Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

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Everett Walton
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The city of Alexandria, Virginia dates back to 1695 but in 1748, three Scotsmen, including William Ramsay, selected the site for a new town to be named in honor of Scotsman, John Alexander.

1 Chief the r. hon. The earl of Dalhousie, k.t VOL. XLVIII NO. IV December 2018 November 30 & December 1, 2018 Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? The city of Alexandria, Virginia dates back to 1695 but in 1748, three Scotsmen, including William Ramsay, selected the site for a new town to be named in honor of Scotsman, John Alexander. Today his house, called the Ramsay House, is the city s Visitor s Center. For 48 years, the city of Alexandria has celebrated Alexandria s Scottish Heritage with a Scottish Christmas Walk. It is complete with many clans, pipe bands, and many other elements participating in a parade. Clan Ramsay has participated in many of these Scottish Christmas Walks over the years and everyone was invited and encouraged to join our merry band in Alexandria, Virginia this year. David Ramsey was responsible for coordinating Clan Ramsay s participation. For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we ll tak a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne...robert Burns Pam Ramsey MacNeil, Rhonda Ramsey Shackleford, Alice Ramsay, Bob & David Ramsey & Mary Alice Ramsey at the Alexandria Christmas Walk in Alexandria, VA on Dec. 1, 2018.

We have a very quiet Christmas day and on the 26 th the family starts gathering. There are a number of traditions. The first time you bring a boyfriend or girlfriend is a significant event.

2 Page 2 Newsletter of Clan Ramsay INTERNATIONAL, INC GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA Christmas is a season and not a Day at our household. The season is about family so we make it easy on the children and grandchildren by having our Christmas on December 27 th. This way we do not have to compete with the in-laws. We have a very quiet Christmas day and on the 26 th the family starts gathering. There are a number of traditions. The first time you bring a boyfriend or girlfriend is a significant event. The last was granddaughter Sara who brought her boyfriend from California. He was counseled by Sara, her mother, and two aunts before coming. The first year at the Bailey Christmas can be quite a shock. He had a good time and is coming back. Sara is 26 years old and has never spent Christmas anywhere except with us. The three day event is a family event with preparation and work shared. The children put on aprons and help cook along with the adults. I am on the dishwashing detail. The grandchildren tell me that a memorable event is being seated at the adult table rather than one of the children s tables. The most significant tradition is the dreaded staircase picture. I have had the family stand on a staircase for a picture since Now the family is up to 25 people if everyone comes, the staircase has become too small and we have had to move outside. Our Christmas will be a 3 day, active, boisterous, family event with lots of food, and beverages. I hope that all of the Ramsay Clan have a merry, Happy Christmas. Submitted by Carl Bailey, Founder

Page 3 Make new friends, but keep the old; those are silver, these are gold. Joseph Parry, Welsh composer; 1841-1903 Our Clan Ramsay membership has offered many surprises for Sue & Me.

The most dramatic example is how Clan Ramsay has grown from two to three members and a small tent with a card table at the Grandfather Mountain Games to Big Tents, worldwide, under Clan Ramsay

A few of the games are huge, like Grandfather Mountain or Stone Mountain. Parking tickets are coveted! Some games are very small, and you can pull right up to the gate.

3 Page 3 Make new friends, but keep the old; those are silver, these are gold. Joseph Parry, Welsh composer; Our Clan Ramsay membership has offered many surprises for Sue & Me. Sure, we have expanded our relationship with the Ramsay/Ramsey Family, but more importantly we have grown beyond our NC roots, history and lives. The most dramatic example is how Clan Ramsay has grown from two to three members and a small tent with a card table at the Grandfather Mountain Games to Big Tents, worldwide, under Clan Ramsay International. In our travels, we have learned that all Highland Games are not a like. Games share a lot of similarities, but each Games will have different and sometimes unique characteristics. A few of the games are huge, like Grandfather Mountain or Stone Mountain. Parking tickets are coveted! Some games are very small, and you can pull right up to the gate. Most have the traditional athletic games once done by men but now some games include women athletes. We have seen serious Jousting competitions with armored Knights at Estes Park, CO and English Rugby in Orlando, FL. The pageantry can range from full military fly overs and parades around the athletic field to colorful clan parades down main streets. This July, while in France, we watched the Medieval pageantry from Crusaders to Pirates. Sue even has a short video of two kilted men sword fighting. GROWING CLAN FAMILY Our Clan Ramsay membership has grown from a base of a few loyal participants sitting around a circle in a small tent, to crowded large tents filled with members from as far away as France. Our clan family includes members who joined looking for a lost relative several generations back, to those who want to share the hospitality. We now have a special relationship with our adopted Ramsay s from across the pond. OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP I have watched our leadership grow from the original heavy lifting of founder Carl Bailey and David Ramsey, to include a growing group of individuals who are picking up the banner; Mona Ramsey (Editor) and, Dick McGraw (Publisher) who do a wonderful job with Ramsay Report, our genealogist Nancy Miller, web master Alice Ramsay, and all our active Commissioners worldwide. A special shout out to Ronda Ramsey and Lee Shackelford who jumped in when David Ramsey was recovering from an illness. They set up our tents along with Clan Scott. Together we have added many new friends. Thanks to Sue Anne Ramsey, Ronda and Lee Shackelford, our tent is not isolated with only Clan Ramsay. We share our feasts and fun between the TWO clans. As a result of the inspired leadership of our young Frenchman and Convener for Europe, Laurent Jaunaux. Clan Ramsay now has 50 members in Europe. BIG INCLUSIVE FAMILY All of this means we speak different languages, share different interests, different politics, different culinary tastes (well, the Scotch does seem to be a singular like), and travel many miles to gather together under ONE Big Tent. Sort of like that banner many Clan Ramsay tents hang above the entrance with a merging of the blue and red, we are a true family under one tent, even if just for a short 3-day event. Clan Ramsay International continues to lead with kindness, laughter, shared meals, and great stories. May all your holidays and the coming year be full of happy times, maintaining ties with family and old friends, (silver); and meeting and developing relationships with new friends. (gold). Ora et Labora John & Sue Ramsay Joyeux Noël, Y all!!

