We’ve seen so many amazing events unfold over the year. We shared a collective feeling of bereavement at the loss of celebrities like Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze.  These beloved entertainers brought so much joy into our lives, and their unfortunate passing reminds of us how important it is to hold the people that we care about close. We are constantly reminded of just how unpredictable life can be.

We were stunned by the startling tale of Jaycee Dugard, and couldn’t contain our excitement when she was finally reunited with her family. We marveled at how modern technology helped solve mysteries from long ago, like the man who murdered Rebecca Doisy being brought to justice after more than 30 years. We honored those whose lives were lost or changed forever on September 11. We cheered for the Good Samaritan who helped save a young boy from a raging fire. We watched with rapt attention as the saga of Tiger Woods unfolded before our eyes.

Throughout the year, one thing that we’ve found holds true for everyone is that it’s all about a connection. Technology continues to advance, stories break that astound and provoke us, but in the end the most important thing is always the people who share our lives.

Thank you for giving us an outstanding 2009, and allowing us to help you find and connect with family, friends, classmates and anyone else who touched your life. We look forward to an exceptional and fulfilling 2010. Have a happy New Year, and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders People Search blog.

At PeopleFinders, we love the feelings of community and sharing that accompany each December. During the holiday season people devote a little more time to simply being with relatives and friends, something we encourage all year long! To help get into the holiday spirit we thought we’d mention a few of the lesser-known reasons to celebrate this December:

Hi Neighbor Month

It’s just as simple as it sounds – the last month of the year is a time when people are encouraged to say hello and get to know their neighbors. Start with a friendly wave or a good morning and who knows, you may be starting a brand new friendship.

December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

What better way to celebrate than with chocolate? On December 16 people are encouraged to get adventurous with their favorite treat and try anything they want dipped in chocolate.

December 21: Look On The Bright Side Day

Although December is known as the holiday season, it can be a difficult month. Shorter days, colder weather, stressful schedules and more can be a bit overwhelming. December 21 is all about taking a moment to stop your hectic day and focus on the positive side of life.

Write A Friend Month

When was the last time you sat down and wrote an old-fashioned letter? Just imagine how much it would mean to get one from someone you care about. This December, take a little time to write a letter to a friend.

At PeopleFinders we want to help you share this special time of year with anyone who has touched your life. We’re offering some incredible end-of-year specials to help you find people and stay connected with the friends and family who brighten your holiday season. Click here to see our incredible holiday specials.

Whatever you celebrate, PeopleFinders wishes you a very safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for reading the People Search blog.

Thanksgiving is a special day that was meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. At PeopleFinders, we endorse any event that involves spending quality time with people you care about. After all, it’s the people who share our lives that make them so special.

History Of Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving is said to have taken place in 1621. It was the year that the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn feast with the colonists who landed at Plymouth. They gathered together to celebrate a successful harvest and express their gratitude for the plentiful crops they would enjoy throughout the winter season.

Over the years, the fourth Thursday of November has been recognized as a day of celebration and giving thanks in the United States. President George Washington declared the first “official” Thanksgiving holiday in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it to be an annual holiday in 1863.

Since then, Thanksgiving has been observed all across the country and become a day known for family gatherings, parades, football and other festivities.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips
Every holiday can be hectic, so this is a good time to focus on a few safety tips to help everyone have a joyous Thanksgiving:
•    You can thaw a turkey in advance, but be sure to cook it within 2 – 3 days
•    Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food
•    Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the edge of the stove so they can’t be easily knocked over
•    It’s easy to get distracted while cooking, but remember that leaving food unattended can lead to fires
•    Cook your turkey to 180°F; an undercooked turkey may cause serious illness
•    Refrigerate leftovers as quickly as possible
•    If you decorate with candles, put the flames out before you leave the house or go to sleep
•    Are you a pet owner? Get some Thanksgiving safety tips for pets from the ASPCA here

Is there someone you’re missing this holiday season? PeopleFinders can help. We’re dedicated to helping you find the people who touched your life. Try a People Search Membership to find anyone you’ve been thinking about, and reconnect with someone special this Thanksgiving.

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the day with family and friends, and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders People Search blog.

The origin of Labor Day goes back to the time of the American Industrial Revolution. It was first celebrated in New York City on September 5^th, 1882 by members of the Central Labor Union. Workers took a day off to have a picnic and enjoy the fruits of their labors. They agreed to make this an annual event, and the following year the concept began to spread around the country. By 1894 it had gained so much attention that it was turned into a national holiday.

Back in the late 1800’s conditions were deplorable for the American worker. Men, women and children struggled to get work in locations that offered extremely long hours, hazardous environments and very low pay. Over time the people who suffered through these difficult circumstances banded together to form unions and demand shorter shifts, safety measures and reasonable wages. This led to the establishment of the first Labor Day, which started with a parade designed to show the “strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” and celebrate the American workforce.

Over time working conditions improved, and today it’s hard to imagine what people once endured just to survive. This Labor Day we can continue to celebrate the spirit of the American worker and be grateful for the efforts of people who helped shape the working conditions we now enjoy.

Labor Day is a great occasion to find old friends and family members and share a 3 day weekend. Of course not everyone has the day off, and here at PeopleFinders we salute the people who keep the country operating efficiently even while many of us are enjoying a little rest and relaxation. Have a Happy Labor Day, and thank you for reading our People Search blog.

We’re hearing the sounds of firecrackers exploding, enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin and we can almost smell the sweet aromas of afternoon barbecues. Everything is set for one of our favorite holidays; July 4^th is just around the corner!

The 4^th of July is observed in many different ways by people all across this great nation, and we see Independence Day as a time to celebrate our freedoms, liberty and the people we care about. At PeopleFinders.com we are dedicated to helping people find each other so they can make a connection and share the things in life they feel are worth celebrating. Before this Fourth of July gets underway, we’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the people who made this special day possible, and so we take a look at:

The History of Independence Day
On July 4^th, 1776 the men who would become known as the Founding Fathers voted on and adopted the Declaration of Independence. This remarkable document stated that the 13 colonies, which made up the country at the time, were free from the control of King George III of England. The King was noted for committing injustices such as taxation without representation, keeping a standing army on our soil and giving them excessive authority, and purposefully oppressing the people of this nation.

The Declaration of Independence was read publicly just four days after it was ratified, and the message was met with jubilant approval. News about this historical event spread throughout the world quickly and over the next few weeks 56 members of the Congressional Congress signed copies of the declaration. John Hancock, the Congressional President, signed with a large flourish that many claim was done to ensure King George could read his name clearly

In 1941 the Fourth of July was officially recognized as a national holiday. This July 4^th people will celebrate their independence and American pride with a variety of activities. They will attend parades and festivals, host backyard barbecues and gather together for impressive fireworks displays.

Whatever you do to celebrate the 4^th of July, we hope you will share a safe an exciting holiday with friends and family. Have a happy Independence Day, and thank you for reading the PeopleFinders People Search blog.