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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

holidays

Timeless Words: Yes, Virginia

December 24, 2017

In 2011, I published this post on the blog. I thought it would be a good one to bring back each year. I want to repeat that post in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

More than 100 years ago, one of the most famous lines in newspaper history was printed in the New York Sun.

“Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus.”

Virginia O’Hanlon, via Wikipedia public domain.

Those words were penned by Francis Pharcellus Church, one of The Sun’s editors. The words were in response to a letter written by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon.

As the story is told, young Virginia asked her father whether or not Santa Claus was real. To that, Dr. O’Hanlon told his daughter to write The Sun, which was one of the top newspapers in New York City at the time. As Virginia noted in her letter to the Sun, her father told her “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”

Her letter made its way to Church. The editorial, which is reprinted on a yearly basis in newspapers and on websites, has been used in books, for songs and movies. It is the most reprinted editorial in history, according to Newseum, which also noted it was an editorial without a byline.

Though it has a Christmas theme to it and is mainly reprinted around Christmas, the original ran Sept. 21, 1897.

Virginia wrote this to The Sun:

“DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

“VIRGINIA O’HANLON.
“115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.”

Enter Church, a former Civil War correspondent.

His response is an amazing work. Somewhat buried in the paper, it reportedly got quite the response. And as history has shown, that response is one of the most famous things in a newspaper.

Even in today’s standards, this is one heck of a good piece of work. (Realize that the style of writing between 1897 and now is night and day).

So, without further ado and with the history of this piece done, allow me to give to you — in the spirit of Christmas — Church’s excellent response to young Virginia O’Hanlon.

***

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Church, via Wikipedia public domain.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

This editorial originally was published in The New York Sun on Sept. 21, 1897.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: christmas, editorial, famous editorial, Francis Pharcellus Church, holidays, new york sun, newspaper, santa claus, the sun, virginia, virginia o'hanlon, yes virginia, yes virginia there is a santa claus

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Christmas joy and memories

December 26, 2016

As I’ve gotten older, I tend to have a lot more fun with giving and watching the youngest family member (Cameron) as he learns more about Christmas.

He really got it this year.

Santa. Opening things. The joy on his face is awesome. His interest in things is quite joyous.

It’s sometimes hard for me to post some of the Snapshot Saturday posts, especially those from Christmases and other holidays long past. I think of those no longer with us, especially my father, and how much enjoyment was had. I look at the looks on faces of those such as my brothers and it gets a little emotional.

I think that’s all part of getting older.

When I look at the photos from this Christmas, or even the past few with Cameron, I can’t help but to have those same emotions. To see the joy on the faces of everybody as we watch or take part is great.

Christmas is about many things to people, but the memories should always be something you always keep with you.

I wanted to share a few images of Cameron for today’s post (this despite the photo blogging challenge theme for the month!)

It’s my hope you all had an excellent Christmas!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Family, My world Tagged With: christmas, christmas day, family, festive, holidays, memories

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Hearing the holiday season

December 20, 2016

As we approach Christmas … only a few days away … I can’t help but to notice that the festive feel is definitely in the air. It probably doesn’t hurt that there is some snow on the ground or that I’ve had the SiriusXM holiday stations on for most of the month when driving.

It also doesn’t hurt that my nephew/godson is at the age where he understands more of it, which is awesome.

But the music is what really gets me into the holiday spirit, so I thought I’d share my top 10 favorite Christmas/holiday tunes – and the versions.

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)

There are so many tunes that are traditional in nature and such, but this is one destined to go on for many decades to come. It’s pretty cool that it was written during this generation. Mariah Carey has long been one of my favorite singers, so this song is definitely at the top of my list.

2. Christmas Canon (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

Canon (Johan Pachelbel) is my favorite classical piece ever. To think I wouldn’t have this near the top of my Christmas favorites, well, would be crazy.

3. Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)

I love hearing this song every Christmas season. Burl Ives is so known when it comes to this kind of music for many reasons and him singing this song is awesome.

