Author Archives: Susanne Matthews

In a word, Yes. In 2021, December 21 will be the shortest day–or longest night–of the year if and only if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. At precisely 9:59 a.m. CST on December 21, the Winter Solsice will occur, ushering in Winter for the Northern Hemispher and Summer for the Southern Hemisphere. And, getContinue reading “December 21: Winter Solstice. Is It Really the Shortest Day of the Year?”

I would like to wish all those who follow the Tuesday Tales posts Season’s Greetings. Things may not be back to normal, but if we persevere maybe we can make the best of it. Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our prompt word is RED. I’m continuing with Royal Flush, my contemporary romance. “Pearl, RandyContinue reading “Tuesday Tales: From the Word RED”

Have you ever heard someone described as quirky? What does it mean? Essentially, someone who’s quirky is unconventional with an unusual mix of qualities that are hard to define, but essntially end up being interesting or charming. The word can be used to describe anything that doesn’t quite fit with the norm and stands out onContinue reading “Cute But Crazy 4: Quirky Careers Is Ready For You! A great way to enjoy your holiday reading time!”

Like many of the traditions that are part of Christmas, Christmas Stockings may also have a pagan origin. Do you remember my discussion on Sanata Claus? Well, Christmas stockings go hand in hand with it and the Norse/Germanic god, Odin. According to Phyllis Siefker, a Christmas historian, children left their straw-filled boots by the chimney–someContinue reading “Christmas Facts: Day 7: Christmas Stockings”

Like many of the traditions we’ve discussed so far, the Yule Log, which originally was an entire tree, not simply a branch or an large ivy wrapped log like below, originated in pagan celebrations, such as the Anglo Saxon fire ceremonies of the Winter Solstice and the Yule festivities of Scandanavian people. The Yule LogContinue reading “Christmas Facts: Day 6 The Yule Log”

We’re all familiar with the concept of a jolly, white-bearded man in a red suit who flies through the skies on Christmas Eve delivering presents to all the good boys and girls around the world. No matter how you picture him, Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, is a familiar figure at ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Facts: Day 5 The Origins of Santa Claus”

Another Christmas tradition rooted in paganism is the act of gift-giving. Think it started because of the gifts of the Magi? Think again. The custom of giving gitfs at Christmas originated with Saturnalia, the Roman feast celebrating the god Saturn. Unlike the mega shopping blitz of today, Saturnalia gifts were small and given for luck.Continue reading “Christmas Facts: Day 4 Gift Giving”

My favorite part of the Christmas season has always been listening to the festive music and singing along, whether it be in my car, in church, or just in the house while I do chores. There are two kinds of Christmas songs: the religious ones like Silent Night, O Holy Night, Little Town of Bethlehem,Continue reading “Chritsmas Facts Day 3 Christmas Caroling”

Hello again. Today’s Christmas tradition owes its origin primarily to the Celts and Druids, although a number of other cultures had a hand in it, too. Mistletoe was an important part of several pagan cultures. To some, the white berries symbolized male fertility because they thought the seeds resembled male ejaculate–gross right? The Ancient GreeksContinue reading “Christmas Facts : Day 2 Mistletoe”

Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Tales. Today’s word prompt is PERSUASIVE. I’m beginning a new book, one which will be released in the spring. The title is Royal Flush. Meet my newest characters, Pearl and Kyle. They have a lot of adventure ahead of them. Enjoy! “Can I get you anything else?” If thisContinue reading “Tuesday Tales: From the Word Persuasive”