8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas | Mental Floss 8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas Wolfgang via Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0 Like us on Facebook The customs of the holiday season, which include St. Nicholas Day, New Years Day, and Epiphany, as well as Christmas, often incorporate earlier pagan traditions that have been appropriated and adapted for contemporary use. Customs that encourage little children to be good so as to deserve their Christmas gifts often come with a dark side: the punishment you'll receive from a monster or evil being of some sort if you aren't good! These nefarious characters vary from place to place, and they go by many different names and images. 1. KRAMPUS As a tool to encourage good behavior in children, Santa serves as the carrot, and Krampus is the stick. Krampus is the evil demon anti-Santa, or maybe his evil twin . Krampus Night is celebrated on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day in Austria and other parts of Europe. Public celebrations that night have many Krampuses walking the streets, looking for people to beat. Alcohol is also involved.

Injuries in recent years have led to some reforms, such as requiring all Krampuses to wear numbers so they may identified in case of overly violent behavior. Krampus may look like a devil, or like a wild alpine beast, depending on what materials are available to make a Krampus costume. In modern times, people can spend as much as they like to become the best Krampus around—and the tradition is spreading beyond Europe. Many cities in America have their own Krampus Nights now, including the new Krampusfest in Los Angeles this year. 2. JÓLAKÖTTURINN Image from Christmas in Reykjavik . Jólakötturinn is the Icelandic Yule Cat or Christmas Cat. He is not a nice cat. In fact, he might eat you. This character is tied to an Icelandic tradition in which those who finished all their work on time received new clothes for Christmas, while those who were lazy did not (although this is mainly a threat).

To encourage children to work hard, parents told the tale of the Yule Cat, saying that Jólakötturinn could tell who the lazy children were because they did not have at least one new item of clothing for Christmas—and these children would be sacrificed to the Yule Cat. This reminder tends to spur children into doing their chores! A poem written about the cat ends with a suggestion that children help out the needy, so they, too, can have the protection of new clothing. It's no wonder that Icelanders put in more overtime at work than most Europeans. 3. FRAU PERCHTA Photograph by Flickr user Markus Ortner . Tales told in Germany and Austria sometimes feature a witch named Frau Perchta who hands out both rewards and punishments during the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 through Epiphany on January 6). She is best known for her gruesome punishment of the sinful: She will rip out your internal organs and replace them with garbage. The ugly image of Perchta may show up Christmas processions in Austria, somewhat like Krampus.

Perchta's story is thought to have descended from a legendary Alpine goddess of nature, who tends the forest most of the year and deals with humans only during Christmas. In modern celebrations , Perchta or a close relation may show up in processions during Fastnacht, the Alpine festival just before Lent. There may be some connection between Frau Perchta and the Italian witch La Befana , but La Befana isn't really a monster: she's an ugly but good witch who leaves presents. 4. BELSNICKEL Lucas via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Belsnickel is a male character from southwestern German lore who traveled to the the United States and survives in Pennsylvania Dutch customs. He comes to children sometime before Christmas, wearing tattered old clothing and raggedy fur. Belsnickel carries a switch to frighten children and candy to reward them for good behavior. In modern visits, the switch is only used for noise, and to warn children they still have time to be good before Christmas. Then all the children get candy, if they are polite about it. The name Belsnickel is a portmanteau of the German belzen (meaning to wallop) and nickel for St. Nicholas.

See a video of a Belsnickel visit here . Knecht Ruprecht and Ru Klaas are similar characters from German folklore who dole out beatings to bad children, leaving St. Nicholas to reward good children with gifts. 5. HANS TRAPP 1000+ images about Italy/christmas on Pinterest | Around the worlds, Christmas traditions and Umbria italy Forward In Umbria, Italy, near the top of Monte Ingino, above Gubbio, shines a huge Christmas tree, 650 meters tall and made up of more than 700 lights. In 1991 the Guinness Book of Records named it “The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree.” The tree is topped by a star that can be seen for nearly 50 kilometers. See More Babbo Natale - Italy Christmas Santa Claus Tradition Legend Babbo Natale – Italy’s Christmas Santa Claus Tradition Babbo Natale – Italy’s Christmas Santa Claus Tradition Italy Christmas Tradition of Babbo Natale Babbo Natale, Italy’s version of Santa Claus, is becoming more popular and gift giving on Christmas day is becoming more common.

