Holiday Blog Posts

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1111 bonus) 10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus bonus) 10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus bonus) 10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus bonus)

Courtesy of Sugar Pine Realty (Sonora, California)

(plus 1 bonus)

10 Best

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts

(plus 1 bonus)

by the Sugar Pine Realty blogger (@blogboy2)

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10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THANKSGIVING

Test Your Knowledge of the Turkey........................... 3

13 Quirks Human Beings Have...............4

Test Your Knowledge of Thanksgiving....................... 5
CHRISTMAS

On Black Friday

(and rudeness, too)

............................... 6 .................... 7

Christmas Meanies

(and their counterpoints)

How NOT to Let The Grinch Steal Christmas............ 8

A Real Estate Christmas Carol................ 9

Test Your Knowledge of Christmas.......................... 10 A Real Estate 12 Days of Christmas.......................... 1 1

It's a Wonderful Life

2

(and you're the reason why)

.......... 12

21 Joy Enhancers (BONUS)........................ 13

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

Test Your Knowledge of the Turkey

Most of us will feast on turkey when we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, friends, etc. I wanted you to have some food for thought (no pun intended) as you're chomping away on that poor bird. And so just for fun heres a test to see how much you know or dont know about the turkey (have a great Thanksgiving everybody!) 1. At night a turkey is known to spend the night in this place (maybe to escape the Thanksgiving table?): (a) a hotel; (b) a cave; (c) a tent; (d) a tree. 2. A turkey can move fast when it needs to (again maybe to escape the Thanksgiving table?). It is said that a turkey can burst into flight at the following speed: (a) 50-55 mph; (b) 60-65 mph; (c) 70-75 mph; (d) 80-85 mph. 3. A turkey has skin that hangs over it's beak. This skin is called: (a) a caruncle; (b) a snood; (c) a wattle; (d) a sneetch. 4. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in turkey meat. Tryptophan is known to make people: (a) happy; (b) sing out in a chorus; (c) gain 10 lbs; (d) sleepy. 5. The turkey sitting on your table for Thanksgiving Dinner probably weighs close to 20-25 lbs., give or take. Do you know how much the biggest turkey ever raised weighed? (a) 84 lbs.; (b) 85 lbs.; (c) 86 lbs.; (d) 87 lbs. 6. You can find wild turkeys in every state of America except this one: (a) North Dakota; (b) Minnesota; (c) Texas; (d) Alaska. 7. Male and female turkeys speak in different languages. (Female turkeys are from Venus, males from Mars!) The male turkeys gobble while the female turkeys make this sound: (a) a clicking sound; (b) a yodel; (c) a nagging sound; (d) none of the above. Answers: 1. (d); 2. (a); 3. (b); 4. (d); 5. (c); 6. (d); 7. (a).

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(This test was developed and based on information from the following websites: Thanksgiving Gifts - Fun Facts about Thanksgiving, Holiday Insight: Thanksgiving Turkey Trivia, Thirty Amazing Turkey Facts, and Turkey Facts: Thanksgiving Fun.)

13 Quirks Human Beings Have

Many of us will be meeting with family and friends in the coming days. The truth is there are some people we are looking forward to seeing while there are others we are not. It's likely that the latter group has certain "quirks" and that's why we dread them. (Is anyone coming to your mind?) Webster's defines a quirk as: "a peculiarity of action, behavior, or personality; mannerism." And there are just some mannerisms that bug us to the core. Right? And no matter how many times we say to ourselves, "I'm not gonna let so-and-so get the upper hand this time," they do~they will~and we go home frustrated. (Has that ever happened to you?) And we don't have any "quirks" ourselves so that others would dread seeing us? Hmm? And I guess the solution and the only real power we have over "quirks" is in our own life. And it's interesting how other people's quirks don't seem to irritate us quite as much as they did before when we're focusing on changing our own. That said, here are: 13 Quirks Human Beings Have... (What might you add to the list?) Talk about themselves Never shut up Pick their nose Pass gas Don't use deodorant

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

Bad breath Show up late Leave early Drink too much Foul mouth Gossip about others Brag about their job/salary Hit on your boyfriend/girlfriend (wife?)

