Poinsetta

I think I'm done with Christmas shopping, and pretty much ready for the big day. Mr. O has done the BIG SHOP and the fridge is groaning, with an additional food mountain overflow in the garage.
Presents are under the tree, and favourite Christmas TV programmes are booked on Sky +.


Named after the first Mexican ambassador to the US, the poinsetta has a strong association with Christmas which began in 16th century Mexico. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds that a young girl put in front of the church alter (she was too poor to provide a gift). 17th century Franciscan friars included the plants in their Christmas celebrations and the star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, with the red color representing the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus