December has arrived--too quickly for many of us, but there's no arguing with the calendar. Along with the Winter Solstice and the turning of the year, December brings three festival holidays to the three major world religions.

Muslims celebrate Hajj this month. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, and is one of the five pillars of Islam ( things that a Muslim must do in his lifetime). The journey, which includes prayer, drinking holy water, spiritual testings, and sacrifice, ends with a celebration called Eid-ul-Aliha, which includes sharing with the poor, feasting, and gifts.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days in December. The Festival of Lights reminds the people of the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean revolt allowed the People of Israel to regain control. When the Maccabees took back the Temple from the Seleucid Empire (part of the Greek Empire after the death of Alexander the Great), they found only enough oil to light the lamps for one day. By God's hand, the oil lasted eight days, long enough to prepare more oil for the Temple lamps.  Jews remember that miracle with games, songs, gifts, and feasting.

Christians use December to recall the birth of Jesus, the Christ, who came in fulfillment of ancient prophecies to offer salvation to the people of the world. Born to a virgin in a small town, He was visited by both shepherds and astronomers, both of whom proclaimed  his humility and his divinity. The holiday is marked with candlelight, music, and, of course, feasting. Christians give gifts to one another in honor of God's great gift, His only begotten Son.

Our tumultuous world makes it easy to forget that the greatest gift we can give is the gift of relationship. Every major religion includes a bringing together of family and friends. There is no greater blessing than the fellowship of one another. Let us all remember, in the busyness of our days, to be grateful for the times we have together.

We here at Stamper's Quest are grateful for you, our readers. Our gifts to you this December include dozens of quick project ideas, a fabulous sketch, and wishes for the merriest holiday season ever!

In the words of Tiny Tim:

God bless us, every one!

Stephanie Loomis
Editor-in-Chief