Test Your Knowledge of Thanksgiving

With all the controversy about the origins of Thanksgiving (was it the Pilgrims or Squanto that celebrated it first?) I thought I would steer clear in this post and focus instead on some fun facts surrounding the holiday. And, of course, what better way to do that than with a test (as I'm becoming known for)? Have fun with the following questions (answers below) and then, most of all, have a happy Thanksgiving, everybody. (And what does it have to do with real estate? Well, there are a lot of us who will show up on our next work day who will have acquired some more "real estate" in the area of our belt buckle!) 1. Approximately how many pounds of turkey will Americans feast upon on Thanksgiving Day? (a) 200 million pounds; (b) 500 million pounds; (c) 900 million pounds; (d) 1 billion pounds. 2. On Thanksgiving day the average person will consume how many calories of food? (a) 3,400; (b) 6,000; (c) 3,500; (d) 4,500.

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

3. The original date to celebrate Thanksgiving Day was established by which American President? (a) George Washington; (b) Thomas Jefferson; (c) Abraham Lincoln; (d) Franklin Roosevelt. 4. The number of places in the United States named after the Thanksgiving holiday's traditional main course (ie. Turkey, Texas - pop. 489; Turkey Creek, Louisiana - pop. 363; Turkey, North Carolina - pop. 270) equals: (a) 5 towns and 9 townships; (b) 4 towns and 9 townships; (c) 3 towns and 9 townships; (d) 2 towns and 9 townships. 5. The following part(s) of a turkey is/are not edible: (a) gizzard; (b) gobble; (c) giblet; (d) wattle. 6. Turkeys are unusual creatures. Can you name something unusual about the turkey? (a) they have heart attacks; (b) they can drown if they look up when its raining; (c) they fly to Australia in the summer; (d) they stick their heads in the sand. 7. Which food item(s) was/were missing from the original Thanksgiving feast? (a) pumpkin pie; (b) milk; (c) bread & butter; (d) cheese. Answers: 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b) and (d) 6. (a) and (b) 7. (a), (b), (c) and (d). (This test was developed and based on information from the following websites: Thanksgiving Gifts - Fun Facts about Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving by the Numbers, Turkey FAQ, and Turkey Facts and Thanksgiving Fun.)

On Black Friday (and rudeness, too)

Some people's favorite day is quickly approaching. No, it's not Thanksgiving Day or Christmas. Instead, it's Black Friday. "Black Friday" was instituted in 1966 (according to Wikipedia) and is the term used to describe "the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. More recently, merchants and the media have used it to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

being in the red (i.e., posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (i.e., turning a profit)." My one and only experience with Black Friday found me standing in a line outside Walmart at 3:30 a.m. with probably about 500 others. (I live in a town of just under 5,000.) That's when it happened. At 5 a.m. the store opened and the 4,500 people hiding behind the cars in the parking lot rushed the door in front of me (the whole rest of the town). No. Not really. Just trying to make a point. The truth is there were a number of folks that popped up and cut in line (from behind bushes, trees, fire hydrants, rocks and lampposts). And what is it about rudeness (especially during the holidays) that people don't get? And why do people do things that are just plain rude, but you have someone act that same way (be rude to them) and they'll read you the riot act?

Christmas Meanies (and their counterpoints)

Do you know somebody who's mean? Even if you don't, you run into "meanies" all the time (especially if you're in the people business). Right? There are the "Grinch" type of meanies. They steal your joy. There are the "Mr. Scrooge" type of meanies. They treat you like dirt. There are the Abominable Snowman type of meanies (Bumble who "bounced" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). They are just plain scary (but become wimps after "getting their teeth pulled out"). Finally, there are the Burgermeister Meisterburger type of meanies (Mayor of Sombertown in Santa Claus is Comin' to Town). It's "their way or the highway." (Thank you very much.) And I guess the good news is there's always somebody to counterpoint the "meanies" (Cindy Lou Who, The Ghost of Christmas Future, Hermey the Elf / Yukon Cornelius, Kris Kringle). Bottom line: We need to be a counterpoint (especially during the holiday season).

