December 26th, the Catholic Church honors St. Stephen, the first martyr. I have “Character Calendar” by Sister Mary Fidelis, and Sister Mary Charitas, published in 1931. This book offers up a Saint’s Feast Day for every day of the year.
St Stephen was stoned to death in the year 36, just outside the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem. He was killed not because of who he was but because they were trying to suppress the early word of Christians. It was just two years after Jesus was crucified. Saul was present at the stoning, supporting those throwing stones, by watching their coats and garments. Soon after St Stephen’s death, Jesus appeared to Saul, and converted him to become “Apostle to the Gentiles.”
December 26th, 1871 was the opening of the play “Thespis”. This play was the first collaboration of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. I have the book “A Treasury of Gilbert and Sullivan” “The words and the Music of One Hundred and Two Songs from Eleven Operettas” published in 1941. Gilbert and Sullivan went on to create other masterpieces such as “H.M.S. Pinafore”, “The Pirates of Penzance”, “Iolanthe” and “the Mikado”.
December 26th is National Thank You Note Day. More important than random history notes (like the above), would be proper ettiquette to respect those who have helped you, or even just gave Christmas presents to you yesterday. The best thing would be to write a Thank You letter or note.
I have the book “Hills Manual of Social and Business Forms” originally printed in 1878, but my copy is a re-print from 1976.
This is a detailed book on how to communicate to others properly. There are many examples of different types of letters, and how to convey specific ideas and information. While the original book is about 150 years old, the information, and programs are as current and timeless as ever.
We should always be thankful. Whether to those who died so we could pray safely, to those who wrote musicals to make us laugh and forget today’s problems, or to those who have helped us get better, or have given us presents for Christmas.
A good way to express gratitude, is to write that thank you note. As adults, we can help our children and grandchildren continue to thank others with a note. Lead by example. That shows people that “You’re worth the ink.”
Thanks for reading. and in advance…thanks for writing.
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