Homemade sugar cookies, Why is Christmas Day on Dec. 25?, cleaning garden tools

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Sunday, December 16, 2018

angels

Gone are the days of gloom and error,
Love’s sceptre breaks the rod of terror
In our fair isle.
And as the children sing His message
Of Peace on Earth the joyful presage,
They win God’s smile.

–George Robert Sims (1847–1922)
Sunday, December 16, 2018
 350th day of the year


 
Gardening Calendar > Learn More
 
Questions about Christmas

 Christmas Facts and Trivia
Where did the phrase “Jiminy Christmas” come from? What about “Godspeed”? Why do some people write “Xmas”? The answers may surprise you! Enjoy Christmas facts and trivia to share at the holiday table.
  READ MORE  
 
2019 MOON WALL CALENDAR
Want to enjoy the beautiful Moon year-round? Check out our 2019 Moon Wall Calendar that is loaded with amazing lunar lore, facts, and photos!   
  LEARN MORE  
$10.99
 
How Low Can You Hear?

 Low Notes—Elephants, Whales, and a Galaxy Far Away
How low can you go? Low sounds are easier to hear—the low thumping of music from the nearby car playing the radio, the low sounds that elephants and whales use to talk to e
  LISTEN  
 
Crossbody Purses for Cell Phones by Chala
Top-seller! Available in different nature-inspired designs! Perfect size for carrying most cell phones, cash, ID, and a few credit cards. Very nicely made and features adjustable straps.
  LEARN MORE  
$32.99
 
Embedded thumbnail for How to Care for and Sharpen Gardening Tools
Cleaning Garden Tools

 How to Care for and Sharpen Gardening Tools
Where would we be without our trusty gardening tools? Treat them to a little bit of TLC and they should last for many years.
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
Bright and Bold Umbrellas
These sturdy umbrellas come in several nature-inspired designs.
  LEARN MORE  
$39.97
 
Christmas Sugar Cookies

 Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes
These 10 basic sugar cookie recipes offer a delicious treat for any gathering of family or friends—and are great for decorating!
  READ MORE  
 
Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open
Colorful socks with terrifc advice! Makes a great gift!  
  LEARN MORE  
$11.97
 
Easy Holiday Table

 Bowls and Boards for the Holiday Table
Facing some health issues this fall, I turned my mind toward how to make holiday meals that would minimize exertion but maximize variety and flavor. For some reason, instead of frozen casseroles, stews, lasagnes, and quiches, two words popped into my mind: bowls and boards!
  READ MORE  
 
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Notebook
Keeps avid weather watchers engaged and entertained day after day for up to 4 years! 
  LEARN MORE  
$14.95