Christmas in Bethlehem

Christmas in Bethlehem

     Each year, thousands of Christians make the pilgrimage to Bethlehem for what is perhaps the most moving Christmas celebration of them all. This is true even though Muslims and Jews make up most of the population of the Middle East. 
     Christians come to visit the place where, according to the gospels, it all began. Not surprisingly, this is the time of the year when Bethlehem is most popular. The festivities in the "little town" center on the Church of the Nativity and the Shepards' Fields. The Church of the Nativity is believed to stand on the place where Christ was born; under the church, within a small cave, a star on the floor marks the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Shepards' Fields is said to represent the fields where the angels announced the arrival of Christ.
     Among the indigenous Christians in Bethlehem, there are three groups. The Roman Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25, The Greek Orthodox on January 6, and the Armenian Christians on January 18. Representatives protecting the interests of these three groups sit on a board that "governs" the Church of the Nativity, so that no group is favored or slighted. Services are not held within the church itself but rather in an adjoining building. Services on Christmas Eve are by invitation only, but they are televised to the crowd outside. Afterward, most venture to the Shepards' Fields, which are also divided into three sections.
     With the obvious exception of Israel, the peoples of the Middle East are predominantly Muslim. Some of these Muslim countries do have Christian sections, and in those sections Christmas is observed, although the observance is usually more strictly religious, as in Africa. Some countries, however, have indigenous Christian populations that have been celebrating Christmas for centuries.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Japan

Christmas in Japan

     Japan has roughly the same proportion of Christians to non-Christians as China. Christmas there is celebrated by a large number of people - including a good many that follow other religions. For the Japanese, Christmas is a strictly secular celebration, considered a time for fun and gifts. There are Japanese versions of American Christmas carols; department stores have Christmas trees and Christmas sales; holly, bells, and decorations everywhere. Some believe that the Japanese awareness of Christmas is due in part to their large manufacturing interests in America. The religious aspects of the Japanese Christmas are confined to the areas touched by missionary work. In those parts, Christmas is celebrated with services, hymns, children's pageants, visits to hospitals, and other services for the needy.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Africa

Christmas in Africa

     In most African countries, Christians make up only a small part of the population, so Christmas is usually not celebrated on a grand scale.
     Although Christmas has been a tradition in Ethiopia for quite some time, observance in most other countries is limited to ares with established missions. In these areas Christmas is observed simply, in a way that many feel reflects the true meaning of the day. The missions provide homes and schools for the young children and hospitals for the ill; at Christmas time, the efforts of all are concentrated on helping those in need and on the spiritual aspects of the holiday. There are no Santas or trees, and there is very little gift giving, except to the poor. In some places, lucky children receive sugar, grains, or fruit.
     In Algiers there are a number of Catholic churches that celebrate midnight Mass. Streets are colorfully decorated.
     The Christian church in Ethiopia is the Coptic Church. Believers there still abide by an older calendar, which places Christmas on January 7.
     Things stray from the norm a bit in Ghana. There, Christmas evergreens or palm trees are seen, but only in churches, and there is a Father Christmas who comes out of the jungle. Children have school pageants, and there is more gift giving. Early Christmas morning, a group enacts the story of the shepherds and angels heralding Christ's birth, traveling the streets and singing songs.

Festive Fact: Christmas is a low key affair in Africa; it's observance is usually limited to relatively small Christian populations. The emphasis is typically on charitable acts and simple presents.

     It's far to say that in most African countries, Christmas could be ignored entirely without changing the cultural landscape much. One exception to this, however, is found in South Africa. Christmas there falls in the midst of summer vacation, so the activities are adapted to the warmer weather. In the European sections of the country, shops are decorated and streets are lit. Father Christmas puts gifts in the children's stockings. After a church service on Christmas day, the Christmas feast is eaten outside.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife. 

