Well it's that time of the year again. Time for good family conversation, fun, children laughing and playing and, of course, food. But along with this comes along the giving and receiving of gifts from family and friends. Since it's almost that time, I asked a few people, "What is your Christmas wish?" Read on to find out what the people of North Central would like for Christmas.

*Mr. Martel says, "I want a full size truck, Ford or Chevrolet, it's O.K.!"
*Dana Drummer wants a computer, new clothes, a ring, and more money!
*Coach Thomas would like a Geraman Chocolate Cake.
*Nicole Johnson would like a "nice" life.
*Kellie Crouch would like a VCR, a TV, new clothes, real jewelry, braces, and money.
*Landon Schexsnayder wants a Nintendo 64, a new bike, chocolate pie, and for his grandpa to see his graduation.
*Angela Adams wants clothes, a better life for my child and to graduate with c/o 2000, an engagement ring, and money!
*Mr. Fontenot wants a 220 pound, 10-point buck!
*Mrs. Bush says "I want enough money so that I wouldn't have to worry about pinching pennies so that I can help those less fortunate see the love and happiness that the Lord could bless anyone with.
*For Christmas, all Effie Cane wants is to be with her baby Travis Lewis a.k.a. "T-Lou".
    As for me, all I want is money to pay all my bills, clothes, to be able to spend time with friends and family, and be able to spread much joy to everyone. Whatever your Christmas wish is, I hope you get it and remember; "You better watch out, Santa Claus is coming to town!" Merry Christmas from Sue!

What do elves learn in school?
The Elf-abet!
What nationality is Santa Claus?
North Polish!
What kind of bird can write?
A PEN-guin!
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite!
Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?
Because every buck is dear to him!
What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
Crisp Cringle!
If Santa and Mrs. Claus had a child, what would it be called?
Subordinate Claus!
What do Snowmen eat for breakfast?
Snowflakes!

    "He had a broad face and a round little belly, That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly, He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself." "A Visit From St. Nicholas" -Clement Moore Santa Claus is a fictional character that is believed to deliver Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve night to all good little boys and girls. But in reality, Santa is not real! (I hate to disappoint all of you lifelong believers! ! !) The legend of Santa Claus dates back to hundreds of years ago. The Santa Claus legend has grown tremendously over the years. Now, as we enter the Christmas season of 1999, the legendary Santa has more names and faces than ever before, names such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, La Befana, St. Nick, and Pere Noel bring about a different face for each name. All of these names make this fictional character famously known world wide. So, from my heart to yours, Merry Christmas and Have A Happy New Year! ! ! !

    Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 by people all over the world. Families get together and have large dinners to celebrate this special day. They exchange gifts as a representation of their love for one another. Christmas is a time of love and giving. Even though families might know that Christmas is the celebration of the Christ child's birthday, many of these families don't know the story Christmas. The history of Christmas dates back to over four thousand years. Christmas is the celebration of the Christ child's birthday. The exact day of the Christ child's birthday has never

    The true meaning of Christmas isn't about Santa Claus, or what gifts you are going to be receiving. It's all about the spirit of peace on earth the gift of giving to others and sharing special moments with families and friends. Christmas spirit brings you ways to enhance your celebration during the holiday season. We should never forget charitable foundations of Christmas time. We ask that you share your good fortune with those less fortunate than you. Remember, time is an asset worthy of being shared.

    Toys for Tots is a program that collects new and used toys for needy children all over the United States. It all started in 1947, when major Bill Hendrick of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, saw a little girl that was without a toy. He decided to form some type of organization to help the needy children in his area. The organization was known but went without formation until the 1980's. In the 1980's, there was a need for organization within Toys for Tots. Based on this need, the Secretary of Defense approved the U.S. Marine Corps recognition and "commanded" the corps to help the Toys for Tots program.
    In 1995, the Secretary of Defense, approved Toys for Tots as an official program of the Marine Corps. He also approved the program as an official mission of the United States marine Corps Reserve. We have our own Toys for Tots program in Lafayette. The Reserve Corps is accepting Toy donations at the Cajun dome in Lafayette. So people of NCHS go dig in your closets and dig for all of your old toys and give them to someone in need.

    Christmas is a time for families, fun, and festivities. It is a time of family gatherings and holiday meals. It is a time for Santa, stars, and singing carolers. It is also a time for ornaments, gifts, and twinkling lights. of sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and gingerbread cookies. Christmas is a time for magical things to happen.

Germany: Frohliche Weihnachten
Poland: Boze Narodzenie
Indonesia: Salamet Hari Natal
Japan: Merii Kurisumasu
Italy: Buon Natale
Brazil: Feliz Natal
South Africa: Geseende Kersfees
Haiti: Jwaye Nwel
Greece: Eftihismena Christougenna
France: Joyeux Noel
Netherlands: Prettige Kersdagen
Bulgaria: Vessela Koleda

    The first origin of Christmas dates back to the birth of Christ. The wise men brought presents to baby Jesus. This is how the origin of gift giving began. Christmas cards are based on the scenes of Christ's birth. Some of the ways people celebrate Christmas have nothing to do with Christ's birth. Other countries celebrate a different kind of holiday in December. The Romans celebrated their holiday known as Saturnallia. During this holiday they would have great feasts and parties. Northern Europe celebrates their holiday known as Yule. During this ceremony they dance around great fires and yell for winter to end. The Christmas tree, which was started in Germany, became a tradition throughout the world. These customs brought along Christmas as we know it. We are celebrating traditions that have been around for centuries. Christmas has many origins that we are still celebrating today.

    Christmas traditions started long ago. They have been handed down from England and brought into America. These traditions started as early as the 1800's. Many of these traditions have been used and are still used today.

Christmas Cards: The first known Christmas card was made by JC Horsley in 1843, but was not printed until 1846. The idea was finally caught on and became popular in the 1860's.

Christmas Stockings:
The Christmas stocking full of presents also came from America and was first mentioned in 1854. The sleigh and reindeer arrived around the same period.