A Word From Karen

Make 2009 a lucky one. I hope your dark-haired First Footer brought the coal, bread, salt and whiskey. While this tradition is a familiar one in the UK, cultures around the world start off the New Year in many different ways. Read In a Nutshell to find out how. Keep reading to learn how easy it is to lie via e-mail.

Speaking of New Year’s, the Chinese won’t celebrate until Jan. 26. Their New Year depends on the cycle of the moon. According to Chinese calculations, 2009 is actually 4706 and the Year of the Ox. Have a little fun with the Chinese zodiac and the elements inTreehouse Games. Then visit Treehouse Trivia for tips on living long and prospering and for insights into J.K. Rowling’s journey.

Keep celebrating in February. Show your love to your special one on the 14^th with flowers, sweets and champagne. Share in the luck o’ the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Join a parade and lift a pint or two. This year Mothering Sunday falls on March 22. While many other countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of March, in the UK it lands on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

There is some argument about which St. Clement’s is the one from the nursery rhyme, but St. Clement Danes celebrates each year with the Oranges and Lemons Children’s Service. The program gives thanks for the restoration the church’s bells. The children say prayers and sing the nursery rhyme. Then after the service each child receives a gift of an orange and a lemon.

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