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"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." ~ The Conductor, The Polar Express. May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve. Time certainly seems to fly by, especially now that we can enjoy life again. It's December, the most wonderful time of the year. I don't know about you, but I tend to tear up easily this time of year, with the twinkling lights, the general "holiday spirit," reliving family traditions, memories, and the kindness of others. In my opinion, Christmas isn't a season, it's a feeling! We are so fortunate that we have so many celebrations during the season at SLCC. One such event is the Garden Club Holiday celebration and the installation of the 2022-2023 Garden Club Board, on Dec. 8 from 11 am to 12 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Just a reminder that your dues for 2021 can be paid at this meeting and are $15 per person; make checks payable to the Sun Lakes Garden Club. For this month's article, let's discover together the history of the poinsettia plant, since it is one of the many plants that play an important role in holiday traditions and celebrations all over the world. From the Egyptians who decorated trees during the winter solstice, to the Pagans and Druids who used mistletoe in their winter customs, stories of plants' ritual use spread over continents and history and has become infused into the mythologies that span generations. Of all these plants, I find the poinsettia's story to be one of the most unique. The poinsettia's origin goes back to 14th century Mexico, where it had a long history of medicinal use. It is said that its milky white sap, called latex, could be used to reduce fever symptoms. In Aztec culture, "Cuetlaxochitl," as the plant was known, was used to create red and purple dyes for clothing and textiles. It wasn't until the 17th century that Cuetlaxochitl, an established decorative plant in Mexican tradition, began its journey into Christmas traditions. It was in the small town of Taxco De Alarcon, Mexico where Franciscan monks began using the shrub in their Nativity processions, and the Mexican legend of Pepita and the "Flowers of the Holy Night" began. This legend forever tied the red and green shrub to Christmas folklore. Joel Roberts Poinsettia was the first person to introduce the poinsettia to the United States. He was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and a skilled and passionate botanist. He co-founded the institution that we now call the Smithsonian Institute. There you have a very brief history of how the poinsettia plant became a mainstay in America's Christmas holiday. Your Garden Club Board wishes you a vibrant Holiday Season, and a New Year with joy, peace and prosperity. Thank you to the outgoing 2020-21 Board for all of their hard work and welcome to the incoming 2022-23 Board: President, Jo Formino; Vice President, Mary Ruygrok, Secretary, Sue Volz; Treasurer, -Barbara Elness. For membership, contact Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. Vegetable garden questions, contact Pat Pennington at (951) 314-9229. For general information, contact President Jo Formino at (951) 769-1775. May this Holiday Season be full of light and laughter for you and your family however you celebrate it. Happy Gardening! ~ Raelene Kretchman Garden Club 38 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 |