La Befana , the old woman who delivers gifts on Epiphany, January 6 is still the more popular Italian Christmas figure. Babbo Natale, or Father Christmas is gaining popularity in Italy. Babbo Natale Folklore History & Facts Babbo Natale is a skinnier and more regal looking version of Santa Claus. They both wear red cloaks with white trim, but Santa Claus has most decidedly enjoyed more second helpings at the dinner table than Babbo Natale. Historically, Christmas has been more reserved in Italy than in other European countries and certainly more reserved than the raucous month long Christmas season enjoyed in the US. Many Italians now hang Christmas stockings for Babbo Natale to fill. Babbo Natale – Italy’s Santa Claus – Photo By GreenMarlin Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, has very European roots in traditional folklore. Babbo Natale in Italy, Père Noël in France, Father Christmas in England, Julenisse in Scandanavia , Sinter Klass in the Netherlands, as well as Santa Claus are all regionalized versions of the story of Saint Nicholas. La Befana though, is uniquely Italian.

Since the Santa Claus story was popularized by Clement Moore and Coca Cola, the story the world over has many similarities. Babbo Natale also has reindeer, whose names are: Cometa, Ballerina, Fulmine, Donnola, Freccia, Saltarello, Donato, Cupido (Comet, Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Donder, Blitzen, Cupid). Children all over the world write letters to their version of Santa Claus in hopes of receiving gifts. And, adults, well it is likely that many of us still believe in the spirit of the jolly man in the red suit whether he is known as Santa Claus or Babbo Natale. Tags Befana Christmas Character - Legends & Myths Search Befana La Befana is a popular Italian folklore character that originated in Rome. Considered as a national icon, this figure is closely associated with Papal States where Epiphany is celebrated with great importance. Though she is similar to Santa in significance, Befana is presented as a witch-like figure that holds a great status in Christmas celebrations in Italy.

Her gift giving style is similar to that of Santa Claus and she, supposedly, climbs down the chimney to leave gifts for good children. She is regarded as the best housekeeper of Italy and is believed to have a habit of sweeping the floor around the chimney, every time, on her way out. In places where a vibrant Italian community exits, traditions involving Befana are observed and celebrated by other communities as well. Mostly, women and children, and sometimes even men, dress up as La Befana to sing songs in the street and give gifts to children. Scroll further to know more about her! Befana - Legends & Myths According to the Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to the children on the eve of Epiphany (January 5 night), in a similar way as other popular Christmas characters, like Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas, do. Though this character originated in central Italy, she is believed to distribute gifts throughout the country. According to the popular folklore, Befana visits the children on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany and fills their stockings with gifts.

Those children who have been good throughout the year receive sweets and presents, whereas, the naughty children are left with a lump of coal. She is considered to be a good house keeper and people believe that she sweeps the floor before leaving the house. Families usually leave a glass of wine and few food stuffs on a plate for Befana, expecting that she will have them before leaving the house. Befana is pictured as a typical witch, riding on a broomstick, wearing a black shawl and is covered in soot as she gets inside houses through chimneys. She is presented as a cheerful person who carries a bag of candies and gifts. Legend has it that the biblical magi, known as 'The Three Wise Men', met her some days before baby Jesus was born. On the night of Jesus's birth, they asked her for directions which she did not know. They had seen his star in the sky but did not know the place where the Son of God was. Hence, being the ideal housekeeper in the village, she provided them shelter that night, in her pleasant home. When they asked her to join them, she politely refused as she had lots of household works left.

Later however, she tried to join these strangers but could not track them. Another version of the legend says that she was an ordinary woman with a child whom she loved the most. But the sudden death of the child grieved her. Hence, when she heard the news of the baby Jesus being born, she visited him with handfuls of presents and the delighted infant Jesus blessed her to be the mother of every child in Italy. Till date, Befana is said to be looking for little babies and children so that she can offer gifts to all those who have been virtuous in their deeds. World's Wackiest Holiday Traditions Video World's Wackiest Holiday Traditions Hanging stockings by the fire, waiting for jolly old St. Nick to deliver presents, drinking eggnog and eating turkey, waiting for the New Year's ball to drop in Times Square -- these traditions are such a big part of our American holiday season, we barely bat an eye at them. But our traditions are far from the norm in other countries. From a goat-like monster to a benevolent old witch, and even the skull of a horse, some holiday traditions across the globe may cause you to raise an eyebrow.

Check out our top 5 picks for the world's wackiest holiday traditions. Krampus Giulio, flickr Naughty boys and girls in Austria , Hungary , Croatia and Slovenia would be wise to perfect their hiding places each holiday season, or they'll be tossed in the sack of Krampus, St. Nick's nasty counterpart. As legend has it, the mythical Krampus keeps St. Nick company during the Christmas season. But while St. Nick dishes out the holiday cheer, Krampus has other plans; he's warning ill-behaved children to shape up. When a particularly rotten kid crosses his path, Krampus shoves him in his sack to be taken back to his lair and, in a rather twisted twist, eaten. Looking a bit like an evil Satyr or monster goat, complete with horns and mangled fang-like teeth, Krampus appears in towns on December 5th, when locals don costumes and wander streets, terrifying the children -- and a few adults, we'd imagine -- who dare cross his path. Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) Vassilena Valchanov, flickr In many countries, Santa isn't quite the solo traveler whom we in the United States paint him to be.