Each year when I hang this beautiful Ramsay Tartan covered ornament I

Remembering those who are special to us is the Spirit of Christmas.

by Mona Ramsey Spectacular Grandfather Mountain, located in the North

a dazzling blanket of early Winter frost and snow.

ancestors put down roots in the mountains of North Carolina.

4 Page 4 Newsletter of Clan Ramsay INTERNATIONAL, INC The most special gifts at Christmas, or anytime, are those made lovingly by hand. Each year when I hang this beautiful Ramsay Tartan covered ornament I think of Clan member Nancy M. Miller. Remembering those who are special to us is the Spirit of Christmas. Photograph by Alan Haun-North Carolina Hiking and Waterfalls Submitted by Mona Ramsey Spectacular Grandfather Mountain, located in the North Carolina High Country, near Linville is breathtaking when dressed out in a dazzling blanket of early Winter frost and snow. Images such as this make it easy to understand why our Scottish ancestors put down roots in the mountains of North Carolina. Clan Ramsay Europe is so happy to announce that we have a new addition, born October 30th, and called Titouan! Live long Titouan and Congratulations to Frédéric and Fabienne!

Page 5 Clan Ramsay International 2019 AGM Stone Mountain 47th Scottish Festival October 18th-20th, 2019 Stone Mountain Park/Stone Mountain, GA www.smhg.

During this event it was decided that the Gathering 2019 in Scotland could not happen and shall be postponed until at least 2020 due to unresolved questions of logistics and also

Therefore, as we all have good relationships between Europe and USA, we have determined that it would be a good opportunity for the European cousins to visit their counter-parts in

5 Page 5 Clan Ramsay International 2019 AGM Stone Mountain 47th Scottish Festival October 18th-20th, 2019 Stone Mountain Park/Stone Mountain, GA Stone Mountain, Georgia October 19th-21st, 2018 Dear all, The 46th Annual Stone Mountain Highland Games were held one week ago. During this event it was decided that the Gathering 2019 in Scotland could not happen and shall be postponed until at least 2020 due to unresolved questions of logistics and also our Chief's availability. Therefore, as we all have good relationships between Europe and USA, we have determined that it would be a good opportunity for the European cousins to visit their counter-parts in USA. That is why we are suggesting those who want will be welcome in attending the next Stone Mountain Highland Games in Atlanta, next year. This shall take place in October. I will let you know when it is going to happen so that you can make travel arrangements for yourself. More information to come soon! Submitted by Laurent Jaunaux-Ramsay Clan Ramsay Convener for Continental Europe P.S. Following receipt of this

Page 6 Lincolnton, North Carolina December 7, 2018 Recently I came across a meme on Facebook that set my brain into a spin. It reads, If you want to know who your tribe is, speak your truth.

Nanea Hoffman It goes without saying that my small and very special family has a spot in my blanket fort, as do a few cousins.

