1

Early childhood

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite being born into a prominent family, Eleanor Roosevelt’s childhood was not easy. She became an orphan when she was still very young. Her mother, Anna Hall, passed away in 1892, and her father died in 1894 from injuries sustained during a suicide attempt.

Following these tragic events, young Eleanor was left in the care of her maternal grandmother, Valentine Hall, before she was sent to a school for girls in England at the age of 15.

2

Family ties

Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eleanor had presidential connections way before her marriage to FDR. Her father was Elliott Roosevelt, the younger brother of former President Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin D. Roosevelt, in turn, comes from a different branch of the Roosevelt family. The family was divided into two distinct clans, both based in New York, each with its own unique culture. Franklin belonged to the Hyde Park Roosevelts and was Theodore Roosevelt’s fifth cousin, while Eleanor was Theodore’s fifth cousin once removed .

Theodore was very fond of his niece and treated Eleanor like a daughter. In fact, in 1905, just a few months into his second term, the president gave her away at her wedding to Franklin D. Roosevelt. There’s nothing like keeping the name in the family!

3

American Red Cross volunteer

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From a young age, Eleanor Roosevelt was actively involved in volunteer work. In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, women’s roles shifted dramatically. For Eleanor, this meant volunteering with the Red Cross and visiting wounded naval soldiers.

During her husband’s presidency, in the midst of World War II, Eleanor would inspire others to join the Red Cross and help raise funds to improve care and assistance for soldiers and their families. In August 1943, she even embarked on a month-long journey through the South Pacific to visit hospitals and infirmaries on military bases and ships.

4

An adventurous First Lady

Image: National Portrait Gallery, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite being an introvert, Eleanor Roosevelt was an adventurer at heart. She liked to travel and throughout her life practiced different sports. What did Eleanor consider the happiest day of her life? The day she made the field hockey team at her private school!

During the 1930s, she became close to American aviator Amelia Earhart . The pilot took the First Lady on a flight from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore in 1933 and even inspired Eleanor to apply for her own pilot’s license. After Earhart vanished during her attempt to fly around the world, Roosevelt told reporters, "I am sure Amelia’s last words were ‘I have no regrets.’"

5

Women's advocate

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of the United States, Eleanor redefined the role of the First Lady. Unlike her predecessors, she led a very active political life, participating in a multitude of events advocating for women's rights.

For example, before FDR’s presidency, female journalists were often excluded from media events at the White House. Eleanor helped reverse this injustice by hosting a series of women-only press conferences . This courageous and revolutionary act eventually pressured newspapers to hire more female reporters and helped Eleanor win over female voters on behalf of her husband.

6

Newspaper columnist

Image: Douglas Chandor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a syndicated newspaper column for 27 years? From 1935 until her death in 1962, Roosevelt penned six articles a week about her political views and personal life.

Simply titled "My Day," the column featured her thoughts on hot topics such as prohibition, Pearl Harbor, and Joseph McCarthy’s communist witch hunt. In all that time, Eleanor missed only a single week's worth of deadlines after her husband died in 1945.

7

Civil rights activist

Image: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eleanor Roosevelt was notably more progressive on civil rights than her husband. During the era of segregation, the First Lady became a crucial ally to the African-American community .

For example, she regularly invited African-American guests to the White House, breaking established protocols. In 1938, she even attended the inaugural meeting of the Southern Conference for Human Welfare in Birmingham, Alabama. On that occasion, after learning that segregationist policies prohibited white and African-Americans from sitting together at public functions, Eleanor protested. "They were afraid to arrest her," one witness recalled.

8

J. Edgar Hoover's public enemy

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Because of her support for civil liberties and promotion of social programs, Eleanor Roosevelt was labeled a communist by the most conservative wing of American society. She was especially unpopular with J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI, which viewed her as a threat to the status quo.

In fact, the First Lady was the subject of one of the largest single FBI files, totaling around 3,000 pages . She publicly criticized Hoover’s abusive tactics, calling them "Gestapo-ish."

9

The first influencer

Image: Evert F. Baumgardner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1959, Eleanor Roosevelt made a surprising appearance in a TV commercial that helped popularize margarine as a preferred spread in America.

Her endorsement of the product not only had a significant impact on consumer choices but also earned her a substantial income of $35,000. As evidence of her commitment to social causes, Eleanor used the earnings to purchase 6,000 care packages for families in need , providing critical support and assistance.

10

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Image: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1946, President Harry S Truman appointed Eleanor Roosevelt as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council. In this influential role, she played a key part in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Along with 50 other members, Eleanor worked tirelessly to establish a comprehensive framework that protected and upheld the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals worldwide. Her dedication to this important endeavor marked a significant milestone in the advancement of human rights on a global scale. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains, without a doubt, one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s greatest legacies.