In Belgium and the Netherlands , it's believed St. Nick is accompanied by Black Pete, a character thought to have developed from pagan traditions. There is, quite literally, a dark side to Black Pete; controversy surrounds the character, who is often depicted with dark skin, pantaloons and a feathered cap. Townspeople often blacken their skin with face paint, stoking claims of racism. Some towns have responded with protests or by canceling celebrations featuring Black Pete, though the tradition remains popular, particularly in the Netherlands. Much like Krampus, Black Pete appears on December 5th or 6th, typically in a parade or town celebration, when he and St. Nick dole out candy and presents to children. Mari Lwyd Paul Seligman, flickr When your doorbell rings during the holiday season in Wales, don't expect to see a gaggle of carolers; rather, you might come face-to-skull with the head of the Mari Lwyd, or Grey Mare, and a small gang of attendees who will, in fact, be singing.

The Mari Lwyd is a rendering of a horse and typically consists of a wood or cardboard horse skull, attached to a pole and carried by an individual draped in a sheet and accompanied by a small crowd of revelers. The Mari Lwyd is brought around on or near the New Year by an ofttimes rowdy group who challenge homeowners to singing contests, and hope to be rewarded with entry to their homes and celebratory food and drink. The tradition is thought to stem from ancient Celtic rites, and is believed to bring luck to all the participants. KFC Holiday Meal rjzii, flickr Japanese gear up for the Christmas holiday -- which, it should be noted, is not officially celebrated in Japan -- up to 2 months in advance with an unexpected action: making reservations at their local KFC. Yes, that's right. KFC. The marketing geniuses at the corporation have managed to position its packaged fried chicken meals as a great American holiday tradition, stoking a fevered rush for the meals on Christmas Eve in Japan. The demand for fried chicken is so high at this time, that the company suggests reserving a meal at least 2 months prior to the holiday's arrival.

The standard Christmas meal here typically features fried chicken, a salad and chocolate cake. If you plan to join the fray, be prepared to settle in for a wait; lines can wrap out the fast-food joints' doors and down the block. La Befana Eleonara Gianinetto, flickr Santa Claus (not to mention Mrs. Claus!) has competition across the Atlantic, in Italy , where the kindly old woman known as La Befana delivers presents to children every January 5th, the eve of the Epiphany, when it's believed the 3 Wise Men arrived at the manger of Jesus Christ delivering gifts. La Befana is a gentle character, bestowed with magical powers, who appears every bit a witch, down to her long crooked nose and broomstick -- which she apparently uses both for transportation and to tidy messy homes. Eh, why not? Much like St. Nick, La Befana delivers Christmas presents to good boys and girls, and lumps of coal to the naughty.

Though now tied to Christmas, the tradition of La Befana is thought to date as far back as the ancient Romans' pagan festival, Saturnalia, when people would go to a temple to have their fortunes read by an old woman. The Hot List Christmas Around The World: How Different Countries Celebrate The Festive Season | The Huffington Post Christmas Around The World: How Different Countries Celebrate The Festive Season 05/06/2015 15:45 | Updated 14 December 2015 140 James Moore Best selling author, TV political analyst, communications and public relations expert Whether it's leaving some treats out for Santa and his reindeer or simply decorating the tree, Christmas time is full of family traditions . But just how do children and their parents celebrate Christmas in other countries across the globe? More than two billion people celebrate Christmas globally every year, so we've put together a fun guide to some of the unusual ways in which other nationalities mark the occasion. 1. Serbia Tradition: Tying up mum and dad Here it's not tradition to give presents at Christmas, but on the Sundays before. Two Sundays before 25 December, the children tie up their mum.

She then has to pay a ransom in the form of gifts to be freed. The following Sunday the same happens with dad. 2. Germany Tradition: Santa's spooky helper As a part of celebrations in Germany as well as Austria and some parts of Switzerland, St Nikolaus (the saint on whom many countries base Santa Claus) is accompanied by a scary devil-like character as a warning to children no to be bad. In France there's a similar figure called La Pere Fouettard. 3. Italy Tradition: Presents on a broomstick A good witch called La Befana delivers children's presents on January 6th using a broomstick rather than a sleigh. But if you've been bad – expect lumps of coal. 4. Netherlands Tradition: Sinterklaas and Black Peter In Holland Santa Claus is called Sinterklaas. He doesn't live at the North Pole, but in sunny Spain and arrives by steamboat with a helper called Black Peter rather than an elf. 5. Scandinavia Tradition: Porridge instead of cookies and carrots Across the region a gnome like character - called Tomte in Sweden and Nisse in Norway - is believed to protect barns and brings presents too.