6 Page 6 Lincolnton, North Carolina December 7, 2018 Recently I came across a meme on Facebook that set my brain into a spin. It reads, If you want to know who your tribe is, speak your truth. Then see who sticks around. Those are the people that get a spot in your blanket fort. Nanea Hoffman It goes without saying that my small and very special family has a spot in my blanket fort, as do a few cousins. But those outside my bloodline that hold a special spot in that fort are just as dear. These are the family members that I have picked. Over the past twenty-four Christmas seasons I have had the pleasure of spending time and carrying on a Christmas Eve tradition with a group of very dear friends that are family. Over the years many have moved in and out of the tradition but this small group never fails to be a part of my blanket fort. On Christmas Eve I host a very casual drop in at my home prior to attending Midnight Mass at my church. I do not send invitations and people can show up or not. It is nothing fancy, we just sit around, listen to music, talk and maybe have a glass of wine. Very casual. I look forward each year to this night because I know that Robert and Ian will be knocking on the front door. Robert is my best friend s brother, he was living between New York and Atlanta but now lives in Atlanta. Ian is Robert s best friend from Edinburgh. Ian travels each year from Scotland to the United States to spend Christmas with his family of friends. For twenty four years they have been a part of my Christmas Eve. The sharing of the special night is something that I look forward to all year. This night is what Christmas is all about. It is not about gifts and it is not about a big elaborate event. It is about people who honestly care for each other getting together and celebrating the gift of Christmas. The way that we celebrate this gift is by leaving the warmth of the house, getting into a cold car, driving to church, finding a parking space and walking in the cold darkness, taking in the light glowing through stained glass windows and the sound of music softly playing. St. Luke s Episcopal Church, Lincolnton, NC, ready for Christmas Eve Service. The church was founded on 29 November The doors open to the bright light and warmth of the church. It is Christmas Eve. The church is an Episcopal church so no Christmas hymns until Christmas Eve, so to sing softly with the choir prior to the service tends to bring tears of happiness to the eyes. And to have friends who have been beside me for almost a quarter of a century fills my heart with joy. Following communion the congregation kneels and sings Silent Night to lowered lights as a calm washes over those attending. The service ends with a processional and we leave the bright warmth of the church and go out into the calm, quiet night. I look to the stars and whisper, It is Christmas. Submitted by Mona Ramsey

And we'll tak' a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae run about the braes, and pou'd the gowans fine; But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin' auld lang syne.

And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.

7 Page 7 Newsletter of Clan Ramsay INTERNATIONAL, INC Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne*? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup! and surely I'll be mine! And we'll tak' a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae run about the braes, and pou'd the gowans fine; But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin' auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae paidl'd in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd sin' auld lang syne. CHORUS And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie's a hand o' thine! And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne. CHORUS Charleston, South Carolina November 3, 2018 After 10 years of experiencing the sweltering heat of Summer South Carolina; The Highland Games were held the first Saturday in November What a welcome change in temperature! As the newly appointed commissioner for South Carolina I had the honor and pleasure of representing Clan Ramsay International. We had several generations and branches in attendance, my sons, grandsons, and 3 great grandchildren, plus a new member, hopefully, from the Charlotte North Carolina area named William. The games were, as usual, very entertaining. My grandson, Patrick, participated in Scottish competition. Sadly, he was eliminated early. I was also reunited with old friends whom I had grown up with and had not seen in nearly 30 years. The games were a huge success we ll be back next year! Submitted by Glenn Ramsey Photograph from the website

Page 8 Ramsay Family Dinner 17 November The White Horse, Atlas, Belgium We were over forty Ramsay with our friends Hay and

Intense moments around the Quaich at the reception of 6 new Clan Ramsay members: Arturo, Luc, Louis, Daniel, Eric and Serge.

The traditional toast to King Philippe, of Belgium, and the Queen Elisabeth II was celebrated warmly by all the guests.

8 Page 8 Ramsay Family Dinner 17 November The White Horse, Atlas, Belgium We were over forty Ramsay with our friends Hay and McKinnon. Intense moments around the Quaich at the reception of 6 new Clan Ramsay members: Arturo, Luc, Louis, Daniel, Eric and Serge. The Little Ramsay was also in honor and received their teddy bear immediately adopted! The traditional toast to King Philippe, of Belgium, and the Queen Elisabeth II was celebrated warmly by all the guests. The women and men of clans left late the evening by promising to see each other again next year. Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh s most famous stories and was made into a movie by Walt Disney.,..members in France, Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia, Brussels, Belgium,& Luxemburg

Page 9 Christmas is celebrated on 25th December In Scotland. The tradition of celebrating Christmas was banned here for nearly 400 years until the 1950's.

Until 1958, when Christmas Day was declared a public holiday, people worked normally on this day although the children did get presents.

Even those who are members of the Church of England observe the festival quietly as the English people dislike loud, fervid celebrations.

