#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE

   Today is a national public holiday in Finland. December 6th is a flag day in celebration of Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian Republic in 1917.
   For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is December 5th, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents!
   Elsewhere, St. Nicholas Day is observed on December 6 (in Western Christian countries) and December 19 (in Eastern Christian countries).
   Here in America and in many other regions, the big day is December 25.
   No matter where you are, it seems everyone takes a moment in December to celebrate the festival of lights, a bulwark against the bleak, short days of December.
   Here is the peaceful and very beautiful Swan of Tuonela, a tone poem written in 1895 by Jean Sibelius.
   Listen for the English Horn—that is the Swan!
Geoffrey