Every Christmas the children leave a bowl of porridge out for him. 6. Spain Tradition: A different sort of Christmas log In the region of Catalonia traditional Nativity scenes get a cheeky addition in the form of a character called the 'caganer'. And there's no polite way to say this – the figure is squatting as if going to the toilet. Sometimes they are shepherds, but can even be footballers or politicians. 7. Australia Tradition: Rudolph the red nosed Kangaroo Of course Down Under Christmas falls in summer. There tradition has it that Father Christmas swaps his reindeer for 'six white boomers' or kangaroos. It's also traditional to enjoy a barbecue on the beach on the big day. 8. India Tradition: Decorating mango trees For Christians on the sub-continent fir trees aren't common. Instead mango trees are often decorated instead and mango leaves used to brighten up homes. 9. Greenland Tradition: Rotting bird feast The hardy folk in the Arctic Circle tuck into some unusual dishes. Kiviak is decomposed bird that has been wrapped in sealskin and buried under a stone for several months. They also feast on mattak, slices of raw whale skin. 10.

Ukraine Tradition: Spider webs on the tree It may sound more like a Halloween tradition than a Christmas one but Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs. Legend says that a magic spider once visited a poor family at Christmas and turned the webs in their home into gold and silver. SEE ALSO: 11. Bulgaria Tradition: Stick patting One of the Christmas traditions is koleduvane involving boys singing carols outside neighbours' houses then patting them on the back with decorated sticks. 12. Greece Tradition: Basil and burning shoes Basil is wrapped around a cross and used to sprinkle holy water around the house to ward off mischief making goblins called killantzaroi. It's also traditional to burn old shoes for good luck in the following year. 13. Venezuela Tradition: Roller-skating to Church In the capital, Caracas, roads are closed off so that locals can blade to morning mass – they even tie pieces of string and dangle them out of the window so, if they oversleep, passers-by will be able to tug on the string and wake them up. 14.

Brazil Tradition: Presents in shoes Brazilians celebrate the legend that animals gain the power of speech on Christmas night while children here get their presents in their shoes rather than stockings from Papa Noel. 15. Jamaica Tradition: John Canoe parade Christmas time is marked by the 'John Canoe' parade, which dates back to the times of slavery, where people dress up in wacky masks and costumes. Curried goat is often on the menu for Christmas dinner. 16. Mexico Tradition: Carving radishes In the run up to Christmas time the Festival Of The Radishes sees farming folk carve the vegetables into human figures, including those from nativity scenes. 17. Czech Republic Tradition: The golden pig Czechs are taught not to eat anything on Christmas Eve until a special dinner is served so that they can try and see a mystical 'golden pig' appear. Another tradition sees a girl putting a cherry twig in water on December 4th. If it blossoms before Christmas Eve the girl will marry the following year. 18. Poland Tradition: Iron under the table The main meal is on Christmas Eve. Poles place a piece of iron under the Christmas dinner table to make sure everyone has strong legs.

The table legs have to be strong too – there are traditionally 12 courses, two of which are carp. 19. Iceland Tradition: 13 Santas There are 13 Santas in Iceland. These Yule lads, more troll like than our traditional Father Christmas, traditionally come down from the mountain one by one during the days of the festive period leaving presents or rotten potatoes depending on the child's behaviour. They have names like Door Sniffer and Meat Hook. 12 days of Awkward Christmas Photos! 12 days of Awkward Christmas Photos!

1 Uncategorized Archives - Forked River Gazette frgazette Leave a comment Name 5 of Santa’s 8 reindeer from the “Twas the night before Christmas” poem (Rudolph doesn’t count!)Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Donner Who played the main character George Bailey in the film “It’s A Wonderful Life”?James Stewart What date is St Stephen’s Day?26th December In Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol”, who was Scrooge’s dead business partner?Jacob Marley London’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country?Norway Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics “…to save us all from Satan’s power, when we were gone astray…”?God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The character Jack Skellington appears in which 1993 Tim Burton film?The Nightmare before Christmas What is New Year’s Eve called in Scotland?Hogmanay How many maids were a-milking in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song?8 Who is officially credited as the author of “Auld Lang Syne”?Robert Burns In the song “Winter Wonderland”, who do we pretend

 the snowman is?Parson Brown In which film does this quote appear – “Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale.

Amen.”?Home Alone What red-blooming Christmas plant came originally from Mexico?Poinsetta Which actor is the narrator in the 2000 film “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”?Anthony Hopkins Pine needles are said to be a good source of which vitamin?C What is the zodiac sign of people born on 25 December?Capricorn “Christmas Crackers” was the first Christmas edition of which popular British sitcom?Only Fools and Horses What was Queen’s 1984 Christmas single called?Thank God it’s Christmas How many lords were a-leaping in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song?10 Jackie Wilson’s re-issued song “Reet Petite” became the 1986 UK Christmas number one after helping to advertise what brand?Levi’s La Befana is the legendary character who delivers Christmas presents to children in which European country?Italy Before the tradition of hanging stockings up at Christmas what did Dutch children hang by the fireside?Shoes Who banned Christmas in England between 1647 and 1660?Oliver Cromwell Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean is a territory of which country?Australia Child star Jimmy Boyd sang which hugely popular

 1950’s Christmas song, which was initially banned by the Catholic Church in Boston?“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” What is the name of The Simpson’s pet greyhound?Santa’s Little Helper Born on Christmas Day in 1954, she had hits with such songs as “Walking on Broken Glass” and “No More I Love Yous”, what is her name?Annie Lennox Which word, often associated with Christmas songs, stems from the Greek word for circle dance?Carol In which country is St.