9 Page 9 Christmas is celebrated on 25th December In Scotland. The tradition of celebrating Christmas was banned here for nearly 400 years until the 1950's. In the 1580's, this magical festival was obliterated from the list of Scottish festivals as it was seen to be supporting Romanism. Until 1958, when Christmas Day was declared a public holiday, people worked normally on this day although the children did get presents. Even today, the traditional Christmas celebration is usually a low-key affair as the Church of Scotland, which is the Presbyterian Church, is not very enthusiastic about the festival. Even those who are members of the Church of England observe the festival quietly as the English people dislike loud, fervid celebrations. The Christmas traditions in Scotland are similar to that of the U.S., although the Scottish people do have some interesting customs of their own. Christmas celebration in Scotland Just before Halloween, gift shops here are seen to be stacked up with a variety of gifts for Christmas. As days pass, fairy lights are put up on the trees in bigger cities. The departmental stores and buildings are seen to be decorated with strands of brilliant Christmas lights. Multicoloured light bulbs are set up on big fir trees in the centre of the smaller towns. In the days leading to Christmas, these lights are smashed up one by one by young people so that only one or two remain at the top of the tree by Christmas Eve. Children join in the countdown by making Advent calendars at home all by themselves. These pretty crafts have little doors on them that can open for every day in December with a little picture behind, ending on Christmas Eve. They also compose a letter mentioning all the presents they want for Christmas and send it to Santa Claus in Lapland. One means of doing this is throwing the Christmas list into the fireplace. It is believed that the list would go up the chimney and get to Santa that way. Families decorate their homes with Christmas trees, colourful Christmas lights, tinsel and other decorative items. Here Christmas Eve is observed on December 24th, as in many other nations of the world. In some regions of the country, this day is called 'Sowans Nicht'. The name probably comes from 'sowans', a dish made from oat husks and fine meal steeped in water, that is eaten on this day. A popular tradition practiced here on Christmas Eve is burning the branches of a rowan tree, which signifies that any bad feeling between friends or relatives had been put aside for Yuletide. It is believed that if the fire goes out on Christmas Eve, the household would suffer bad luck in the coming year. Many children hang up their stockings at the end of their bed before going to bed believing Santa would come and fill them before morning. Some kids use pillow cases instead of stockings. In many households, open-air lunches are arranged. Black buns (cakes made from fruits, almonds, spices and a little Whisky), Bannock cakes (made of oatmeal) and Sun cakes (sun-baked cakes) are the traditional picks for Christmas meal. Other delicious dishes are plum pudding, mince pies, spiced roast duck, smoked salmon coronets with prawns and seafood bisque (served with brandy sauce). Some people who do not like fruit cake may have a Yule log, which is a chocolate cake from Sweden. Originally published at

10 Page 10 Newsletter of Clan Ramsay INTERNATIONAL, INC

Page 11 Mona Ramsey 714 North Aspen Street Lincolnton, NC 28092 USA Phone: 704-736-1440 E-mail:

com Joyeux Noël, Nollaig Chridheil Huibh, Merry Christmas & Wishes for A Happy New Year We Are On

org 2019 Games Information Central Florida Scottish Games January 19-20, 2019 Central Winds Park

11 Page 11 Mona Ramsey 714 North Aspen Street Lincolnton, NC USA Phone: or Dick McGraw Joyeux Noël, Nollaig Chridheil Huibh, Merry Christmas & Wishes for A Happy New Year We Are On the Web Games Information Central Florida Scottish Games January 19-20, 2019 Central Winds Park 1000 E. SR 434 Winter Springs, Florida Contact: David F. Ramseydavidf.ramsey@verizon.net Fargo-Moorhead Celtic Festival March 10, 2019 Hjemkomst Center 202 1st Ave N Moorhead, Minnesota Contact: Lois Beckner vivandiere57@yahoo.com

Clan Ramsay dues invoices were mailed to members in November. If you have already sent your dues in, thank you, then you don t have to read any further!

12 Clan Ramsay dues invoices were mailed to members in November. If you have already sent your dues in, thank you, then you don t have to read any further! But in case you didn t get one or got it and can t remember where you put it, here is another one. Just cut it out and put it in an envelope with your check and send to David Ramsey at the address below. And thank you for being a part of Clan Ramsay International! Clan Ramsay International, Inc. The Clan Ramsay needs and appreciates your support!!!!!! Membership Invoice Membership Dues for $30.00 Your Name Your Make your check payable to Clan Ramsay International and mail it along with this form to: David F. Ramsey, Membership Director Clan Ramsay International, Inc. 434 Skinner Blvd. Dunedin, FL The Ramsay Report 714 North Aspen St Lincolnton, NC Newsletter Clan Ramsay International, Inc.

Advent Calendar sabato 3 dicembre 11

Advent Calendar sabato 3 dicembre 11 16 6 8 22 11 3 18 7 4 9 24 12 20 19 14 1 21 17 23 13 5 10 2 Advent Calendar 2011 15 Today is the first of December and if you have been studying or working a lot now is the time to reward yourself with