1

Basic computer skills

Image: Christin Hume

An increasingly larger chunk of our world requires at least some basic form of digital literacy to interact with it. Knowing your way around a computer, your smartphone, and the Internet makes everything a little bit easier .

You don’t need to be a hacker or anything like that; just knowing the very basics allows us to access most of the advantages that modern technology provides.

2

Housekeeping skills

Image: Slaapwijsheid.nl

Living in a clean and comfortable environment is something that almost everyone can achieve with just a little bit of effort. Learn to use a vacuum cleaner, your washing machine, and the dishwasher, if you have it ; learn how to iron your clothes, make a bed, and clean your home.

3

Navigation skills

Image: Tabea Schimpf

The aforementioned basic computer and smartphone skills are a great aid in this department. But even if you have those incorporated, it is always a good idea to learn how to use a map and a compass. Ask for directions and memorize them . Just in case technology fails.

4

Survival skills

Image: Courtnie Tosana

Learn how to make a fire. Learn how to perform CPR and a Heimlich maneuver on adults, children, and infants. Learn to use a portable electricity generator. Learn a few basic knots. All of these abilities are very rarely used. But whenever you need them, you'd better know how to perform them correctly . Your life or someone else’s might depend on it.

5

Time management

Image: kylefromthenorth™️

The best way to make time is to manage it correctly. Learn to set daily and weekly goals , prioritize your tasks and responsibilities, create to-do lists, and review your schedule periodically.

6

Financial education

Image: Sasun Bughdaryan

Track your money. Learn to check, build, and repair, if necessary, your credit score . Learn how to apply for a loan or a credit card. And hire or at least consult with a tax professional to make sure that you are doing your taxes correctly.

7

Social skills

Image: Chris Liverani

While it is true that some people are born with social skills, these can be learned by anyone . The ability to accept criticism in good spirit, the ability to have a productive conversation, patience, knowing how to speak clearly and succinctly, and knowing how to negotiate are all things that can be learned and add significant benefits to whoever acquires these skills.

8

Fitness

Image: Emma Simpson

Your body is your vessel. And it is the only one you are going to get for your life. Therefore, make sure to keep it as fit as possible . Strengthen your muscles and bones with activities that suit you. Learn how to stretch properly, learn bodyweight exercises, and look for ways to stay active at any age. A fit body will always get you farther.

9

Healthy cooking

Image: Alyson McPhee

This one goes hand in hand with the previous item. Healthy cooking involves preparing nutritious and balanced meals. This is essential for maintaining good health and can be a fun and creative activity.

Learn some basic recipes that you can make at home, quickly, with a few ingredients, and you will never go hungry again.

10

Learn to keep a budget

Image: Mediamodifier

This one is related to the previous item regarding financial education, but on a more basic level. Keeping a good track of the money you earn and the money you spend helps you make ends meet and save more at the end of the month.

Create a spreadsheet and write down your expenses and your income, or use an app to help you do the same thing on your phone.

11

Sew on a button

Image: Merve Sehirli Nasir

The constantly decreasing quality of clothing makes this simple skill all the more important as time goes by. Learn how to sew on a button. It is not difficult, and it will save you a trip to the tailor or having to ask somebody else for a very easy task.

12

Change a tire

Image: Wade Lambert

If you drive a car, you should know how to change a tire. Yes, maybe you have an insurance service that can aid you, and maybe there is always someone around who can help until there is no service available and you are all alone.

Changing a tire is very simple, and there are techniques to do so with very little physical effort . Learn how to perform this simple task, and you will be much safer when driving a car.

1

Shopping chaos

Image: Nathan Lemon

Move over, Black Friday! It seems counterintuitive to think there’s a day that is busier than the one day devoted to buying and taking advantage of super sales, but as it turns out, the two days right before Christmas actually take the ranking as the busiest shopping days of the year.

As the holiday countdown hits single digits, shoppers everywhere rush for those last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers.

Do you know what we mean? Those few days, you can almost feel the energy buzzing at every checkout line. If you have ever been in a store on December 23rd, you know the frenzy firsthand. Now, want some pro-tip? Make a list and check it twice to avoid panic shopping! Who knew that Christmas Eve could rival Black Friday for chaotic crowds?

2

The dangers behind decorating

Image: freestocks

While holiday decorating is one of the joys of the season, it’s also a little risky business. November and December see an uptick in home accidents, with 34% of decorating injuries caused by falls. Climbing ladders to string up lights or reaching for that high branch on the tree can get tricky!

It’s a good reminder to decorate with care and maybe enlist some help for those high-up decorations. After all, the holidays are about spending time with family, not in the ER. So, keep it safe and merry as you turn your home into a winter wonderland.