Nicholas called Sinterklaas?Netherlands In 1983, who was UK Christmas Number One with “Only You”?The Flying Pickets Everyone remembers Band Aid, what year were they Number One in the UK charts?1984 Which Christmas word means “turning of the sun”?Yuletide How many pipers were piping in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song?11 In which city is Kevin left “Home Alone” at Christmas (the first movie)?Chicago What do George C. Scott, Daffy Duck, Patrick Stewart, Michael Caine, Fred Flintstone and Jim Carrey all have in common?They have all played Ebeneezer Scrooge Which Christmas song contains these lyrics – “for yellow and red ones let’s stop all the fight”?“Happy Christmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon The traditional English Father Christmas was not dressed in red.

What colour did he wear?Green Who sang the 1997 Christmas hit “I believe in Father Christmas”?Greg Lake What fruit is used to make a Christingle?Orange Which wrestler starred in the 1996 film “Santa with Muscles”?Hulk Hogan Who played Fred Claus in the 2007 movie of the same name?Vince Vaughan What was the name of the boy in the TV film “The Snowman”?James Who was the first British monarch to broadcast a Christmas message?George V What is a baby turkey called?A Poult Which English Victorian cook wrote the definitive Christmas cookbook?Mrs Beeton In a traditional mince pie, which ingredient would make it unsuitable for vegetarians?Suet In whose Christmas special did various BBC newsmen perform “There is Nothing like a Dame”?Morecambe and Wise Who wrote the book that became the cartoon classic “The Snowman”?Raymond Briggs What was the name of Tiny Tim’s father in “A Christmas Carol”?Bob Cratchit In the film “Jingle All The Way”, what toy was Arnold Schwarzenegger searching for?Turbo-Man The plant “Viscum Album” is better known as which Christmas decoration?Mistletoe In which

 fictional land is it always winter but never Christmas?Narnia In the Christmas song “Jingle Bells”, how many horses pulled the sleigh?One Which American male comedian plays Kate Winslet’s love interest in the film “The Holiday”?Jack Black What is the name given to Father Christmas in France?

Hint: A direct translation!Pere Noel Which boyband had the last UK Christmas number one of the 20th century?Westlife Which Hasbro children’s robot action figures were the most popular Christmas presents in 1984?Transformers At which of her homes does the Queen traditionally spend Christmas?Sandringham In the rhyme “Christmas is Coming”, what is getting fat?The Goose In cockney rhyming slang what are ‘eyes’ called?Mince Pies What is Aladdin’s mother called in the popular Pantomime?Widow Twankey “Driving Home For Christmas” was a hit single for which singer in 1988?Chris Rea The same song was Christmas No. 1 in 1975 and 1991. What was it?Bohemian Rhapsody What kind of animal delivers gifts at Christmas in Syria?Camel Who composed the music for the festive season ballet “The Nutcracker”?Tchaikovsky There are three days of the year when Americans consume the most food.

One is Christmas, what are the other two?Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday What’s the name of the Christmas carol about evergreen plants?“The Holly and the Ivy” What colour of Christmas did Elvis Presley sing about?Blue Which author, most popular for his children’s stories and poems, wrote the very first Christmas Speech by King George V?Rudyard Kipling Name Two of the Three Wise Men that visited Jesus?Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior frgazette Leave a comment By Amy Byrnes Anyone who agrees with T.S. Eliot’s assessment that “April is the cruelest month” has obviously never spent time trying to be a mom in New Jersey during November. This week alone, my fifth grader has two days off. I didn’t even know about one of them until last weekend. Out of the possible 20 full days of school this month, the students in our district have four of them off and there will be early dismissals for another four of those days to accommodate conferences at the end of the month.

Continue reading November is the Cruelest Month for Moms → frgazette Leave a comment Muscle Maker Grill , the rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant brand, which promotes a healthy lifestyle by offering nutritious alternatives to traditional dishes, today announced the addition of two new dishes made with antioxidant-rich kale and quinoa available at all locations for a limited time. Muscle Maker Grill’s new Kale + Quinoa Salad (420 calories, 47g carbs, 43g protein) – a great option for those with gluten sensitivities – and Kale + Quinoa Wrap (710 calories, 95g carbs, 43g protein) are made with all-natural grilled chicken breast, protein-packed quinoa, black beans and roasted peppers served over a bed of fresh kale – or on a whole wheat wrap – with its delicious house recipe dressing: fat-free balsamic-mango vinaigrette. True to its mission of delivering flavorful items without sacrificing taste, Muscle Maker Grill’s new Kale + Quinoa options – along with its other menu items – offer guests great tasting, nutritionally balanced food without the regret.

