All Souls Day - A Catholic Holiday

As I hang some more decorations for Halloween and also for Thanksgiving, I suddenly remember that around this time most Catholics are preparing for another holiday - the observance of All Souls Day.
In contrast to halloween, All Souls Day is not about ghosts, ghouls, goblins or monsters or the dark, cold, gray skies and eery air. In the Philippines, a week or two before this holiday, my mother, my sisters and I would go to the cemetery and clean the gravesite of my brother and a niece. We pulled weeds, cleaned and repainted the graves in preparation for the day. A day before All Souls Day, we went to the market to buy flowers and candles and also ingredients for rice cake. On All Souls Day we first went to church and then head on to the cemetery with our flowers and candles and rice cake. The road to the cemetery was full of people, cars, jeepneys and the sidewalks had vendors selling flowers and candles. It was a day set aside to remember our dearly departed and this tradition is passed on to the next generation. Now, I realize that this holiday was observed by our parents and their parents to remember their loved ones, prayed for the souls of the dead and those of us that are living.

It's been years since I have celebrated this holiday. When I moved to the US, I had learned to celebrate halloween instead. My children have not seen the rituals that we in the Philippines observed and enjoyed. My sister and her family continue the tradition of going to the cemetery where my parents are buried. My excuse is - I live too far from the cemetery and before that, I lived in another state.

Now, I understand what the tradition was supposed to be. Prayers and masses are offered for the dearly departed's repose of their soul. Flowers serve as a living memory reminding us that once these people had remained close to us and they, like us, had once been fascinated by the beauty and color of life. Lighted candles likewise signify that the love, hope and joy they shared with people they had left behind shall be kept forever burning and alive even though they may have found their destiny somewhere or even in the arms of the Heavenly Father.

Flowers, Food and Celebrations

Holidays are special occasions for friends and family - our loved ones to get together and catch up. It seems, during these special occasion of family and close friends gathering, flowers, food and celebrations have always been old companions as well. Creative centerpieces adorning dining tables make the gathering more festive, lively and very inviting. You can pick up beautifully and professionally designed centerpiece at your local florist. In Sacramento, if you want to stay indoors during the cold and dreary rainy day, call your local Sacramento florist to deliver your flowers.

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday preparations, we wish you all peace, joy, and love. And remember, for last minute gifts, call your local florist who can artistically put together a gift for a host or a loved one.

How to Make the Most of the Holidays

You'll be busier than ever this holiday season, so here's how you can get the most out of these festive occasions with the least amount of time and stress.
Mark your calendar Plan what you will do each day for the next week, and plan to start your activity on schedule.
Make a List Make a list of supplies you need. Make a list of people you plan to give gifts to.

Make a list of people you plan to send cards to. Check off the lists as you go. On your list of people, remember to at least put the date or the year. You will be very happy to see your list the following year and be reminded of what you gave the last year.
Plan your shopping trips With the price of gas, you need to plan your shopping trips and don't forget your list and try to stick to it.
Bake home made cookies It's surprising what a few gaily decorated sweets can do. Brightly decorated cookies not only are taste-ticklers, but they make interesting gifts...especially when packaged with holiday wrapping and bows. Make the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator, or buy the cookie dough. Costco and most grocery stores now carry a wide variety of cookie doughs.
Try these Time-Savers Keep a supply of peeled carrots, celery, and lettuce in the refrigerator ready for an attractive veggie salad plate. Save tidbits of meat from turkey bones. Use for gravies or chop fine, add relish for sandwich spread.
Here's an easy to make Holiday Cookie:
You will need: 1 cup shortening, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup pecan nut meats (broken).

Cream shortening and add sugars gradually, while beating constantly. Add egg, well beaten, orange juice and orange rind. Sift flour, soda, and salt together and add the nuts. Form into rolls. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready, slice thin, place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. You can decorate before or after baking, depending on your mood.