4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Andrea Bocelli)

Just watch the clip. This is the live version. This rendition of this timeless classic with that voice … amazing.

5. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)

Come on… this version is the best for this song and I don’t think that will ever change. When I hear others singing it, it just seem right.

6. Frosty the Snowman (Jimmy Durante)

Who didn’t grow up hearing this version from the cartoon classic? It’s awesome!

7. Most Wonderful Day of the Year (Glee cast)

This version of the song is really good. It kind of gives a more modern feel to a classic.

8. Snow Meiser/Heat Meiser (from the animated classic “Year without a Santa Claus)

Watch it and enjoy it. The whole animated show is great!

9. Mele Kalikimaka (Bing Crosby)

I love a white Christmas and all, but I’d love to be in Hawaii for Christmas one year. This song reinforces that!

10. 12 Days of Christmas (Straight No Chaser)

This version is excellent. Well worth listening to and hearing this song in a total different way. Enjoy it!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: christmas, christmas music, holiday, holiday music, holidays, music

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Enjoy the season

December 16, 2016

A quick post this evening.

Life has some simple pleasures. One of them? Sitting after dark in a room with just Christmas lights on. It’s soothing and relaxing.

The colors of the lights just sitting there and lighting the room gives it a nice ambiance.

Even knowing it’s cold outside, it’s nice inside.

There’s snow outside, but not inside.

Instead, it’s a glow of the season. A reminder of how nice and joyous this season can and should be.

Make sure you remember this season, no matter your beliefs, should be one of peace and happiness. Spend it with friends and family and smile as much as you can.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: christmas, christmas lights, festive, festive season, holiday, holiday season, holidays, lights, season

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Busy, busy, busy!

December 14, 2016

I don’t talk much about work on the blog because, well, mixing personal and business isn’t something I usually do.

But sometimes, it’s nice just to kind of spout a little.

Now, don’t get me wrong I like my job. I like that it keeps me busy. But wow … this time of year!

Working in two school districts provides a challenge enough in regard to scheduling and trying to get to things. But when December comes around, it can be hard. You shift a schedule to do one thing, move other things around, and then end up missing something anyway.

It’s part of the job, I imagine.

I have a list I’ve been working on … and hoping to finish before the holiday break. Despite being a 12-month employee, I’ve decided to take the week between Christmas and New Year’s off to have a nice little break. Before then … so much to do.

So much.

I put a dent into things today and felt pretty happy about it. Then a few more things arrived. And all I could think was … really? Will it stop?

Probably not.

In the end, when I finish everything up and have things scheduled for break and things continue to keep pushing out, it will be a nice thing.

Until then… pardon me if I pull a little hair out here and there.

Most of these things are quite fun, which is nice. It allows me capture a lot of moments that aren’t otherwise seen.

I also seem to sleep better at night, which is good.

So here’s to the weather not playing anymore havoc so I can continue to get everything done and finished before the break starts … and then I can take a deep breath.

How about you? Is this time of year crazy and hectic as well?

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: busy, busy at work, crazy, holidays, job, life, work

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Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! You know, Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! 

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Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to sna Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to snap this shot. The colors in the sky were fantastic and the scene was nice looking (though, to be fair, I drove by what I think would have been a better scene -- the valley and hills full of snow etc.)

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Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! 

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I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I have her. It’s been a year and four months and she makes me smile and laugh more each day. It’s amazing how much a dog changes your look on life, and how much joy they can bring. 

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I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to post here, as well as on Harper’s (@harper_dublin) account). So, as I start to transfer photos, I’ll try and catch up. So photos coming could be from all seasons and who knows when. 🤣

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From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper t From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper to put her paws on the bridge and looked out, but she was more content jumping on me and looking up. I do love the way she seems to be looking at me.
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Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with t Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with the fog and frost settled in. 

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Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend! #g Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend!

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So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t have @mallons_homemade_sticky_buns.
This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this on me morning walk Friday with Harper. Likely some college kids, but also as chance at local hooligans. I had Harper so not a lot I could do, but I managed to get the cart off the chair. (See second photo) This was in a local park.
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A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

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