“We are excited to add these two new kale and quinoa dishes to Muscle Maker Grill’s lineup of great-tasting menu options,” said Rod Silva, founder and director of brand development for Muscle Maker Grill. “One of the hottest food trends in America right now, one cup of kale contains only 36 calories, zero grams of fat, lowers blood sugar, promotes regular digestion and curbs overeating. Combine those benefits with quinoa – a gluten-free, non-fattening, high-quality protein power food known to assist with stamina and faster recovery – it’s hard to go wrong. We believe our guests will really enjoy them – as a salad, or a wrap.” Continue reading Muscle Maker Grill Introduces New Kale + Quinoa Menu Items → frgazette Leave a comment Of course be sure to get your physician’s approval before beginning any exercise program. Start slow, and gradually increase a little at a time. Begin by briskly walking one block a day, increase by a block every three or four days. Before you know it, you will be walking a few miles a day and regaining your health. If your legs, hips, or back prevents you from walking, try exercising in water.

Water will take the weight of your legs, hips, and back. If you don’t have access to a pool try the lakes or bay. Be sure to drink plenty of water, even for swimming unless you physician restricts your water intake. Tom Kelly, R.Ph., B.Sc. Tom Kelly attended Temple University School of Pharmacy and graduated with the class of 1980. Upon graduation Mr. Kelly worked for Pathmark Stores and was Executive Vice President of the United Pharmacists Guide UFCW Local 100R. Tom and his wife Samantha then opened their first retail pharmacy in 1997 in Lacey Township, NJ. Since then Tom and Samantha opened and are partners in three additional retail pharmacies. Tom is a member in good standing in the following organizations involved in both retail pharmacy and substance abuse deterrence: National Community Pharmacists Association, Garden State Pharmacy Owners Association, Compliant Pharmacy Alliance (10 years), Lacey Municipal Alliance Work Group, Lacey Elks lodge 2518, and the DART Coalition. Mr.

Kelly is also a founding partner of the Patient Physician Trust Partnership (PPTP.net), a tool designed to promote the use of controlled medications in a safe and responsible manner while deterring misuse, abuse, and diversion. Tom recently honored to present at the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in April 2014, and the New England Division of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators in October 2014 frgazette Leave a comment By Amy Byrnes The kids and I crossed a lot of things off our to-do list this weekend. We stocked up on milk and Greek yogurt at Costco, cleaned out about seven contractor bags worth of outgrown clothing, old magazines and Nerf guns from our closets and finally got around to buying the 10-year-old’s Halloween costume. That last one was the biggie. He had been talking about what he wanted to be for Halloween this year practically since last Halloween. But other than the fact that I’m a procrastinator, one of the things holding up the purchase has been a differing of opinions. While he is totally cool with playing the role of an assassin or ninja with a full battery of weapons, I just can’t endorse such a violent character.

More specifically, what my son really wanted to dress up as was a character from Mortal Kombat, and even though his older brother spent a few Halloweens walking around town dressed as a Ninja – nunchucks dangling from the costume’s flimsy belt – 10 years later I would rather not see my child masquerading as a murderer. Even if it’s make believe. Not to mention, they wanted like $65 for the costume online. So after our Costco outing on Saturday we ran into one of those pop-up Halloween shops that mysteriously transform vacant mall and highway stores around here this time of year. Number one, I don’t know how people with young children can shop in these places. My kids would have had heart attacks when they were little as they eyed all the creepy stuff that assaults you as soon as you walk through the door. Like, my kids cried the first time they saw the characters at Disney World. Chip n’ Dale had them weeping with a friendly wave. And once we took them to the Rainforest Café in Orlando as a big treat and they almost passed out when it started to storm and the fake animals surrounding us came to life.

My mission was to get in and get out fast, but my son is a slow decision maker, especially when he’s being told to choose something other than what he wants to pick. He drifted around for a while and inspected the big, rubbery Gru mask and the section with all the Adventure Time costumes. Then we came to what I like to call “The Violent Section,” which included an array of Ninja style-costumes and an extensive selection of weaponry (but, alas, no Mortal Combat). He spent some time inspecting the various daggers, swords and shields lining the wall before reluctantly moving on. In the end, he quickly chose one of those one-piece skin suits that’s styled to make him look like a crash test dummy. He seemed pleased with it and it fit him so perfectly when he tried it on that it was creepy how much he actually looked like one of those dummies. I feel bad that I thwarted his dream to be the Mortal Kombat dude. But I just couldn’t endorse a character based on a video game that is known for its extreme violence. A video game we probably have right now in our basement.

