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Page 14 Saturday, November 24, 2012 Red Bluff Daily News STAPLE OF HOLIDAY DECOR HAS A DEEP HISTORY Chances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads. Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was believed bestow life and fertility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac. Mistletoe would later take on a more political meaning, as the rit- ual of cutting the mistletoe came symbolized the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Nowadays, mistletoe is typically hung in doorways or entryways from one room to another. This tradition can also trace itself back several centuries to the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceil- ings to ward off evil spirits. Throughout Europe, mistletoe was placed over door- ways in the house as well as the stables as a means to preventing the entrance of witches. The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertility and is often asso- ciated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th century England, a young lady standing underneath the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eter- nal friendship. History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace. When standing underneath the mistletoe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss. Create a Christmas countdown calendar that rewards good behavior Forget the naughty or nice list, parents and other caregivers can celebrate well-behaved children with a different sort of rewards sys- tem — a good behavior calendar that can be used to mark days of minded manners, exem- plary acts or help around the house. Children often respond well to positive rein- forcement. Instead of just reprimanding chil- dren when they have done something bad, reward good behavior by focusing on all the things that they do well. A calendar that show- cases the days that children were on their best behavior can be a way to showcase all the good things kids do. Here's how to make a countdown calendar: 1. Purchase and gather supplies for the cal- endar. * posterboard * markers * construction paper * glue * ruler * pencil * glitter or other embellishments * Christmas-themed stickers or pictures 2. Lay the posterboard on the table and use the ruler and pencil to draw the boxes of the December calendar. Outline the calendar grid with markers, if desired. 3. Inside of the boxes, write different "prizes," such as a night out for dinner, a trip to the toy store, staying up an extra hour, etc. You can repeat ideas if you cannot come up with one for every day of December. 4. Cut out construction paper squares the same size as the calendar date boxes. Place a bead of glue at the top of the squares and attach them over the calendar grid so that you cover up the "prizes" but can flip up the con- struction paper to reveal the prizes when nec- essary. 5. Mark the calendar dates, 1 through 31, on each piece of glued-down construction paper. 6. Use the rest of the craft supplies to deco- rate the posterboard so that it is holiday- inspired. 7. Explain to your child that if he or she behaves well on a particular day, the prize beneath that day can be revealed. Then the following day that prize can be redeemed. As the parent you can use your discretion when determining which behaviors warrant a prize. This way you won't have to have all 31 days' worth redeemed. The calendar will help encourage children to act responsibly and behave during a stress- ful month when it can be easy to misbehave. It will also serve as a countdown calendar for Christmas and New Year's. Vary the rules according to your household. If the calendar works well for December, consider making one a few times a year.