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Christmas Fun - Tips, Hints & Stories
Christmas - the parties, gifts, food, decorations and traditions. Great fun but the demands of the season can be enough to drive even Santa crazy! These tips and stories will help you get get through the Christmas season so you can enjoy the merriest of Holidays!
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Holiday Parties -- Plan a Merry Event!
Who can resist the joys of the holiday season all the decorations, traditions, contagious cheer and endless parties! If the holiday spirit has swayed you into hosting a Christmas party you've come to the right place! With a little planning you can host a memorable Holiday soiree that will be remembered long into the new year!
It's Just Around the Corner - Plan Early!
In case you haven't noticed (but we're sure you have), the month of December is crazy busy and gets crazier as Christmas comes near. Best advice on this topic is to PLAN EARLY! Planning in November will assure you have time to organize the party and still tackle your own Christmas "To-do" list. You'll also be able to get the invitations out before your guest Christmas calendars fill up.
Mind the Pocketbook - Set a Budget
The first, and most important, step is to set a budget! Determine how much you can comfortably spend. Setting a budget (and sticking to it) will not only keep some Christmas cash in your pocket but will also help guide your party planning decisions.
The Whole Crew - Make the Guest List
Be realistic about how many guest you can handle. Take into account the size of your place and the work involved in entertaining a group. Remember too that 'tis the season to be jolly and someone will likely bring an extra guest or two. Better to have a shorter list of closest friends and family unless you plan to have some hosting help and can afford to feed and entertain a larger crowd.
Any Day Now - Choose a Day and Time
'Tis the season for full social calendars so choose your date early and wisely. If possible, it's best to give guest at least three weeks notice. Saturday is usually the best day for most people to attend but Sundays can be good too. Remember to consider your schedule, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the party and tend to your Christmas "To-do" list.
It's All about the Food - Plan the Menu
Your budget, guest list and party time will help guide this step. You can choose a potluck event a catered affair or anything in between. Perhaps a formal dinner and invite guest to bring their favorite dessert. The only rule on party food is the time of the party. If the hours of your party include the dinner hour you should serve heavier entree foods. Evening parties can serve lighter to heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Don't forget the beverages! Alcoholic drinks are not mandatory so don't feel obligated to serve them. Perhaps wine options are a better fit for your affair. If you do offer alcoholic drinks be sure to have alternatives for those who don't drink and designated drivers. Keep the bar drinks simple to avoid the added work of playing bar-tender and the extra expense of stocking the bar. Should any of your guests have one-too-many be sure they do not drive home.
Get the Party Started - Plan the Fun
Above all else your Christmas party should be fun! Plan fun activities to get the party started and keep it going.
- Christmas party games. Games are a great way to get your guest talking and mingling.
- Trim the tree. Have all your tree decorations out and let your guest trim your tree.
- Christmas caroling. Take the party outside and sing carols for your neighbors.
- Decorate cookies. Prepare a table with cookie icings and sprinkles and let your guest decorate the cookies. They get to take their decorated cookies home.
- Exchange gifts. Either secret Santa or grab bag style. Be sure to include this on your invitations along with a spending limit.
Ya'll Come - Send the Invitations
Now that the party plans are in place, it's time to send out the invitations. Remember, three weeks notice (or more) is best so get those out ASAP!
It's the Thought that Counts - Party Favors
This is not always necessary but it is nice to give each guest some small token of thanks for their attendance. This can be as simple as a slice of cake to-go to a beautifully wrapped party favor gift. Again the watch cry is ...budget!
Count Down - Final Steps
Shop for decor and party accessory items 2 weeks before. This will give you time to find any items that prove hard to locate. If you plan to order Christmas party games or other party supplies online, shop three to four weeks before the party.
Buy Food items and beverages the night before the party. Also, prepare any food that can be prepared ahead of time the night before. This will give you time to decorate, prepare food and get ready for your guest.