Christmas in Russia

Christmas in Russia

     Perhaps the best way to look at the Russian Christmas is to go back to the customs of 
pre-Revolutionary Russia, when Christianity flourished. Father Frost was a staple of the old tradition, and presents were brought by Babushka, Russia's version of the old woman who was supposed to have declined to join the Wise Men. There was also a girl dressed in white called Kolyada who would visit homes, singing carols and giving treats. Christmas trees were decorated.
     Members of the Russian Orthodox Church would fast until after church services on Christmas Eve. Some communities engaged in the Blessing of the Water; sometimes a priest would go through the village with his water to bless the houses.
     In the years following the revolution, many of the customs of Christmas were hard to track down, as they were for all intents and purposes illegal - or at least counter to the official pronouncements of the Party. Now that the Communist regime has passed, it is a good bet that many of those traditions have come back into prominence.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Brazil

Christmas in Brazil

     Brazil is one South American country that has incorporated some American ideas for Christmas. Brazilians have a Santa equivalent called Papa Noel, lighted Christmas trees, and similar gift giving traditions. The manger, or pesebre, is still very important, however. On Christmas Eve a meal is laid out before the household attends midnight Mass, so that the Holy family may eat if they wish. Children put out shoes for Papa Noel to fill. Because of the warm climate, Christmas day is often filled with picnics and sport.

About the Author...
 Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Panama

Christmas in Panama

     Schoolchildren in Panama engage in pre-Christmas activities much like the ones enjoyed by American children. Decorations and cards are made, gifts are exchanged, and there are plays. Requests for gifts are sent to Baby Jesus in Heaven, however, not Santa Claus.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife. 

Christmas in Switzerland

Christmas in Switzerland

     As Switzerland is populated by four distinct groups of people, it has no dominant holiday tradition. Those with French backgrounds follow french customs; Germans, Italians, and Romansh speakers likewise follow their own traditions. Regardless of nationality, however, all in Switzerland celebrate with mangers and trees.

Festive fact: Switzerland (a nation with four official languages) has multiple Christmas traditions, with no single approach to observing the holiday.

In some parts of Switzerland, great care is taken to emphasize the holiday's religious significance before its festive side. Children are not allowed to open their gifts until all have gathered around the tree to sing songs and read the story of the Nativity from the Bible. Presents are brought by the Chriskindlei; the angelic figure arrives in town on a sleigh loaded with goodies and pulled by six reindeer. 
     Churches in Switzerland are famous for their bells, and bell ringing competitions are held in some areas, such as Valais, on Christmas Eve. Saint Stephen's Day, December 26, has become an extension of the Christmas celebration in Switzerland.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.” 

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife. 

Christmas in Germany

Christmas in Germany

     Perhaps more than any other country, Germany has influenced the way Christmas is celebrated around the world. It is from Germany that we get some of the most popular ideas associated with the Christmas season and the Christmas spirit, as well as such welcome innovations as the Christmas cookie.
     Things get started on Saint Nicholas Day (December 6). Advent wreaths and calendars make their appearance, and this day marks the beginning of the German Christmas season. 
     It is said that the tradition of the Christmas tree began in Germany, and most modern families there would consider it unthinkable to pass the holiday without a tree. The tree is usually trimmed by the mother, who decorates it with balls, tinsel, stars, cookies, marzipan, and so on. No one else is allowed to see the tree until Christmas Eve.
     After Mass or church on Christmas Eve, the Christkind or Kris Kringle - not Saint Nicholas - brings the gifts. At first, the Christkind was meant to be the baby Jesus; later the name came to stand for a more angelic figure that embodies the spirit of the Christ child. The Christkind wears a flowing white robe, a white veil, and gold wings. He often enters by an open window and rings a bell when gifts have been left. The name later evolved into Kris Kringle; it is in no way a pseudonym for Santa Klaus. Like Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle is accompanied by a nasty companion called Knecht Rupprecht, Pelznickle, or Ru-Klas.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his

series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Scotland

Christmas in Scotland

     Christmas was not celebrated in Scotland until the 1960's; the once outlawed holiday was long seen as just another workday. Things have gradually changed, but to the Scots, Christmas is still not the major event that it is to many other peoples. New Years Day is still their most important celebration.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction. 

