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Happy Chinese New Year! Year of the Snake

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(Chalinee Thirasupa - Reuters) The 2025 Lunar New Year is here! Rooted in over 3,500 years of history, the Chinese New Year is one of the most significant festivals in Chinese culture. The Lunar New Year is also celebrated in Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, among other countries . It follows the lunar calendar, with celebrations lasting for fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Traditionally, the holiday represents a time to honor ancestors, welcome prosperity, and embrace fresh beginnings. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun, the lunar calendar follows the moon's cycles to determine days, weeks, and months. The Year of the Snake in 2025 begins on January 29 and will conclude on February 16, 2026. The snake is the sixth sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, appearing once every dozen years.  According to Chinese mythology, the order of the zodiac animals was determined by a big race where creatures race...

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy Kwanzaa!

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The 1994 film A Christmas Romance , starring the great Olivia Newton-John , is a heartwarming story that reminds us of the true spirit of the holidays and is currently streaming on TheArchive ! Directed by Sheldon Larry , the film follows Julia Stonecypher, a widow with two young daughters struggling to make ends meet and face eviction. Then comes Brian Harding, a bank vice president who arrives to foreclose on Julia's home. Fate intervenes when Brian is injured and stranded at Julia's house, forcing him to spend Christmas with her family. What begins as an icy encounter transforms into a tender story of redemption, love, and the power of community. Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of Julia brings warmth and resilience to the screen. Her determination to create joy for her daughters despite their financial struggles is a testament to the holiday spirit. Also, Gregory Harrison’s character transforms from a cynical banker to a man elated by the kindness and joy Julia and her ...