There you have it, plans for a Merry Christmas party! Have fun and remember, no matter what the budget or theme your guest will appreciate the time spent sharing the season's joys with family and friends Above all else, keep it fun and you can't go wrong! |
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Christmas Celebrations -- How Did it All Begin?
There's no doubt that Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in America. But how did the Christmas celebration begin? This look at Christmas from it's origins to the celebrations of today reveals an informative and eye-opening look at this popular holiday.
Like many American traditions, the Christmas holiday can be traced back to Europe. During the fourth century, Romans celebrated a "Feast of the Nativity" held on December 17th. This celebration was based on the Christian observance of the birth of Jesus. Pagan feasts and rituals were also popular during this time period. Many Romans paid homage to their deities during a week's long celebration held from December 17 through January 1st.
Concerned by the increasing popularity of pagan worship and the annual pagan festival, the Roman Church changed the official date of the Nativity Feast to December 25th in an effort to curtail rampant pagan celebrations.
Over the next thousand years, the observance of Christmas followed the expanding community of Christianity. The spreading Christian community took the holiday far Northward into England. From the 13th century on, nearly all of Europe observed Christmas.
These Christmas celebrations involved heathen indulgences that were discouraged the rest of the year. The annual celebration included over-eating, dancing, singing, card playing and gambling; pleasures which escalated to magnificent proportions over the years.
In 1607, King James I insisted that a play be acted on Christmas night along with the playing of Christmas games. In another account of the secular nature of the holiday a feast noted 16 different dishes for the first course. In 1626, the Duke of Buckingham charged the entire crew of three ships, including the ship's captains, with abandoning their service in favor of Christmas revels, leaving their vessels preys to any enemy.
As the magnitude of the Christmas celebration grew, religious institutions of the day struggled to gain control of the holiday. However, it continued to be a religious event celebrated through the pleasures and indulgences that went against the holy teachings of the day.
During the 1600 and 1700's Puritan Reformers took aim at changing the lack of religious activities of the Christmas celebration. They declared it a day of mourning rather than a day of rejoicing. This along with the economic and social upheavals of the day began to alter English life and the way Christmas was celebrated. The spread of the Puritan Reformers movement took hold and its policies continued to chip away at the pagan nature of the celebrations. In 1642, Parliament outlawed seasonal plays and ordered monthly fasts which fell on Christmas day during December. Christmas celebrations were "strongly prohibited" and in 1652 fines were imposed on businesses that decorated or closed in observance of the holiday. There was some resistance to the law but the largess of previous celebrations was drastically reduced to small reverend observances.
It was within this turbulent era that English Christmas customs entered early Virginia and New England. Though most settlers observed the holiday, the types of celebrations varied throughout the regions. Some celebrated it as a feast and some as a purely religious holiday. While most observed Christmas there were some that didn't such as the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony. And in some areas the hardships and challenges of the land did not permit the settler's free time for celebrations of any kind.
The observance of Christmas was recorded in non-English settlements as being more religious in nature. The French settlers of St Croix Island off the coast of Maine held religious observances and spent the remainder of the day playing games.
As the first settlements grew into more established colonies patterns of Christmas observances began to form that were unique to the geographic area. The distance from European homelands, the disparate religious and ethnic groups and the hardship of the new beginnings disrupted old habits and holiday traditions.
Pennsylvania was home to a large group of Quakers who, like the Puritans, were against observance of the holiday. They believed that most Christmas revelers spent the day in riot and drunkenness. Though Quaker areas did not celebrate Christmas, the Moravians, Dutch Reformers and Anglicans all held observances in their own way. By and large, most settlers in the New World welcomed Christmas as a day of respite from the routines of work and hardship that came with establishing new lands.
The disparate Christmas observances continued until the American Revolution. The next hundred years following the Revolution shaped the way Americans celebrated the holiday. During the 1800's as areas grew in population and prosperity Christmas observances began to resemble the Christmas celebrations as we know them.
