Redneck Christmas Album
Holiday Safety Tips
Heed the following holiday safety tips.
Or yule be sorry.
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Ask Professor Christmas
The professor — whose credentials include a Ph.D. in Christmasology from North Pole University and a master’s in Manger Studies from Bethlehem State — has generously agreed to answer a few questions from readers.
Dear Professor Christmas …
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Christmas 1901
‘Twas the year 2001. Late December. I was Sunday editor at the Portsmouth Herald. I loved scrolling through Herald archives on microfilm to find historic nuggets to share with Sunday readers. For the Herald Sunday edition of Dec. 23, 2001, I delivered a sleigh full of fun local nostalgia from the Herald edition of Dec. 23, 1901.
The Portsmouth Herald cost 2 cents back then. Its news columns are jammed with dispatches from around the nation and the world, informational items and unusual odds and ends like “High Heels a Menace” and Why Drowning Men Claw the Air.” And the advertisements list bargains aplenty:
Myrrh: The Silent Killer!
Santa Claus spotted in Market Square
Three, two, one … Christmas!
Ho Ho Horoscope!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Consult key family members before spending 30 percent of your net worth on “holiday bargains.” Good day to fill your spiritual void with ribbon candy. Tis the season for identity theft.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Temporarily suppressing your fears about man’s inherent capacity for evil helps make the holidays more joyful. Avoid truthfulness when talking to young children about Santa Claus. Have another eggnog.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Beware unrealistic promises made by an obese bearded man wearing red. Paying more than $99 for a candy cane could prove fiscally unsound. Lift your spirits by donning some gay apparel.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh could exacerbate an old injury. Beware Jack Frost nipping at your wallet. Myrrh may be hazardous to your health.
Aries (March 21-April 19): Wise bargain hunters may find five golden rings for the price of four. Buying a Red Ryder BB gun helps ease your emotional pain. Be joyful and triumphant at dusk.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Opt for a mundane evening at home over a three-state shopping spree. Good night to nestle the children all snug in their beds. Keep tinsel out of the reach of infants.
Gemini (May 21-June 20): If the weather outside is frightful, sitting by an indoor fire may prove delightful. However, shouting “Ho, ho, ho!” could spoil an intimate moment. Don’t lose your mittens.
Cancer (June 21-July 22): It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with a loved one. But be sure to exercise caution when traveling over the river and through the woods. Too much mulled cider may cause visions of sugar plums.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Question the motives of anyone sporting a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. A quiet evening with a corn-cob pipe could bring revelations. Sleep in heavenly peace.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Making an obscene gesture in a crowded mall parking lot could lead to an unwanted gunshot wound. Reassess your holiday preparedness with special focus on yuletide logistics. Avoid chimneys.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An unexpected moment of serenity is dashed by a TV commercial imploring you to buy a piccolo. Don’t let reason cloud your judgment on matters involving elves. Stock up on frankincense
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t let a loved one’s hints about “the perfect gift” distract you from getting him or her a Walmart certificate. Limit contact with acquaintances who say they will be there “with bells on.” Be good for goodness sake.