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The word ‘mistletoe’ is believed to stem from the Saxon ‘mistl-tan’, meaning ‘different twig.’
Note: Raw white mistletoe berries are very poisonous and tend to fall off the plant easily. They have been known to cause seizures or death when accidently ingested. Indeed, here in Ireland we are more inclined to have in our homes, hanging over our doors, the ornamental plastic variety, since ingesting real mistletoe berries can be especially lethal to small children and household pets.
Historically, mistletoe [A parasitic plant, that derives some or all of its nutritional requirements from a wide range of host trees], represents romance, fertility, and vitality. Celtic Druids valued mistletoe for its healing properties. Its berries ripen in December, with the plant continuing to remain green, hence its appeal at Christmas.
Warning: Let be it known to all you ladies, young or old, you the fairer sex, cannot ever refuse to grant a kiss, if caught under a bunch of mistletoe. Ladies also please note, such a kiss under mistletoe will greatly increase your chances of marriage within the next 12 months.
According to an ancient custom, ladies not kissed will remain single until next Christmas.
Gentlemen Note: After each kiss, one berry should be removed from the mistletoe bunch. A fresh bunch of course can then be introduced, should you be required to kiss a lot of women.
Yes, it’s not an easy job for the male species, but let’s face it, someone has got to do it.
- ‘Still Here’ ads relaunched to inform and reassure victims of domestic violence that help and support continues to be available over the Christmas and New Year
- Domestic abuse incidents will continue to be prioritised by An Garda Síochána
The Minister for Justice, Mr Simon Harris TD, has announced that ‘Still Here’, the national awareness campaign on domestic abuse, is being relaunched and will run over the Christmas holiday period.
The ‘Still Here’ campaign was developed in April 2020, to inform and reassures people that supports and services are always available to those at risk or experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.
This message is particularly important over the Christmas period, when reports of domestic abuse can often escalate.
Speaking of the campaign, Minister Harris said: “Unfortunately, we know that home is not a safe place for all of us. I want victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to know that they are not on their own, particularly at this time of year. An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services, including the vital supports provided by our community and voluntary sector, are still here for you over the Christmas period.”
Minister Harris continued: “The ‘Still Here’ initiative between the Department of Justice, frontline State services and the community and voluntary sector, working together to support victims of domestic and sexual violence, continues. Our support for victims of domestic and sexual violence is steadfast.”
The campaign will run on TV, Radio, Streaming Video and Audio Services; such as Spotify and YouTube as well as on Social Media, to reach the widest audience possible.
The campaign ads were developed by the Department of Justice in collaboration with a number of frontline services; who work directly with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Minister of State for Law Reform, Mr James Browne added: “I would encourage everyone to listen to these adverts. They portray the stark reality of the types of abuse many victims of domestic violence face.
Those of us lucky enough to never experience such vile behaviours should educate ourselves on what we could do if we witnessed someone else being abused in such a way and how we could help.
The Department of Justice section of the gov.ie website has practical information for people who are concerned for someone they know, and for people who witness a stranger being abused. We should all be ready to help rid our society of domestic violence.”
An Garda Síochána have stated that they will continue to reach out and make contact with victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources. An Garda Síochána will continue to treat all instances of Domestic Abuse as a priority over the festive period and once again re-enforces our commitment to ‘keeping people safe’, and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
Speaking about the commitment of our Police Service to keeping people, and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse, safe and supported, Commissioner Mr Drew Harris, said, “An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.
We are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse to ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from An Garda Síochána will always be of a consistently high standard. This is true all year round and especially so at Christmas.”
Information on services and supports for victims is available on the campaign website HERE.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
Lyrics: American Musical Theater & Film Composer, Arranger, Vocal Coach, & Playwright Hugh Martin.
Vocals: American singer-songwriter Alan Jackson.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light.
From now on,
Our troubles will be out of sight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay.
From now on,
Our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us,
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years we all will be together,
If the fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
END
The Manger.
Lyrics: Matthew West; Jeffrey Thomas Pardo; Anne Catherine Wilson.
Vocals: Anne Wilson, Josh Turner
They’re puttin’ decorations up in front of my old church,
The shepherds and the wise men and the hay.
There’s Joseph and his Mary lookin’ down at Heaven’s birth,
And the angel’s sayin’, “Don’t you be afraid”.
It makes me stop and think about how You showed up down here,
In a humble bed made of nails and wood.
You could have picked a palace, somethin’ more fit for a King,
But then the story wouldn’t be as good.
From the highest of the high,
To the lowest of the low,
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go.
For the lonely and the lost,
There’s no sinner too far gone to find a Savior,
Lyin’ in the manger.
There’s a star up in the sky that’s callin’ all the least of these,
Come make Your way to where Your hope is found.
If I’m honest, some days I feel too far out of reach,
But the manger reminds me love reached down.
From the highest of the high,
To the lowest of the low,
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go,
For the lonely and the lost.
There’s no sinner too far gone to find a Savior,
Lyin’ in the manger.
You were carried by a manger and just thirty-three years later,
By a rugged cross made from nails and wood,
And the tears fill up my eyes, You didn’t have to give Your life,
But then the story wouldn’t be as good.
From the highest of the high,
To the lowest of the low,
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go,
For the lonely and the lost.
There’s no sinner too far gone to find a Savior,
Lyin’ in the manger.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
END
From all at Thurles.info, may we wish our many readers, a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Please Make Every Effort To Stay Safe Over This Holiday Season.
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