Today it is observed as a family centered celebration complete with traditional foods, Christmas tree, decorations, parties and gift-giving. Many celebrate by attending religious ceremonies and participating in religious practices. Much like its origins, today's Christmas celebrations remains to be an observance of a religious event with much festivity and merriment. As America's most popular holiday, it is celebrated as a season of joy, peace and hope for humankind.
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Decorating the Tree -- Who Decorated the First One?
Christmas party games, family gatherings, decorations and gifts make the holiday season special. In many homes, the holiday season includes the Christmas tree decked in all its glory. Often, decorating the tree is a traditional event shared by the whole family. But how did this tradition start? Who decorated the first Christmas tree and why?
Decorated Christmas trees can be traced back to the ancient Romans. During their winter festival or Saturnalia, the Roman's decorated trees with small pieces of metal in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. Decorated trees and games were enjoyed throughout the festival.
Centuries ago in Great Britain, Druids, or wood priest as they were called, used evergreens during winter solstice rituals. During these rituals, The Druids played games and used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life. They also placed evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.
During the middle ages the Paradise tree, which was an evergreen, was decorated with apples as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve. This feast was held on December 24th.
In 1531 Christmas trees were sold in Alsace. Alsace was at that time a part of Germany. Today it is part of France. The trees were sold at local markets to be placed in homes but were not decorated. In Alsace, there was an ordinance that stated no person "shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoe lengths."
Sixteenth century folklore credited Martin Luther as being the first to decorate an indoor tree. After a walk through a forest of evergreens with shining stars overhead, Luther tried to describe the experience to his family and showed them by bringing a tree into their home and decorating it with candles. Some historians dispute this stating that the first evidence of a lighted tree appeared more than a century after Martin Luther's death in 1546.
The oldest record of a decorated Christmas tree came from a 1605 diary found in Strasburg, France (Germany in 1605). The tree was decorated with paper roses, apples and candies.
In Austria & Germany during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the tops of evergreens were cut and hung upside down in a living room corner. They were decorated with apples, nuts and strips of red paper. Creating the decorations was a festive event that included playing games and other merriment much like Christmas party games played today.
The Christmas tree tradition has remained as an important part of the season in Germany. It is the center of their holiday celebration and no home is without a decorated tree. The tree is setup undecorated and remains undecorated until Christmas Eve. While undecorated, the tree is appreciated for its natural beauty and the wonderful pine scent it brings inside. The tree is decorated with countless candles, golden fruits and shimmering ornaments. The decorated and lit tree is introduced Christmas Eve much to the wonderment and delight of the children. The day continues with fun, food and Christmas games.
Christmas trees came to America when the German Moravian Church settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1747. The trees were meant as an amusement for the children. The tree itself was not used but wooden pyramids covered with the tree's evergreen branches were decorated with candles.
Another record of Christmas trees in America was during the War of Independence when it was introduced by Hessian troops.
The first Christmas tree in Britain was said to be setup at Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, in 1834. Some historians state that it was actually Queen Charlotte, Victoria's grandmother, who had the introduced the Christmas tree to the royal family at the Queen's lodge at Windsor on Christmas Day in 1800.
The custom of decorating trees was introduced by Charles Minnegrode of Williamsburg, Virginia in the year of 1842. This became a Christmas tradition that includes the gathering of family and friends, playing Christmas party games and eating favorite sweets.
The Christmas tree became fashionable in the 1850's. Until this time, it had been considered a quaint foreign custom.
In 1851, Mark Carr brought trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York. Carr hauled two ox-drawn sleds full of evergreen trees into New York City and sold them all. Thus the Christmas tree market was born in America.
The first White House tree was introduced by President Franklin Pierce in 1856. It was setup for a group of local Sunday school children. President Calvin Coolidge started the first national Christmas tree tradition and lighting ceremony in 1923.
By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree, and 20 years later, the custom was nearly universal. Nearly every Christian American household today celebrates the holiday season with a decorated tree. Other holiday traditions have remained from the origins of the Christmas tree that include a tree decorating parties, feasts of traditional foods and playing Christmas party games.