My 21-year-old son has all those terrible games, but he didn’t when he was 10. So maybe I’m a hypocrite, but I just preferred my youngest pick something else. And he did, because he’s that kind of guy. He didn’t threaten to boycott Halloween if he didn’t get his way. He just found something else. Pretty soon it won’t matter anyway. They stop dressing up by the end of middle school and then I’ll just see pictures posted on social media, if I’m lucky, of them dressed up at costume parties in college. I saw my oldest guy dressed up like a nerd at a party last weekend and thought it was pretty cute. It got my Mom Seal of Approval. But until then, my little guy will be stuck humoring me. It could be worse. He could have been a girl and then I’d be up against all the sexy fill-in-the-blank costumes that are out there. Then maybe I’d be wishing she’d cover herself up as a Ninja. Amy Byrnes writes about scary stuff, like divorce and teenagers, at ‘A’ My Name is Amy.

Her work has can be found in the August 2015 issue of Family Circle magazine as well as on The Huffington Post and Scary Mommy. She lives with her four children and sinister kitty in Little Silver. Also, here’s the link to my blog if you could kindly add that to the online post. frgazette Leave a comment Before the release of Harper Lee’s second novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” in July many people weighed in, both pro and con, on the book’s merits. The controversy has quieted down. The reviewers have moved on to other books and other opinions. Now it is time to hold thoughtful conversations about “Watchman” and its relevance to modern literature. Ocean County Library will present local high school English teachers and college professors to discuss it and her first novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Moderated by an Ocean County Library librarian, the panelists will grapple with themes presented in Lee’s new novel, discuss how the two relate, and decide if “Go Set a Watchman” can stand on its own in the canon of American literature. The panelists include: Dr. David Bordelon, Ocean County College Dr.

Vibiana Cvetkovic, Rutgers University-Camden Denelle Johnson, Brick Township High School Kelly Johnson, Pinelands Regional High School Dr. T. Madison Peschock, Ocean County College “Harper Lee’s Vision: A Panel Discussion” will be held at the library’s Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 8th. The program is free but registration is required. To register, telephone the operator at 732-349-6200 or 609-971-0514, or go to the library website: , click on the “Events & News” icon, then click on “Calendar of Events.” frgazette Leave a comment New Jersey residents who are in their senior year in high school this year and are planning a career in agriculture or science may apply for the New Jersey Agricultural Achievement Award. One winner will be selected and awarded a $500 scholarship to honor their achievements. The New Jersey Agricultural Achievement Award, sponsored by Dr. Amy Butewicz, a former New Jersey Equestrian of the Year, was started because of her desire to give back to the community.

This scholarship is meant to assist its recipient in beginning their future in agriculture. The qualifications for receiving this award include submitting an application, found here , a resume along with an essay answering the question, “How has your involvement within your respective nominating organization helped to shape your future career choice?” In addition, a contestant is required to be a current, active member of an organization either on the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board and/or represented at the Youth Reception portion of the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention. Each organization on the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board and a participant of the State Agricultural Convention is able to nominate a maximum of two contestants. The winner of the Agricultural Achievement Award must attend the Annual New Jersey Bred Equine Breeders Award Luncheon to be held on Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Eastampton and will read his or her essay to the attendees. Please mail application, resume and essay by January 2, 2016 to: NJDA P.O.

Box 330, Trenton, New Jersey 08625 If you have any questions, contact Lynn Mathews, 609-292-2888 or lynn.mathews@ag.state.nj.us . By Amy Byrnes My little guy and I were talking about something the other night when he turned and asked, “Mom, why don’t you ever volunteer for anything for me?” “What do you mean, dude?” I asked, knowing full well what he meant. “You, like, never help out at my school.” And, since there wasn’t really much more I could say to that very astute observation, I lowered my head and said, “Busted.” Of course, what I wanted to point out to my littlest boy was the sheer scope of my volunteering history, which began when his three older siblings were very young. It was as their overactive mommy that I cut my teeth on the ins-and-outs of cupcake baking and pumpkin picking and by the time my third child went to nursery school, I was helping to produce the monthly school newsletter. But those were just the gateway activities to the more heavy-duty volunteering I got mixed up in as the kids got older.

I moved on to some light pumpkin seed counting and pouring juice for the various holiday parties. Later, I served as the kids’ class mom for countless years and rode in school buses to chaperone field trips to museums and local productions of The Nutcracker. I chaired fundraisers, like luncheons and book fairs, and eventually worked my way up to serve as co-president of the PTO the year I gave birth to my fourth child. That was also the year my left eye twitched uncontrollably for months. As the kids got older, my volunteering extended to overnight activities. I chaperoned trips to a state park about an hour away when each of my older three kids were in seventh grade where I learned that an American Girl sleeping bag was not intended to be used by a 40-something American girl. I also went twice to Washington, D.C. during each of my girls’ eighth grade year and learned how to herd wily teenagers around our nation’s capitol. I was even a Girl Scout leader for five or six years and served a three-year term on our school board and had a magnet on my refrigerator that read, “Stop me before I volunteer again.” I just had too much on my plate.

