Author: Gabriela Lopez

Christmas carols go way back to the 13th century when Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar, would write down hymns that would later be turned into carols.

As centuries passed by, different forms of dancing were added to the carols. People from town would get together and go house to house singing and dancing Christmas carols.

Carols were also sung in celebration of religious services and have continued to be a vital part of worship days at church. During the Christmas season, the carols have a deeper meaning as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Being practicing Catholics my family prepares for the birthday of Jesus every year. One of the carols we wait patiently to hear through the Christmas season is “Mary, Did You Know”. It speaks of some of the testaments that Jesus granted. In my home, he is the reason for our season and we praise him even more during advent time.

As different symbols started to be recognized during Christmas the image of Santa Claus made its way into the season back in 1863. There was a Christian Bishop named Saint Nicholas who was a saint of children hence the nickname “Old Saint Nick”. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is a fun and festive carol that gets my siblings and me excited for the yearly visit from Santa and what gifts he may bring. 

Also, the Christmas season allows us to share all the blessings bestowed upon us throughout the year. Sharing the love of faith, gifts, and well wishes with those around us. “Feliz Navidad” is a traditional carol that wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and happiness to all. This song is a must to include in my caroling playlist.

In conclusion, thousands of carols can be heard and played throughout the season and I am certain everyone has their favorites for different reasons. So, turn up the volume and enjoy this Christmas.

As the spooky season is upon us and Halloween approaches, I find it very fitting to give myself a scare. 

Apart from scary movies, stories and real life experiences I wondered what other entertaining options are available. Ever been to a haunted house? I personally have not but after doing some research, I did find some locations within a fair distance from Sacramento.

Just a little under one hour from here in the city of Ione lies Preston Castle. Built back in the late 1890´s the building was used as a reform school for young boys that were juvenile offenders or abandoned. Tales say that the tortured spirits of the young boys still call the castle home along with the ghost, a housekeeper who was said to have been beaten down in the basement. During October you can schedule a tour and see for yourself.

Two hours southwest, in San Jose, sits the old home of Sarah Winchester. A historical site said to be haunted by the spirits of the people killed by the rifles and ammunition the Winchester Repeating Arms Company made and sold. The company which her late husband William Winchester owned prior to his death 1881. Allegedly, those spirits have traveled from all around the country to settle in the home that sits on South Winchester Boulevard.

On October 31 haunted houses appeared around the same time as trick or treat. It started in the great depression as a distraction for young kids or people. It was based on a paranormal activity.

Recently people are okay sleeping in haunted houses but they will need an activity which costs around one thousand dollars or to one million dollars. About 25 percent of respondents refused to stay in a haunted house no matter what the reward is.