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The Office Christmas Party -- Good, Bad and Real Ugly!
The office Christmas party - the annual event that causes normally mature and sane professionals to drink outrageous amounts of alcohol, dance seductively on tables, engage in grotesque public displays of affection and voice shocking revelations that would surely have been better kept private. If you liken your company's Christmas party to a tooth extraction (and prefer the later) you're not alone. Five out of ten employees say they'd rather not attend. While half of us would rather skip it, 95% of employees feel that skipping the corporate shindig could have a negative effect on their careers. Better to grin and bear it than risk chances at future promotions. Besides you'll get a look at your co-workers better half's which can make the whole event worth it. No matter where you fall in your opinion of the annual event read these tips on how to survive it without compromising your health, reputation or career.
No Excuse - You Gotta Go
Even though the Christmas party memo states attendance as "non-mandatory" that's corporatese for "we're putting a lot of effort in this thing and we expect you to go." Don't attend and risk being accused of not being a team player or that you're too good for the team. One evening a year and an appropriate nod or smile at the right VP or manager has changed the course of careers!
Dress for Success
If it isn't stated on the Christmas party memo the venue will dictate the proper attire. If you're unsure, ask a more experienced co-worker whose opinion you trust. The last thing you want to do is to draw unwanted attention with an outfit that screams "I-do-not-know-how-to-dress-appropriately." And please keep it decent, your co-workers do not need to see your "naughty-bits"
Timing is Everything
Time your arrival to your advantage. You don't want to be the first to arrive, or the last. An early arrival could put you in a position to make awkward small talk. You definitely don't want to arrive halfway through the main course either. Try to arrive with a crowd of folks.
Get Out of the Corner - Mingle!
Though tempting, don't head right to the bar or buffet table upon arrival. Mingle a bit first. Make sure to have conversations with everyone you know in the room even if it's just to wish them happy holidays. Be sure to converse with close co-worker's spouses besides being polite, they may provide a window as to why some of them are so weird. Above all else -- don't vent about company matters. You never know who may be listening, the guy behind you in the shrimp line could be the CEO's relative.
Pace Thyself
Avoid the temptation to over indulge at the bar! This is a biggie lest you end up with a nasty hang-over and a vague memory of table-top dancing with the bosses wife. Do indulge moderately but pace yourself and alternate alcohol drinks with non-alcoholic ones. Consider your transportation home before the party. Public transport or a taxi may be in order.
Keep your Hands to Yourself
It's a fact that one third of all couples meet at work, not surprising since we spent so much time there. However, the Christmas party is NOT the place to act on any romantic impulses. We've all heard the stories of the "so-and-so" that were doing "such-and-such" (or worse) at the office Christmas party - don't let this be you! Remember that you'll face "so-and-so" and your amused co-workers at the office Monday. I can't even begin to imagine how awkward this situation must be. And while we're on the subject -- don't leave the party with a co-worker of the opposite sex -- this is how those nasty rumors get started.
Be Merry and Bright
Sure you'd rather be home watching It's a Wonderful Life with a cup of spiked eggnog but it's just one night. Make the best of it and enjoy yourself. Create little games for yourself like secretly counting how many times Bob from sales visits the dessert table or guess who will hit the dance floor first. Before you know it the night will be nearing a close and you will have survived the all thing. And Bob will have survived his 5 plates of dessert.
Exit - Stage Right
Leave the party quietly. Avoid any "you-guys-are-the-best" speeches. Say goodbye to those around you and make your way to the exit door. Just like your arrival, you don't want to be the first or last to leave. After eating, conversing and making the appropriate rounds you're free to make your escape.
Though the Office Christmas party can be a potential minefield it's also a chance to enjoy an evening with your favorite co-workers in a festive atmosphere. Who knows you may actually have fun. In any event, you'll be doing your corporate career duty and may be a first hand witness to "so-and-so" doing "such-and-such" which falls in the you-had-to-be-there category.
