Category: Gracious Living

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day

    Memorial Day Photo by Sharon Schweitzer As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions!   ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922.…

  • Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines

    Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines

    Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines Image by: https://www.czechcenter.org/blog/2022/5/27/the-czech-flag-a-century-of-waving   From record-breaking Olympic participation to cultural milestones and shifting consumer trends, the Czech Republic is making headlines at home and abroad. As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Czech athletes, public figures and everyday citizens together highlight the events…

  • 2025 Holiday Tipping Guide

    2025 Holiday Tipping Guide

    2025 Holiday Tipping Guide Photo by https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/holiday-tipping-survey/   In Canada, Boxing Day occurs on December 26, a holiday that many Canadians use to tip those who make their lives easier. In Mexico, Aguinaldo (Ah-gee-nahl-doh), represents an annual Christmas bonus equivalent to at least 15 days’ wages that companies are required to pay their employees before…

  • Unique Czech Christmas Traditions

    Unique Czech Christmas Traditions

    Unique Czech Christmas Traditions                                                                             Joza Upraka Exhibit at National Gallery 2011   The Czech Republic is recognized…

  • Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals

    Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals

    Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals Photo by Polina Anastassieva   By Sharon Schweitzer   Family members and friends who have lost a loved one truly appreciate when others take the time and effort to attend a funeral or memorial service. There’s seldom a season or anticipated date for losing a loved one,…

  • Graciously Responding to Tragedy

    Graciously Responding to Tragedy

    Graciously Responding to Tragedy Photo by Sharon Schweitzer; Garabito,Costa Rica   By Sharon Schweitzer   Our goal is to share guidance on living graciously; this includes knowing what to say in times of joy as well as sadness. Our Central Texas Hill Country has been devastated by torrential rain and flash flooding. We have received…

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day

    Memorial Day    As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions!   ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922. ____ 2. Memorial…

  • International Sculpture Day

    International Sculpture Day

    International Sculpture Day   By Sharon Schweitzer   Sculpture has personal significance for me and my Czech – Slovak family. This beautiful mother with children piece was created by my great-uncle Franta Uprka in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic near the Slovak border. I discovered this piece 10 years ago when I was…

  • English Language Day

    English Language Day

    English Language Day   By Sharon  Schweitzer   The English Project launched the world’s first-ever English Language Day on October 13th in 2009. English Language Day is celebrated to commemorate October 13th, 1362, when Parliament was opened for the first time by a speech in English, instead of French. In the same Parliament, a Statute…

  • South Korea Hangul Day

    South Korea Hangul Day

    South Korea Hangul Day   By Sharon Schweitzer   South Korea Hangul Day, also known as Korean Alphabet Day, is observed annually on October 9th. It’s a national holiday to commemorate the invention and proclamation of the Korean alphabet, known as Hangul (or Hangeul). It’s also celebrated in North Korea on January 15th as ‘Chosun-gul’…