Over 100 years ago on Jan. 17, 1922, Betty White was born in Oak Park. White led an incredible life. She was the first woman to produce a national TV show, the first woman to star in a sitcom, the first woman to receive an Emmy nomination and the first woman to ever appear on television.

She received the honorary title of the Mayor of Hollywood in 1955 and has been formally inducted into the academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. In 2013, the Guinness World Records awarded White for having the longest television career for a female entertainer.

White was notorious for her love of animals, even passing up a role in the Oscar-winning movie “As Good As It Gets” because of a scene where the anti-hero pitches a small dog down a trash chute.

To honor her and her love of animals, the Betty White challenge began – taking place on her birthday and encouraging people to donate to their local animal shelter.  White is quoted saying, “Animals don’t lie. Animals don’t criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do.”

White is remembered for her light heartedness and genius comedic timing. Happy birthday to Illinois’ own!

If you have never heard of the Christmas tradition called the “Christmas Pickle,” you are missing out.

The “Christmas Pickle” tradition is when a decoration or ornament in the shape of a pickle is hidden in a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. The person who finds the pickle first receives a special present, gets to open the first gift or gets to hand out the presents for their family to open.

You may be wondering, “why a pickle, and where did this tradition come from?” Many Americans believe this is a tradition from Germany, and the pickle is often referred to as a Weihnachtsgurke, but evidence shows that the tradition did not originate in Germany.

Many families in Illinois celebrate this tradition, and hang a pickle ornament on their tree every year.

One suggested origin is that the tradition came from Camp Sumter during the Civil War in America. Bavarian-born Private John C. Lower had enlisted in the 103^rd Pennsylvania Infantry, but was captured in April 1864 and taken to a prison camp. On Christmas Eve, he begged a guard for a pickle while starving, and the guard provided him with the pickle. Lower credited that pickle and guard for saving his life, and when he returned to his family in Bavaria, he began the tradition of hiding a pickle in the tree each year.

Another suggested origin of the tradition comes from Berrien Springs. It is a Victorian era tale of St. Nicholas saving two Spanish children who were trapped in a barrel of pickles by an innkeeper, but this story also derives from a gruesome medieval legend.

So, what do you think? Is the “Christmas Pickle” tradition something you see yourself doing with your family this year?

For more information on the pickle tradition, visit here: https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/the-christmas-pickle-tradition-does-your-family-do-it/

The legend of Krampus is a centuries old Austrian tradition that emerged as a dark counter part to St. Nicholas. Instead of a jolly old man bringing gifts for children, Krampus is a goat-derived being with red eyes and fangs that frightens naughty children as punishment for their behavior. Krampus night – or Krampusnacht – is celebrated annually on Dec. 5 previewing the St. Nicholas Feast on Dec. 6.

Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Austria, Germany and other parts of Europe. Modern traditions include street festivals, known as Krampus runs, with people dressed as Krampus chasing festival goers, predominantly children. Individuals in regions across Europe maintain traditional customs by sporting heavy costumes made from real animal hide and wooden hand-carved masks. Folklore states that Krampus, aside from providing children an incentive to behave, would ward off bad winter spirits.

In recent years, Krampus has gained massive popularity in the U.S. and regions across the country have begun adopting their own Krampus related celebrations, including Illinois.

Here are a few events to check out this week to celebrate:

Crystal Lake Public Library- DIY Krampus Ornament
Crystal Lake Public Library is offering children 6th to 8th grade the opportunity to create their own Krampus holiday ornament on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
For more information, visit the library’s website.

Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House- Krampus the Fright before Christmas
Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House has transformed its infamous space into a Christmas horror fest. For one weekend only, visit the haunted house to see holiday fears come to life. The special event will run from Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday Dec. 10.
For more event and ticket information, visit the 13th Floor website.

Blue Island- Krampus Market
Blue Island will be hosting its annual Krampus Market from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Be sure to check out dozens of local artist and small business vendors at the event along with mystical tarot readers and Krampus himself.
For more information, visit their event page.

Happy Krampusnacht!

After a rigorous two-year review process, the American Alliance of Museums has accredited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, highlighting their remarkable qualifications.

The ALPLM, which received this recognition on their first application, is now among 3% of museums in the U.S. that hold this accreditation. This categorizes the ALPLM as one of the most notable museums across the country and establishes its national importance. The American Alliance of Museums noted ALPLM’s level of operation, commitment to education and the preservation of former President Abraham Lincoln’s story.

Through their exhibits, educational programs, library services and more, the ALPLM has become a pillar of Illinois and U.S. history and has tirelessly worked to become one of the top operating museums since its opening in 2005.

For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit their website.

Illinois is home to over 280 museums, including over 25 museums dedicated to art and design. Nov. 9 is ‘Go to an Art Museum Day,’ and visiting a museum sometime soon is a perfect way to celebrate this day. Here are some of the top art museums in Illinois!

The Art Institute of Chicago – Known as Chicago’s No. 1 museum, the Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879, and has grown substantially over the last century and a half. It is committed to contributing to an inspired and just society as well as advancing racial justice. In addition, the Art Institute of Chicago is mindful that their museum stands on Native American land. The museum shares collections of art across time, culture, geography and identity.

Museum of Contemporary Art – Founded in 1967, the MCA’s mission is to exhibit new and experimental art and media. It has a contemporary art collection of over 2,000 pieces. It considers contemporary art to be different from the general art world because in general art, the values of the past are enshrined, but contemporary art showcases new ideas. The museum works closely with their community to create space for dialogue, growth and learning.

National Museum of Mexican Art – The National Museum of Mexican Art was founded in 1982, and represents the Mexican community from their own point of view and their own voice. Their mission is to show appreciation and knowledge of Mexican art and culture. They have one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections, including more than 18,000 seminal pieces from ancient Mexico to present day. The museum also hosts cultural programs such as theater, dance and music.

Rockford Art Museum – Comprised of more than 2,000 works of art, the RAM has modern and contemporary art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries through today, from American Impressionist paintings to African American Art from the Black south. Its focus, however, is on regional art with an emphasis on Illinois artists. Its mission is to foster creativity and build community through visual arts.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed The Dana Thomas House in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking socialite living in Springfield. The home is the 72 building designed by Wright, and contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture. The house was sold to the state in 1981 and is maintained by the Historic Preservation Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria – The CAC was founded in 1996. Its mission is to advance, develop and understand contemporary art, educate diverse students, provide opportunities for viewers and artists through culturally and artistically diverse exhibitions, and enrich the community. From science fiction art to cartoons, this museum has a wide arrangement of art.

Do any of these museums sound interesting to you? If so, celebrate ‘Go to an Art Museum Day’ by popping in.