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in France

Christmas in France

     For the French, the winter holiday (known as Noel) is especially important for children. The season is a time to bask in the innocence and wonder of youth, while remembering and honoring the Holy Child who started it all. 
     Noel, from an expression meaning "day of birth", begins for most French on December 6, Saint Nicholas's Day. Saint Nicholas's Day is celebrated most heartily in the provinces, particularly in Lorraine, as it is believed that the Virgin Mary gave Lorraine to Nicholas as a gift; he is their patron saint. He is also of course the patron saint of children; little ones leave out their shoes in hopes that Saint Nicholas will leave gifts of nuts and candy during the night visit. In Lorraine there is a procession honoring the saint in which the figures of three boys in salt barrels are carted through the streets. These figures stand as a reminder of one of the saints more lurid miracles; bringing three murdered boys back to life.

Festive Fact: In some provinces of France, Saint Nicholas or Pere Noel can be seen walking in a long red robe with a basket of goodies on his back, accompanied by Pere Fouettard (Father Whipper), who dresses in an ugly black robe and takes care of the bad children.

     The signs of the season begin to appear rapidly after Saint Nicholas day. Homes, streets, shopping malls, cafes, and shops are decorated with lights, colorful decorations, and the image of Per Noel. While not as popular as in America, sapins  (trees) are sold in outdoor markets; most who take trees home pot them so they will last longer and may be replanted later. The tree is decorated with glass, paper, or crocheted ornaments; a star, angel, or Pere Noel is placed on top. While most French families use electric lights, some still use candles.
     More important than a tree to the French home is the creches, which are meant to look as realistic and beautiful as possible. To contribute to the realism, the children of Provence collect moss, pine, and rocks for the backround. Some creches contain santons (little saints) representing people in the Nativity. Santons came to France in the 1800's from Italy by way of Italian merchants; the figures are made of clay and in most cases are clothed with fabric.
     The French creche often depicts a French rather than Judean landscape. This could simply be a case of strong local influence on religious imagery, or it could have something to do with an obscure tradition hearkening back to the time when some areas of France claimed to be the birthplace of Christ. The regions of Provence, Auvergne, and Brittany have all made this claim in past eras. The climate and geography of these areas are considered to be similar to that of the Holy Land, and this coincidence may have something to do with the old claims.
     Along with decorating, the preparations for the revillon (awakening) must be completed by Christmas Eve day. Revillon is the grand Christmas Eve feast that takes place after midnight Mass. the feast may have a s many as fifteen courses, ranging from soups, fruits, salads, meats, fish, and chicken to cheese, breads, nuts, pastry, candy...all with plenty of wine. (This is after all France)
     The arrival of Christmas Eve sees the infant Jesus finally taking his place in the family creche after a small family ceremony. Little children are put to bed to dream of the gifts that Pere Noel may bring them. Previously, Petit Jesus, or little Jesus, was the one who came to children on Christmas Eve. Later the visitor was the spirit of Christmas, Pere Noel. In present day France, most children believe Jesus sends Pere Noel in his place. 
     Unlike the American Santa, Pere Noel is tall, dresses in a long red robe, and travels with a sack and a donkey. Though Pere Noel is not seen in department stores as often as Santa is in the United States, he too can be contacted through a letter sent to the North Pole.
     After the children are in bed, the older members of the family head off to midnight Mass. Along the way there are often processions reenacting the Nativity, some of which end in living creches (where people play out the manger scene) The midnight Mass itself is very important in France, and almost everyone attends. At the Mass's conclusion, all head home to begin the Revillon.

Looking Back: The French feast following Christmas Eve midnight Mass often extends until dawn.

The Revillon often lasts the entire night, with no time for the adults to sleep before the children wander down to open their gifts. The adults wait until New Years Day to exchange their gifts; some villagers near the Spanish border mix Spanish and French traditions and open gifts on January 6.
     The remainder of the vacation time surrounding this holiday is ofetn spent either skiing in the French Alps or visiting the Riviera.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.  