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Christmas Fun - Is that You Santa?
We all now the jolly old guy who lives at the North Pole with a bunch of hard working elves--right? I mean Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without him! But just how did this jolly old character come to be? Why does he where a red suit and fly around with eight reindeer? How did he come to live in the North pole with all those elves?
Our beloved Santa Claus is a jolly old man indeed. His origins began centuries ago as a saint known as St. Nicholas in an area known today as Turkey. Saint Nicholas was a very old, much loved and generous saint. Legend has it that he gave bags of gold to three daughters of a destitute nobleman. Lacking any money or property for a dowry, the nobleman had intended to sell his daughters into prostitution or slavery. St Nicholas rescued them by throwing bags of gold through the window so each had a proper dowry.
Stories of St. Nicholas's good deeds multiplied. Over time, he became known as a protector and rescuer of children, parents, sailors and many others. By the time of the Renaissance, he had become the favorite saint of nearly everyone.
Though popular for centuries, St. Nicholas had no real history in Colonial America. However, during the Revolution, Dutch families, who had settled in New York City, began meeting annually on December 23 to celebrate the St. Nicholas on the anniversary of his death. St Nicholas celebrations and stories, as told by Dutch immigrants, helped to increased his recognition.
In 1809 Washington Irving's History of New York, introduced St. Nicholas to a National audience. The book introduced St. Nicholas as a “friend to children" however, the description of him had little resemblance to the Santa Claus we know today. In 1822, Clarence Clarke Moore, a literature teacher of Dutch ancestry, wrote a poem for his children titled “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas." In his poem St. Nicholas acquired a new appearance and a bright new personality. We know this poem today as “Twas the Night Before Christmas." Moore was said to have modeled the new St. Nicholas after a “portly rubicund Dutchman" who lived near his father's home in New York.
Moore's poem was written as entertainment for his children only but the next year the poem was reprinted in a paper in New York with the title of “A Visit from St. Nicholas." It was said to have been submitted to the paper by a guest of the Moore family who visited during the Christmas season. Eventually, Moore published a collection of his poems, including “A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1844. The poem was repeated sporadically throughout the Nation in various newspapers and publications during the Holiday season thus increasing the popularity of St. Nicholas.
Over time, Moore's poem was illustrated and various versions of St. Nicholas attire emerged. The early drawings of St. Nicholas had no real resemblance to the Santa Claus we know today. Early St. Nicholas was often drawn with toys in one hand and a “switch" in the other. Toys for the good children and a threat of the switch for bad children. This depiction is related to the German version of St Nicholas known as Belsnickel. This version of St Nicholas likely derived from the large numbers of German settlers in New York and Pennsylvania areas.
By the beginning of the Civil War, Belsnickel had faded and a likeness more closely resembling modern Santa Clause begin to take shape. In 1842 a book, published in Philadelphia, titled Kris Kringle's Christmas Tree, a holiday present for boys and girls included this updated illustration of Santa Claus. His actions were modeled after Moore's poem except he put gifts on the branches of the Christmas tree and not in stockings.
Today Santa Claus, with his red fur lined suit, sack full of toys and flying reindeer are as central to the American Christmas as gift-giving. His actions set into the motion the excitement of Christmas eve and Christmas morning. He is a folk hero who provides children joy and wonderment of the season though his often told stories.
As a successful factory owner, philanthropist, and quasi-religious figure, Santa represents the wistful yearnings of a newer nation who embraces its wealth while still searching for spiritual meaning. Yes, Santa "sells" and his character has helped merchants sell their Christmas goods for centuries. For many he represents all that is wrong with the holiday season. For others he embodies kindness and good-will that best characterizes the meaning of the season.
No matter where you fall in your opinion of St. Nichols, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus or whatever you call him. There's no denying that for American children there is no bigger delight than the wonder of his story and the joy of his character.
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Company Christmas Party – Beware of the Drunken Lout! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and to attend the yearly corporate shindig – the office Christmas party! The idea of the annual holiday event is rooted in corporate goodwill. A way to show appreciation to its employees for a year of hard work. This is all well and good but the reality is that most working stiffs view the office Christmas party as a corporate-like event that they, being mindful of their career, must attend. And then there's the inevitable visitation of the drunken lout who takes the celebration a bit too far.
In an independent survey of 1000 office workers reveal that one out of five workers regret their actions at the office Christmas party. Social fears, boring events and open bars often lead to excessive drinking making office parties a social minefield. Over a third of workers admitting dreading “the walk of shame" to work the next morning, to find out whether they had enhanced or limited their career the night before. The survey revealed that a tenth of workers take the opportunity of their bosses' ‘high spirits' to ask for a pay rise, another tenth confessed to being physically sick in front of colleagues due to excessive drinking – not a great move if you're bucking for a promotion next year.
A third of workers admitted to regretting kissing a colleague during the party or worse - going home with a co-worker or client. One admitted to kissing the bosses daughter who turned out to be much younger then he thought! Eight out of ten respondents say they ‘danced like a fool' in front of bosses and upper management. Most all attendees say they hate the fact that photos are taken during the event. These are often posted on the company website, just so you can share your worst embarrassment with those who may have missed it.
Then there's the photocopier…workers just can't seem to keep their body parts off the copier during in-office Christmas parties. People obviously let their hair down at Christmas time and the printer/copier tends to get a bit of extra-curricular activity during the festive period. Copier repairs increase as much as 17% during the holiday season due to ‘non-work related' incidents. Often these calls are to repair broken glass which had been sat on, or to fix paper jams that revealed evidence of embarrassing images. One technician reported that a customer suggested an office identity parade to find the provider of the incriminating evidence! The survey also discovered bizarre items which had been found in a photocopier such as a snake, a kitchen knife, a sausage, a condom, stockings, a vibrator and even a check for $2000.00.
Statistics from an independent survey of 1000 office workers:
* A third of office workers have gone home with or kissed a colleague or client at their office Christmas party.
* A tenth of workers have been sick in front of colleagues due to excessive drinking.
* A tenth of office workers have told a colleague or boss that they fancy them.
* A third of office workers admitted dreading “the walk of shame" to work the next morning.
* A tenth of workers take the opportunity of their bosses' ‘high spirits' to ask for a pay rise.
* Two fifths of office workers admitted that they regrettably bad-mouthed bosses or co-workers while intoxicated at the office Christmas party.
* A third of workers owned up to ‘dancing like an idiot' in front of the boss.
* A fifth of employees regretted belting out karaoke songs in front of their colleagues.
Though the Office Christmas party can be a potential minefield it's also a chance to enjoy the company of your favorite co-workers and celebrate – with limitations. Keep the celebrating in check lest you blow that future promotion or worse – become the drunken lout! You don't want to be seen groping, kissing or acting stupid in front of upper management. The next time you're up for a promotion they're going to think about your lack of judgment and control. It is important, however, to attend. You'll be doing your corporate career duty and, who knows, you may actually have fun. |
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Christmas Craziness Reigns!
Christmas for the disturbed.
1. Schizophrenia — Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder — We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia — I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic — Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic — Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and…..
6. Paranoid — Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder — Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder — You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder — Silent night, Holy oooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is Franceso far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder –Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle, Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells … |
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Christmas Games and Weird Traditions
Christmas party games and traditions make the holiday season a special time. We all have certain rituals or customs we do every year to celebrate the season. Did you ever wonder how these customs got their start? Some traditions are well known to all some are celebrated by the few but all are a wonderful way to share the meaning of Christmas with those we love. Read on to learn more about how some traditions came to be.
Advent Calendar
Counting down the days until Christmas with an advent calendar is a popular holiday activity that started in 19th century German homes. The days were counted by making a chalk mark on the floor or hanging a different picture each day. This lead to homemade advent calendars with little doors that were opened each day revealing a Christmas image or bible verse.
Animal Crackers and Christmas?
The National Biscuit Company introduced "Barnum's Animal Crackers" as a holiday seasonal promotion in 1902. The boxes carrying string was designed for hanging on the Christmas tree at a time when candy and treats were typical tree decorations.
Bells
Bells and Christmas are inseparable. A simple silhouette of bells depicts a Christmas meaning. Bells became part of Christian worship around the year 400 and their sound summoning the faithful to worship was their first link to Christmas. This became the notion of "ringing-in" Christmas. In England Christmas is rung in starting December 21st. In Scandinavia, bells ring to announce the end of work and the beginning of the festive season. In some stories, St Nick carries around a hand bell on his visits. The gift-giver in Italy, Befana, rings a bell as she descends the chimney and in Hungary, angel bells are rung to announce that the children's presents have been delivered. Numerous carols use bells as a metaphor for joy and hope as in "Silver Bells," "I heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and "Jingle Bells."
Boxing Day
In Britain and many Commonwealth countries, December 26th is a legal holiday known as Boxing Day. Since the middle ages it was the custom during the Christmas season for English employees to solicit tips from people with whom their employer did business. These tips were collected in earthenware boxes which is where the day got its name.
Candy Canes
The red and white striped stick of hard candy known as the candy cane has its origins around 1670. The candy was invented as a means of quieting children during the Christmas service by a choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral. The candies were made in the shape of a shepherds hook. The shape of the hook soon led to hanging them on the tree as it was the custom to decorate the tree with sweets.
Christmas Carols
Carols were started as songs celebrating events of the Nativity. The word carol is said to be derived from a Greek word for circle dancing. Throughout the years religious organizations have both participated in and prohibited singing carols depending on the religious teachings of the day. During the 17th century carols were sung by carolers on "begging visits" during the Christmas season. After 1878, the Church of England renewed its use of Christmas carols which led to their popularity. The 20th century saw a continued interest in carols and a number of new religious and secular Christmas songs were written and became popular holiday favorites.
Childremas
December 28th is that date of the Feast of the Holy Innocents which commemorates the murder of the male babies of Bethlehem by King Herod. In many countries the day was considered a day of ill omen. In England no business was conducted on that day. In Ireland, no new venture was to begin on that day . Many sailors would not sail on December 28th. On the Aran Islands, no one was to be buried that day. In Cornwall washing that day would bring death to one of your relatives.
Christmas Crackers
A Christmas novelty made popular in Britain. The Christmas cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in decorative wrap. When pulled apart the tube makes a small explosive sound and the inside reveals toys and papers with humorous sayings. It was invented by a London confectioner who wanted a novelty that would sell for the Christmas season. Originally filled with sweet treats it was later filled with humorous or romantic sayings and prizes from inexpensive toys to expensive jewelry. It is now a popular part of Christmas celebrations in homes around the world.
Department Store Santa
The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson's store in Philadelphia in 1841. Astonishingly, no other department stores copied this event until 1890 when a store in Boston repeated it. Before long lines of children formed at stores across America to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their Christmas wish list. The department store Santa has been immortalized in films such as Miracle on 34th Street and Christmas Story.
Eggnog
This popular holiday drink takes its name from an old term for ale, "nog." It is copied from the French drink lait de poule, made of eggs, milk and spices. Americans added rum to it and topped it with nutmeg.
Elves
Small creatures who are associated with Christmas as Santa's helpers in the North Pole. They were not always so friendly. They originated in Scandinavia as house-elves who could be helpful if bribed but malicious if slighted, especially at Christmas. In Denmark, its customary to leave a bowl of milk out for them. Elves begin to take on a more positive and Christmas oriented persona in the 19th century as part of a drive to make the Christmas season more child-centered.
No matter what Christmas party games or traditions you share with your friends and loved ones the spirit of the season is special because of the time spent together. Merriest of Christmas' to all! |
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