3

Rudolph’s Advertising Origins

Image: Tim Gouw

Who doesn’t love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? He is a true Christmas icon, but he wasn’t always the holiday figure we know today. In fact, he got his shiny start as an advertising gimmick for Montgomery Ward back in 1939.

The department store created the character to attract holiday shoppers and boost sales, and boy did it work! Rudolph quickly became a beloved part of Christmas lore, it captured hearts with his glowing red nose and underdog story.

It’s funny to think that one of the most famous Christmas figures was born from a marketing strategy, but if you come to think about all these traditional figures, they were all born the same way. Regardless, Rudolph lights the way for Santa every year and we simply adore it!

4

Dickens’ Speedy Classic

Image: Elin Melaas

Talk about Christmas traditions! Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, A Christmas Carol , feels like it’s been around forever, and we’ve all probably read it more than once.

Did you know it only took him six weeks to write ? That’s right, in just a month and a half, he crafted one of the most long-lasting holiday stories of all time. Published in 1843, Dickens’ story of redemption and the Christmas spirit has been adapted into countless films, plays, and musicals.

He wrote it in a hurry because he needed money. Little did he know his rush would produce a masterpiece read in every classroom and household during the holiday time and any other time of the year!

5

Seattle’s sky-high tree

Image: Annie Spratt

Talk about decking the halls! The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed in our country stood tall and proud in Seattle, Washington, and it reached a jaw-dropping 221 feet ! If you can’t figure out how tall that is, that’s about the height of a 20-story building!

It was displayed in 1950 and, tall as it was, imagine all the lights and ornaments it took to decorate that beautiful tree. It quickly became a symbol of holiday glory. While it’s not every day you see a Christmas tree as tall as a skyscraper, it’s fun to imagine what that lighting ceremony must have been like. Don’t worry, most of us are happy with our 6-footers! But this defies the belief that less is more, right? When it comes to Christmas spirit, more is more!

6

Visa goes crazy!

Image: CardMapr.nl

We’ve already established that the Christmas season is the busiest in sales. But if you think holiday shopping is busy, imagine how busy Visa credit cards are! Here’s the fact: During the Christmas season, Visa cards are used around 6,000 times per minute . That’s a whole lot of swiping (or tapping,) don’t you think?

And it’s not only to buy gifts, consider this is also a touristic time of the year so, from buying presents to booking travel, credit cards get quite the workout in December. It’s not surprising, considering how much we all spend on making the holidays special! Even if our credit cards don’t really like it.

7

Franklin Pierce’s presidential tree

Image: Annie Spratt

The White House Christmas tree is a wonderful tradition, (one of our personal favorites, at least) but do you know who was in charge of setting this precedent?

In this case, we’ve got Franklin Pierce to thank, because in 1856 he became the first US president to put up an official Christmas tree in the White House .

Of course, back then, it wasn’t the massive display we see today, but it was the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. Every year, a whole spectacle is set around putting up the Christmas tree and is televised for everyone to enjoy. There was a first, but we haven’t seen the last of this tradition yet!

8

X marks the Christmas spot

Image: Cris DiNoto

Not a year goes by without millions of people getting a text from a loved one saying "Mery X-mas! Lots of love" This is also a common thing in sales. Now, if you’ve ever seen "X-mas" and thought it was just a shortcut for "Christmas," think again!

The "X" in X-mas actually comes from the Greek letter Chi , which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ . So, it’s not a lazy abbreviation of a long word, it is a historical nod to the religious roots of the holiday. It’s been used for centuries, though some people still debate its use today and it is more popular among the younger generations. Do you use it?

9

Oklahoma’s late start

Image: Hayden Scott

It is hard to imagine a time when Christmas was not a thing, but there was actually a moment in history, not long ago, when this fun holiday was not legal in Oklahoma!

This state might be known for its wide-open plains, but it was the last state in the country to declare Christmas a legal holiday . That didn’t happen until 1907, long after most other states had already embraced the holiday spirit.

When we say it was not legal, we don’t mean it was forbidden to celebrate it. It means that, before then, Christmas was just another workday for many Oklahomans! But once it was official, the state caught up with the rest of the country and began celebrating the season in style. Better late than never, right?

10

Leftovers season

Image: Jed Owen

Chicken, primer ribs, cranberry sauce. It’s not Christmas without a delicious feast. Yes, Christmas dinner is delicious, but you have to be careful with those leftovers!

Did you know that over 400,000 illnesses are caused by spoiled Christmas leftovers each year? It makes sense, we cook a lot, we eat only so much, and then, between the turkey, stuffing, and pies, it’s easy to forget how long food has been sitting out. Make sure to store leftovers properly and eat them within a safe timeframe. Nobody wants their holiday cheer spoiled by an upset stomach! So, while leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the festive fun intact.