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
 Who was born on this day?
What happened today in history?
Click to find out.



 
Gardening Calendar > Learn More
 
Christmas Facts and Trivia
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 about the festive season.
  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
2019 MOON WALL CALENDAR
 
Low Notes—Elephants, Whales, and a Galaxy Far Away
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 each other, and the low boom of thunderstorms and rockets.
  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
Crossbody Purses for Cell Phones by Chala
 
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
Bright and Bold Umbrellas
 
5 Types of Sugar Cookies: Find Your Match
Christmas Sugar Cookies

5 Types of Sugar Cookies: Find Your Match
What’s your favorite sugar cookie: Soft and pillowy? Cut-outs for decorating? Grandma’s cookies? See 5 easy sugar cookie recipes from scratch and find your match! Or try them all and do a taste test!
  READ MORE  
 
Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open

Colorful socks with terrifc advice! Makes a great gift!

 
  LEARN MORE  
$11.97
Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open
 
Bowls and Boards for the Holiday Table
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
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Notebook