Eventually, I stopped feeling guilty about not volunteering to make a dinner or help starving children in Africa. I was no longer convinced that things wouldn’t get done without me. And that thinking was fine until it wasn’t. Until the people around me were raising money to improve the technology at our school or working at our local soup kitchen. I started to remember how good it felt to be a part of something and make a difference. Probably right when I was having this major epiphany, an email arrived in my inbox trying to get folks to help out with the annual middle school art show and before I could overthink it, I signed up to help. I arrived for duty on the appointed day and immediately ran into the music teacher who’d taught all of my kids how to play an instrument. I waved “hi” to the school nurse and exchanged pleasantries with the teachers who’d tutored my kids during the summer. And I was in the school for, like, an hour. But seeing all those familiar faces of the teachers my children have had over the years reminded me why I spent all that time pouring juice and selling raffle tickets in the first place. I loved being a part of the process.

As I was pulling masking tape off the wall, the bell rang and middle schoolers exploded out of their classrooms. They flooded the hallway and I noticed one happened to be my very own 12 year old. “What are you doing here?” he asked when he saw me frantically waving to him in the hallway. “I’m VOLUNTEERING,” I shouted. “Oh,” he said as he began to walk a little quicker past me. “That’s weird.” And just like that, my baby learned to be careful for what he wished. I’m thinking I should sign up to be his class mom this year. This could be really fun. Amy Byrnes writes about scary stuff, like divorce and teenagers, at ‘A’ My Name is Amy. Her work has can be found in the August 2015 issue of Family Circle magazine as well as on The Huffington Post and Scary Mommy. She lives with her four children and sinister kitty in Little Silver. Also, here’s the link to my blog if you could kindly add that to the online post.

The legend of La Befana | The Florentine TF230/2017 - Next issue out February 2 LIFESTYLE The legend of La Befana Celebrating January 6 in Italy Jo Linsdell December 14, 2006 share Although the figure of Babbo Natale (Father Christmas), with his red suit and big white beard, is becoming more widespread here, traditionally the children of Italy anxiously await a visit from another figure, La Befana, hanging up their stockings on January 6, the Feast of Epiphany, rather than Christmas Eve. A friendly, witch-like character who rides around on a broom, La Befana is often smiling and carries a sack or basket filled with candy and gifts. She is one of Italy’s oldest and most celebrated legendary figures, and, like many Italian traditions, La Befana represents a mixture of ancient folklore and Christianity. The name "Befana" is derived from the word Epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany. There are two legends associated with La Befana.

The first tells that the three wise men stopped at La Befana’s house to ask directions on their way to Bethlehem. They invited her to join them, but she refused as she was busy cleaning her house. She promised that she would catch them up when she was finished, but by the time she had finished the cleaning they were long gone. She frantically began running after them with presents for baby Jesus, still carrying her broom. Magically, she began to fly on her broomstick but still could not find the wise men or the baby Jesus. Since then, on January 6, the Feast of Epiphany, she flies on her broom leaving gifts for other children. She brings presents for the good and pieces of coal for the bad. The second legend dates back to the reign of King Herod. King Herod decreed that the first born male child and each male child born in the year of Christ’s birth be killed. It was his desire to eliminate the child who was thought to become the new king. Soldiers rampaged villages throughout the country killing the male children. One mother was unable to cry or accept the loss of her son due to the sorrow she felt.

She convinced herself that her child was not dead, but lost instead. She bundled all her child’s belongings into a tablecloth and, carrying it over her shoulder, she set out to find him. After searching from house to house for a long time, this young mother finally came upon a child. Convinced that she had found her lost son, she placed the cloth sack containing all her son’s belongings at the base of the manger where the child lay. The child’s father looked at the face of this stranger bearing gifts and wondered about this woman’s past. By then, her face had many lines and her hair had turned completely grey. The child was Jesus Christ, and, in gratitude to her generosity, he blessed the old woman. One night a year for all eternity, the woman would have all the children of the world as her very own, visiting each one and bringing them clothing and toys. For Italian children, La Befana is even more anticipated than Father Christmas, and on the morning of January 6, children all over Italy wake to find their stockings filled with candy for having been good—or a piece of coal if they have been bad.

Traditionally, they may always expect to find a lump of coal in their stockings (the "coal" is actually rock candy made black with caramel colouring), as every child has been bad at least once during the past year. related articles

Question: La Befana is the legendary character who delivers Christmas presents to children in which country?
Answer: Italy