'Turnback Tuesday' highlights holiday traditions

Turnback Tuesday checks out two Holiday Traditions: The “Yule or Yule Log,” originally a Nordic tradition, started with the gathering of an entire tree to burn in the fire. 

One end was placed in the fireplace and the rest in the room. The Log would be slowly fed into the fire for the 12 days of Christmas.

Next is the poinsettia plant, native to Central America/Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the 1st ambassador for the US to Mexico in 1825. He was introduced to the native flower and became interested. He sent the plant home to South Carolina, grew them and gave them as gifts to friends. Thus, the poinsettia tradition began.

Thanks as always to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Derby Public Library posts closing schedule for Christmas holiday

 

Shelton PD collecting unwrapped gifts for children

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby seeking donations of Christmas hams

 

Voting open for Turnback Tree decorating contest at Derby Public Library

DERBY - Turnback Tree voting at Derby Public Library is now open!

Stop by to vote on your favorite decorated tree. Ask our circulation desk for a ballot and return it to the desk when you're done!

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales

Light the way toward Christmas with these wonderful sales! 

So many unique items put out every day! Decorate your home! Get some new outfits! Find some one-of-a-kind gifts!

Christmas hams in great demand now! Drop food off in the back and shop in the front for the COMPLETE SVDP EXPERIENCE.

Shared from the organization's Facebook page.

Salvation Army asks for holiday donations at Red Kettles, online

For many families, Christmas isn’t guaranteed — but your kindness can change that.

Give at the Red Kettle or donate online to make sure every child wakes up to joy this year. 

Donate here: https://salarmy.us/100DaysofChristmas2025

Shared from The Salvation Army - Ansonia Facebook page.

Seymour Public Library to host talk Dec.17 on Christmas nostalgia

 

Derby Historical Society to celebrate Christmas at David Humphreys House

 

Salvation Army in Ansonia asks community to adopt family for Christmas

Sign up: https://salarmy.us/100DaysofChristmas2025

The Greater Valley Corps is at 26 Lester St., Ansonia.

Salvation Army in Ansonia seeks businesses, churches to host Angel Trees

ANSONIA - Want to bring Christmas joy to dozens of children in your community?

By hosting an Angel Tree at your business, church, or organization, you give employees, customers, and members the chance to change lives.

It’s simple: We provide the tags. You provide the tree. Together, we provide joy!

Learn how to host: https://salarmy.us/100DaysofChristmas2025

Shared from the Salvation Army of Ansonia Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown Derby decorations

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby, looking east on Main Street and taken near the Elizabeth Street intersection.

The first break between buildings on the left is Minerva Street and off in the distance you can see the Farrel-Birmingham Co. building.

To the right of the photo is approximately where Woolworth's was located. This photo is thought to be circa the 1940s.

Our utmost thanks to local historian Rob Novak for providing this unique photo and information.

[This was first published on this date in 2016.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Holly plant, symbol of Christmas

 

Turnback Tuesday looks at the ever-popular plant: holly. 

Holly is a shrub-like tree that can grow up to 15’ tall. The female plant produces the beautiful red berries that are a favorite of cedar waxwings and robins as well as a great nesting plant for birds in the winter. 

The holly tree was beloved and respected in Celtic mythology, and the Druids regarded it as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. 

The Romans associated holly with Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest. 

Today, the holly is a symbol of Christmas. It has taken a respected place in decorating for the holidays.

[This was first published on this date in 2022.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Seymour Public Library posts holiday schedule

 The Library is at 46 Church St., Seymour. 

Shelton libraries post holiday season closings

The Huntington Branch and Plumb Memorial Libraries will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

They also will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and New Year's Eve, Dec. 31.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday season!

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

St. Vincent De Paul food pantry in Derby asking for help with ham donations

 

Story time to feature sign language Friday at Derby Public Library

 

Ansonia FUMC to host Christmas cookie tasting, bingo fun Saturday

 

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host ugly sweater craft, pizza party

Grades: 2-6

Day/Date: Thursday, Dec. 19

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

Join us at Plumb for a festive family event: first we will enjoy a pizza dinner, then we will get crafty as we transform our sweaters into magnificent "ugly" distinguished pieces of wearable Christmas art!

Kids in grades 2nd through 6th with their caregivers' help will hot glue provided embellishments such as bells and baubles and shiny fringe to their cold weather attire to further enhance them and make them FESTIVE!

Kids participating in this program MUST bring their own sweaters to decorate.

Register online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=541464&PK=

or call 203-924-1580 ext. 5108.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

East End Hose Company in Derby to host annual Gifts with Santa fun