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

How NOT to let the Grinch Steal Christmas

We all know the story of the Grinch. He basically wanted to ruin Christmas for everyone else. Of course, he changed his mind and there was a happy ending. (I just love stories of redemption.) The truth is there are many who don't much like the holiday season. (Do you know anyone like that?) For whatever reason, something in their life ~ an experience, a loss, a wrong done (a "Grinch"?) ~ has stolen their joy and cheer (and hope?). Notwithstanding there are things that can happen that are awfully and deeply painful, but stories of redemption take place in real life, too. (They really do.) Maybe this is your year for a change of heart when it comes to the holidays? I'm purposely writing this post at the beginning of the season to allow you plenty of time for this to come about. It's time to tell that Grinch in your life you're not going to let him steal Christmas this year. How 'bout it? May the following list be a help to you in that regards: How Not to Let the Grinch Steal Christmas (7 ways)... 1. Prioritize people over presents. 2. Free yourself from having to attend every party. 3. Meet a simple need of someone less fortunate than you. 4. Drive around the neighborhood to view holiday decorations. 5. Warm up some hot chocolate and sit down to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. 6. Make a phone call (or send a letter in the mail) to that person you hurt and say you're sorry. 7. Remind yourself of the Christmas story.

10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

A Real Estate Christmas Carol

In the Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts. Each has something to show and a message to give the miser. The Ghost of Christmas Past comes first and shows Scrooge the joys and sorrows of his childhood. The height of the sorrows is the time he forsook his fiancee for the love of money. The Ghost of Christmas Present comes next and shows Scrooge scenes of joy around the city as well as scenes of want and dire need. The height of these scenes is that of Tiny Tim's crutch resting alone at the fireplace. The boy will die if his dad's boss continues to pay so cheaply. The Ghost of Christmas Future comes last and shows Scrooge the grave of a dead man who all speak ill of for his selfish life. The height of the scene is when he discovers the grave is his own. We all know how the story ends. The visions have their intended effect. Scrooge changes. Tiny Tim lives. But what about us? It's not my intention to point out any specific Scrooges out there. Instead, I want to focus on second chances. It's really what "A Christmas Carol" is all about. And as it relates to real estate (or any other career field or place in life for that manner), there are second chances available (as long as we have breath). Could you use one? Hear the ghostly voices: No matter your past, you can determine your future by becoming the best you can be in the present. Have a Happy Holiday season and a Merry Christmas, everybody. (Picture in the public domain: HERE)

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Test Your Knowledge of Christmas

Sing with me: Its the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, Be of good cheer, Its the most wonderful time of the year. (Hey, you did that good!) And I just cant help but sing. The Christmas spirits got a hold of me and wont let go. How bout you? And I couldnt help but think what better way to spread some more "good Christmas cheer like the song says than with a quiz? So how are you with the subject of Christmas songs, traditions and other assorted facts? Find out with the following questions (answers below). And most of all, have a Merry Christmas, everybody. 1. Who wrote the song Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and in what year? (a) Eddie Pola, George Wyle in 1963; (b) James Lord Pierpont publ. 1857; (c) J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie in 1934; (d) Irving Berlin, 1942. 2. The names of the Magi/Wisemen/Astrologers in the Christmas story were: (a) Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego; (b) Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh; (c) Larry, Curly and Moe; (d) none of the above. 3. Robert L. May wrote the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Which of the following stories did he look to for inspiration? (a) The Ugly Duckling; (b) A Christmas Carol; (c) It's a Wonderful Life; (d) Charlie Brown Christmas. 4. The big guy in the red suit and hat that says, "Ho, ho, ho," goes by many names including...

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10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

(a) Tim Allen; (b) Saint Nick; (c) Father Christmas; (d) Kris Kringle. 5. The official determination on whether or not it's a "white Christmas" is: (a) snow flurries at noon on December 25th; (b) heavy snowfall for at least 10 minutes on Christmas day; (c) 1 inch of snow on the ground at 8 a.m. Christmas morning; (d) 1 inch of snowfall taking place any time between midnight and midnight. 6. The most famous Christmas Carol of all time is: (a) O Come, All Ye Faithful; (b) Away in a Manger; (c) Silent Night; (d) Joy to the World. 7. One of the most popular/infamous gifts at Christmas is - can you guess? - the fruitcake. (Have you ever received one?) Which of the following facts are true about the fruitcake: (a) 25 is the number of years that a fruitcake can age and still be enjoyed, as long as it has the right preservatives and is stored in a tightly closed tin; (b) 1 to 1 is the ratio of the density of the average fruitcake to the density of mahogany; (c) a little more than 1 in 10 people say they would make time to regift a fruitcake to give it to someone else; (d) all of the above. Answers: 1. (a) b wrote Jingle Bells; c wrote Santa Claus is Coming to Town; d wrote White Christmas 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b), (c) and (d) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (d) (This test was developed and based on information from the following websites: Christmas Songs Lyrics, All Things Christmas, Counting on Christmas Statistics and Christmas Carols.)

