • Hallmark introduced their first Christmas cards in 1915.
  • The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on that day.
  • Santa Claus's sleigh is led by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder (variously spelled Donder and Donner), and Blixem (variously spelled Blixen and Blitzen), with Rudolph being a 20th-century inclusion.
  • Outdoor Christmas lights on homes evolved from decorating the traditional Christmas tree and house with candles during the Christmas season. Lighting the tree with small candles dates back to the 17th century and originated in Germany before spreading to Eastern Europe.
  • That big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard didn’t always look that way. Prior to 1931, Santa was depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. He has donned a bishop's robe and a Norse huntsman's animal skin. When Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862, Santa was a small elflike figure who supported the Union. Nast continued to draw Santa for 30 years, changing the color of his coat from tan to the red he’s known for today.
  • Christmas 2018 countdown has already begun. Will you be ready???
  • Why do we love Christmas? It's all about the traditions. In this chaotic world we can miss the "good old days." Christmas reminds us of that time.

Ralph Priest

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Ralph Priest last won the day on May 19 2018

Ralph Priest had the most liked content!

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About Ralph Priest

  • Rank
    Member
  • Birthday 08/26/1959

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  • My favorite Christmas story
    One particular year our Dad warned us kids that we had better not wake our parents before 5am on Christmas morning. So,starting at 0430 hrs.,the three of us camped out in front of Mom and Dad's bedroom door and at exactly 0501am--we knocked. What could Dad say--we followed the rules!
  • Location
    Chesapeake, Virginia, USA
  • Biography
    Retired police officer,married with two teen boys. And a certified,gold card-carrying Christmas nut.
  • Interests
    Health and fitness,sports
  • Occupation
    Retired L.E.O.
  • About my display
    Priest Family Christmas is a blend of static and synchronized Christmas lights,including wireframes and wood patterns. Currently running 130 LOR channels.I have no idea how many lights I have,but it's a lot!

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  1. Ralph Priest

    This classified ad is COMPLETED!

    • For Sale
    • Used

    Admittedly,I chickened-out the last time I thought about selling these,but the medical bills are piling-up,so here goes. The posted list is of buildings and accessories,all of which are retired. If you see something of interest, I will post a photo of each requested item for your consideration and provide an asking price. North Pole/Dept. 56 Buildings 1. Tassey’s Mittens/Hassel’s Mufflers (no box, 1991) 2. Obbies Books/Letrinka’s Candy 3. Reindeer Barn 4. Elfin Snow Cone Works 5. Elfie’s Sleds and Skates 6. Elf’s Bunkhouse (1990) 7. Orly’s Bell and Hrness 8. Neenee’s Dolls and Toys (1991) 9. Santa’s Woodworks 10. Post Office 11. Santa’s Workshop (1990) 12. Mrs. Claus’ Greenhouse 13. Rimpy’s Bakery (no box, 1991) 14. Brownlow (Dickens, no box, 1990) Accessories 1. Village Pole Pine Tree (x3) 2. Elf with Wreath 3. Elf with Snow Cone Cart (x3) 4. North Pole Ice Sculpture/Snowman 5. Sleigh with Eight Tiny Reindeer 6. Baker Elves (x3) 7. Santa and Mrs. Claus/Good Kids Book (x2) 8. Trimming the North Pole (1990) 9. Delivering the Christmas Greens (x2) 10. End of the Line (minor damage) 11. Canine Couriers (sleigh dogs) 12. Have A Seat Elves (x7) 13. Santa’s Little Helpers (2 of 3/1990)

    NO VALUE SPECIFIED

    Chesapeake, VA - US

  2. Ralph Priest
    Traditional LEDs
  3. Ralph Priest
    Thanx qberg and Rich!
  4. Ralph Priest
    While I'm no rookie to Christmas lighting,I am a newbie owner of a golf cart(thanx Honey!). I will be entering our area Lighted Golf Cart Christmas Parade this year--to be sure! So,I'm asking if there is a forum that addresses the topic?
  5. The Bull started following Ralph Priest
  6. Ralph Priest
    Congrats Bill V! Making Virginia proud!
  7. Ralph Priest

    Spiral tree

    Ralph Priest posted a topic in Mega-Trees

    Is there a video available which demonstrates how to wrap the light strings around a mega tree?
  8. Ralph Priest

    M5 lights

    Ralph Priest posted a classified ad in LED based

    THIS AD HAS EXPIRED!

    • For Sale
    • New

    For sale, M5 LED lights, pure white, 100 count. Purchased from CDI and never used.

    $195.00

    Chesapeake, Virginia - US

  9. Ralph Priest
    Those are similar and close enough that I may just go with them.Thanx Tom!
  10. Ralph Priest
    These snowfall lights resemble a string of M6's,but light trickles down the strand similar to tubes.
  11. Ralph Priest
    Wow--the silence is deafening!
  12. Ralph Priest
    Hello to the mob.I'm looking for those rainfall/snowfall string lights--those that resemble string mini's and not the tube style. Many thanx !
  13. Ralph Priest
    Hello to the mob! I'm trying to help a friend locate an inflatable reindeer that is at least 9 ft. tall. Can anyone point us in the right direction? I have no idea where to look. Thanx!
  14. Ralph Priest

    wireframes

    Ralph Priest posted a topic in Lights

    Howdy friends. Can anyone remind me who on these pages sells the Charlie Brown Christmas wireframes? Many thanx!
  15. Ralph Priest
    Is there anyone else from the Hampton Roads area going to the Mini tomorrow?
  16. Ralph Priest
    What's your asking price for the projector?
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