Everyone at Mt. Tabor Builders wishes you a wonderful Christmas season!
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Many know these as words from an old Christmas carol, but they were first written in a poem from the heart of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He wrote these words soon after hearing of his son’s severe wound while fighting in the Civil War, and just a few years removed from his wife’s tragic death in a fire 
that also disfigured the poet as he tried to save his wife.
The holidays often bring up extreme emotions; some good and some painful. The Mt. Tabor staff hopes you and your family are in a good season of life. For those who aren’t, they hope the joy of Christmas will shine through in a way to boost your spirits. They truly wish you a merry Christmas, a joyous holiday season and a great start to the year of 2024!
This is also a great time for them to say “thank you” to all of their clients, who made 2023 a special year. They look forward to serving them again in the future. We hope the new year is a prosperous one for all, with “peace of earth, good-will to (all) men (women and children).”
And while you’re waiting for Santa and the New Year to arrive, enjoy reading about the way others celebrate Christmas around the world and holiday trivia.
Christmas Traditions from Other Countries
GERMANY
In Germany, it is traditional for children to decorate their Christmas lists with pictures and then leave them on the windowsill overnight. Then, the Christkind delivers gifts at Christmas. Also in Germany, it’s a tradition to leave a shoe or boot outside the front door on December 5, so that Sinterklaas will put small 
presents in their shoes for the following morning (Saint Nicholas Day).
GREAT BRITAIN
Mistletoe was first hung as a Christmas decoration in Great Britain. However, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have originated in other parts of Europe.
JAPAN
Children in Japan receive their Christmas presents on their pillow during Christmas night. Many Japanese families serve fried chicken as their traditional Christmas meal.
RUSSIA
Here, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, and Babouschka brings gifts to children. Babouschka, meaning old woman or grandmother in Russian, is based on the biblical story of the woman who didn’t give a gift to the baby Jesus. So, to repent, she gives gifts to children. Wonder why we celebrate Christmas on December 25 anyway? Here’s where the tradition came from.
Christmas Trivia
1. Which country did eggnog come from?
2. What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
3. How many gifts in total were given in The Twelve Days of Christmas song?
4. 
What popular Christmas song was actually written for Thanksgiving?
5. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
6. The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real-life department store. What is it?
7. In the song Frosty the Snowman, what made Frosty come to life?
8. What do kids in Sweden leave for Santa?
NOTE: The trivia answers are listed below.
Connect with Mt. Tabor Now for Your 2024 Building Project
To find out more about Mt. Tabor Builders or to schedule a meeting to discuss your building project, click here to contact the Clear Spring, MD office. This is a great time of year to meet about your custom home, home improvement project, or 
major addition plan. They also have completed many whole house rehab projects. You can also connect to a Mt. Tabor representative by calling 301-766-7161 or emailing info@mttaborbuilders.com.
Merry Christmas!
Trivia Answers
- England
- Angel
- 364
- Jingle Bells
- Germany
- Macy’s
- An old silk hat
- Coffee