A Real Estate 12 Days of Christmas

And so what if it was a real estate agent who wrote: "The Twelve Days of Christmas?" Might it have gone a little like this (don't forget the melody)...

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10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Twelve escrows closing Eleven lenders lending Ten qualified buyers Nine ripe referrals Eight listing agreements Seven sensible sellers Six accepted offers FIVE DAYS IN MAUI! Four contracts signed Three walk throughs Two no admin fees And a new client with some money! Have a Merry Christmas, everybody!

It's a Wonderful Life (and you're the reason why)

I don't know if you've felt like you were coming apart at the seams recently. I do know that it happens even to the best of us. We become overwhelmed. We feel like everything's against us. We think thoughts like: "What's the use?" We're ready to chuck it all. George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) was going to kill himself. ("It's A Wonderful Life by Frank Capra; 1946) But then he was given a vision of what the world would be like without him: his boss is sent to prison for poisoning a child, his uncle is committed to an insane asylum, his brother is dead along with the soldiers he was meant to save, his wife is unmarried with no children. The vision opened George Bailey's eyes.

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10 Best Holiday Blog Posts (plus 1 bonus)

And when we're coming apart at the seams, we need a similar vision. Everyone of us is crucial to each other. We don't always realize it. But we are. The bottom line: You just can't check out. We need you. We need you desperately. Don't you ever forget it. (Picture above in the public domain: HERE.)

21 Joy Enhancers (BONUS)

It's a fact. The holiday season comes. And while many are gleeful and glad, still others are grouchy and glum. It's not that these don't want to be happy. It's not they don't want to have fun (and frolic). It's just that money's tight (for some) or they've lost their job (for others) or, you see, that loved one passed away earlier this year (for still others) and to be cheerful and bright right now? Well, it's just not gonna happen, quite frankly. And it could be just about anything that's got any one of us in a "Bah, humbug" mood. (Can you relate?) I want to try to help "restore the joy" (should you find yourself in need of help). That's what this post is all about. I've lumped together (below) what I call "JOY enhancers" using the acronym "J-O-Y." I mean, you just can't do this sort of stuff in the list and still be in despair. It's just not possible (at least in my mind). And so in the interests of restoring/enhancing "JOY", here we go with... 1. J-UMP, skip and hop like you used to do as a kid. 2. J-OIN with others to sing Christmas carols. 3. J-OG ~ or whatever exercise suits you (gets the blood flowing). 4. J-OURNAL a list of happy moments in your life. 5. J-OKE around with a good friend. 6. J-ETISEN the hurts of the past, forgiving those who hurt you. 7. J-OURNEY to a celebration of Christmas at a church in your area. 8. O-PEN the curtains of your home to let the sun shine in. 9. O-FFER to help with the needs of another. 10. O-MIT negative thinking from your mind. 11. O-RCHESTRATE a dinner and invite your neighbors. 12. O-PINE (to yourself) about all the things you're thankful for.

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13. O-CCUPY a lower place (by choice) in a situation and give someone else the higher place. 14. O-RDAIN in your heart that you're gonna make this the best Christmas ever. 15. Y-EARN for the good ol' days (but make today a good ol' day!). 16. Y-IELD to seeing the good in others. (It's really there if you look close enough.) 17. Y-ANK out (in a gentle way) old pictures of family and friends to look at. 18. Y-ACK on the phone with a sibling that you haven't talked to (yacked with) in a long time. 19. Y-AWN because you stayed up late watching "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. 20. Y-ELL, Hallelujah! (Rejoicing has a way of bringing back the joy.) 21. "Y-OU'RE a mean one, Mr Grinch" ~ If he can get better so can you. Believe it.

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