December 12, 2011: National Poinsettia Day

1. Today will be sunny with a high near 43, according to reports from the National Weather Service.

2. You can head on over to the  for their 8:30 a.m.  Class. The session combines a variety of underwater exercises utilizing the deep and shallow ends of the pool. The class runs $59-$64 for members and $79-$86 for non-members.

3. At this time of year, we begin to see more and more Poinsettias available in nurseries, grocery stores and anywhere you buy plants. This is thanks to a gentleman named Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first United States minister to Mexico from 1825 to 1829.

Poinsett found the plant growing on a Mexican hillside and sent samples back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. The plant became known as the Poinsettia, and Dec. 12 was named National Poinsettia Day by Congress in honor of Poinsett, who died in 1851.
 
4. If you're like many of us, after the holidays are over, so is the life of your Poinsettia. But in reality, Poinsettias can last many years with the proper care. For tips on keeping your Poinsettia thriving way beyond Christmas, visit Poinsettia Care online.

5. In the mood for some quality, crafty time with your children? If so, visit Heather Bailey's website for a beautiful Poinsettia Pinwheel craft.

If you're a scrapbooker, you'll likely have all the supplies you'll need: paper, eyelets, brads and ribbon. Add to these items a dowel, a wooden bead and a 12-inch piece of 18-gauge wire, and you’re good to go.