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Mexico

Christmas in Mexico

     The Christmas season in Mexico begins on December 16, the first day of posadas. Posada is the Mexican word for a tradition popular among many Hispanic countries, the commemoration of the Holy Family's pilgrimage.  Posadas takes place over a period of nine days before Christmas; in each posada, the faithful act out Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. people travel to one another's homes, taking on the roles of holy pilgrims or nasty innkeepers. 
     The ritual culminates in celebration and prayer around the family alter, on which is placed a creche and a covering of pine branches and moss. The houses are decorated with Spanish moss, evergreens, and paper lanterns. Also present are "The Flowers of the Holy Night", or poinsettias. After the religious portion of the posada is over, there is much merriment, with food, fireworks and pinatas. The final and most important posada takes place on Christmas Eve. The baby Jesus is placed in the cradle amid prayer and song. Afterward, everyone attends midnight Mass.
     For Catholics, the festivities end here. Christmas Day is quiet, and there is no Santa Claus figure. Children receive their gifts on Epiphany. For Protestants however, the posadas are a bit different.There is more outdoor caroling, and the children receive a gift bag from Santa during a church service early on Christmas Eve.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Canada

Christmas in Canada

     Christmas is celebrated in many different ways in Canada. The country is made up of a variety of ethnic groups, most of which celebrate Christmas in accordance with their own traditions. 
     Vancouver, on the western end of Canada, is illuminated with lights, especially in the harbor area, and trees are lit in homes. In Montreal, Masses are celebrated in the many beautiful cathedrals, and in Nova Scotia, old carols are sung at home and in church. In Newfoundland, the inhabitant's fishing skills are put to work for the church. During Christmas week, the daily catch is given to the church so that it can be sold to raise money for the church's work.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his  series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife. 

Christmas in Austria

CHRISTMAS in AUSTRIA     

Saint Nicholas's Day open the Christmas season in Austria. Called Santer Klausen, the saint arrives not with a nasty helper for the holidays, but with the devil himself! (This is an extreme but not uncommon variation on the "dark companion" theme)
Both figures test the children, and the good ones get presents
     In Austria, the Nativity scene is displayed around the family tree, which is decorated with cookies as well as ornaments. There are processions known as "Showing the Christ Child." Nativity plays are also performed; similar to the Mexican posadas.
     On Christmas Eve, many enjoy music from the Turmblazen, a brass band that plays carols from church steeples or towers. Later there is midnight mass.
     Both December 25 and 26 are legal holidays. The days are spent relaxing, socializing, and feasting on carp, ham, goose, pastry, and the like.
     One of Austria's most important contributions to the celebration of Christmas is a song sung by church choirs and carolers around the world; "Silent Night." On Christmas Eve, 1818, organist Franz Gruber composed the music to accompany Josef Mohr's poem. The carol was Gruber's only published musical work. Today, it is certainly hard to imagine Christmas without the song.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in England

Christmas in England

     While the great traditions of the Yule log and boar's head are no longer commonly observed in England, in the minds of many they are an integral feature of the old-fashioned British Christmas. Dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists may substitute roast pig for the boar's head, but the modern fireplace is far to small to accommodate the massive Yule logs of times past. Even the great British roast beef has been replaced by turkey. Mince pie and plum pudding are still favorites however, and the land that gave us the Christmas card is still sending them to millions.
      In England, the Christmas tree has been widespread since Prince Albert introduced the custom in 1841. Caroling and bell ringing are very popular, as well. Father Christmas, very similar to the American Santa Claus, leaves gifts for children. Letters to him are not mailed, but rather, they are thrown in the fire; if they fly up the chimney, the desired gift is considered as good as bought. 

     Children hand up their stockings on Christmas Eve. After the children are in bed, parents decorate the tree and fill the house with holly, ivy, and mistletoe. Afterward, many go to a midnight Christmas service. In the morning children open gifts, and all sit down to that turkey dinner in the afternoon.
     An additional observance at this time of year is Boxing day, held on December 26. The name is taken from the old custom of opening the alms boxes in church the day after Christmas to give the money to the needy.

 About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Christmas in Spain

Christmas in Spain. 

     The Christmas season in Spain begins on December 8th with the feast of the immaculate Conception. An interesting feature of this feast is known as Los Seises, the Dance of Six, a custom in Seville in which boys perform a dance around the alter that symbolizes Christ's birth. Although the dance is still known by it's original name, it is now performed by ten boys.

     It is no surprise that the manger scene, or nacimiento, has a place of reverence in the Spanish Christmas. The manger scene contains all the traditional elements, with a few distinctly Spanish ones thrown in. Among the animals watching over Christ are a mule and a buey (ox) and a stream of water is always included. Sometimes bullfighters are part of the on-looking crowd. These scenes are set up in public squares and in homes, taking precedence over Christmas trees, which are not common.

Here's a Festive Fact... The Spanish refer to Christmas Eve as Noche Buena (Good Night)

     On Christmas Eve, family members gather in the room containing the nacimiento to sing hymns and pray. Late in the evening, the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) is attended. Many Hispanic countries refer to midnight mass as the Mass of the Rooster; it has been said that the only time a rooster ever crowed at midnight was the moment when Christ was born. After mass, a big meal is often consumed. 

   Adults exchange gifts on Christmas Day. Another treat is the Spanish version of the Urn of Fate, in this case, a bowl filled with the names of everyone present. Two names are picked out at once; those whose names are chosen together are supposed to enjoy a lasting friendship or romance. 

     There is much dancing and other festivities through Epiphany, the day that children receive presents in their shoes from the three wise men. (There is no Santa Claus figure)

(My own recollection of how my mother would leave my shoes outside my bedroom door Christmas Eve has always brought back fond memories) Sometimes three men would dress up as the Magi and wander the streets singing before visiting the public nacimiento.

About the Author...
 Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

 

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are available for the public to enjoy. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

 

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Support Local Businesses. It Pays.

The Advantages of Small Local Businesses

by Candace Webb, Demand Media / Article provided by R.M.Villoria - Author / S.M.Publicist

In choosing where to shop, many people look first at prices, then location and then the name of the store, with little thought given to the importance of supporting small, local businesses. Small local businesses provide advantages to the surrounding community that large big box retailers cannot offer. Understanding those advantages can encourage customers to support their local merchants.

Significance

Shopping at small, local businesses can have a significant impact on the local economy. Businesses pay sales tax to the city and county where the business is located. When patrons make the choice to leave the area to do their shopping, they are supporting areas outside of their own. Large businesses also pay sales taxes to the local government.

Benefits

The money paid to local governments by small, local businesses is used for many things, including the financing of roads, public schools, sidewalks and parks. In addition, those tax dollars help to fund additional public service workers such as police officers and firefighters. Many cities subsidize youth sports leagues that are sponsored by the parks department. The money used to fund such activities comes from taxes, which are paid in part by small local businesses as sales tax revenue.

Related Reading: Local Partnership Ideas for Small Businesses

Time Frame

Each year, cities calculate the amount of sales tax revenue that they anticipate receiving from their local businesses. That revenue estimate is used to forecast the following year's budget needs and the budget gets decided. If the revenue does not match the estimate, the city goes over budget, which can cause financial issues. Local businesses that are able to maintain positive growth through sales tax revenue each year help meet the city's financial needs. In addition, the city is able to project the following year's probable revenue figures based on the local business' revenue the previous year.

Considerations

Small local businesses provide job opportunities for local residents. This can be in the way of part-time help, or full-time management. Local jobs keep the residents in town during their shift, so the advantages extrapolate outward as the employee spends money at the local restaurant during meal breaks, gasses up at the local station to get to work and stops at the local grocery store on the way home at night. The advantage of a small local business employing local residents creates a domino effect that helps the community as a whole.

In addition, small local businesses typically provide better customer service than their large, corporate counterparts. The small business owner often lives in the community, worships, plays sports and socializes with community members, and cares about the individuals who patronize his business. Because of his personal involvement with the community, he will strive to provide the best service possible to customers.

Potential

Aside from providing local job opportunities, small, local businesses support the area through their everyday needs. Small businesses open accounts at local banks, hire local CPAs and attorneys and when they need supplies they can step down the street to get them quickly. Running a small local business provides automatic advantages in the daily operations.

About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.

Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”

Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.

Visit him on his website at: www.rmvcard.com