Do You Know The Origins of Christmas traditions ?
by: Adam Lenk
There are many traditions and symbols that we associate with Christmas including the Christmas tree, leaving cookies out for Santa Claus, and sending Christmas cards and Christmas presents. If you're like most, you observe all of the traditions which are sacred to your family without a thought about where they originated or why they became so popular in the first place.
While you don't need to know why you celebrate the Christmas holiday the way you do, it makes for interesting conversation when you're sipping egg nog in front of the fireplace. So, if you're ready to wow your family and friends with your knowledge of the Christmas holiday, bring up these interesting facts about the most widely celebrated holiday.
The modern term Christmas originates form the Olde English "cristes masse," which means "Christ's mass." The name Christ finds its origins in the Greek tongue, which was the language spoken by Christ himself. The Greek form of the work was Khristos, which means "anointed one."
The origins of the Christmas tree actually predate Christ and the history of Christianity by thousands of years. The tree finds its beginning during the time of the Druids, a society made up of sorcerers, prophets and priests. During the time of the Druid winter solstice, which fell on December 21, the Druid priests decorated outdoor trees with apples and lit candles to show their appreciation to their god Odin. The candles represented the eternal light of their sun god Balter. Christians later adopted the practice widely and decorated their fir trees with apples to represent Adam and Eve's gall from grace.
The first Christmas tree has been credited to a warrior of the Crusades, Winfried of England, who had traveled to the Northern forests to covert the Pagans, according to legend. When Winfried came upon an unruly mob getting ready to conduct a human sacrifice before the sacred Oak of Geismar, he chopped down the detestable tree and a fir tree immediately sprang from where the Oak tree formerly stood. Winfried claimed the tree was the three of Christ which represented the love and kindness that should be in everyone's home.
Santa Claus is a lively, jolly and fat old fellow who tours the whole world on Christmas Eve delivering presents to deserving children. The modern-day Santa Claus finds his origins in Saint Nicholas. This patron saint was shown in paintings to look like the ordinary person that he was, but was given a makeover by the Coca-Cola Company in the 1930's. That's right; our beloved Santa Claus is nothing more than a clever marketing ploy. And you thought it was hard when the kids on the playground told you Santa Claus didn't exist.
Christmas cards were introduced during the 1840s in Britain with the introduction of the postal service and the penny stamp. While a penny was a lot of money during those days, sending Christmas cards still became very common by the 1860s.
Holly and mistletoe are also attributed to the Druids. The ancient Druids were the first society known to have worn sprigs of holly and mistletoe. The druid priests believed that holly was able to remain green and vibrant the entire year because it possessed magical properties. We may have also picked up some other significant traditions from the Druids. Do you think that it's a coincidence that the colors of holly, green and red, are the colors associated with Christmas today? Mistletoe, on the other hand, represented fertility and was looked down upon by the Christian church for its association with non-virginity.
Gift giving came to us from the Romans. The Romans exchanged holly wreaths as gifts during their Saturnalia festival, which coincided with the Druid's winter solstice. The wreaths were a symbol of eternal life. Later, many Christians would take to adorning their homes with holly during the Saturnalia festival to avoid persecution from the Romans. Eventually adornment with holly was absorbed into Christian practices as well.
So, now that you know a little more about why you do the things you do during the Christmas season, why don't you see what other tidbits of historical knowledge that you can uncover to share during your next holiday gathering.
About the author:
By Adam Lenk
For more Christmas articles and information visit http://www.makingchristmas.com
A Christmas History Lesson
by: Catherine Spelling
The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:
1st verse – "True Love" refers to God.
2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.
7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.
9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.
11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.
I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol. It’s always nice to learn something new, especially about the wonderful celebration of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
About the author:
Catherine Spelling absolutely loves spending Christmas with family and friends. When she is not counting down the days until Christmas, she writes for christmaslightsanddecorations.com/ - an online resources for all things relating to Christmas and decorations, with information about Garland, Ornaments, Holiday Decorations and more.
4 Fun And Easy To Make Homemade Christmas Decorations
by: Rosie Fletcher
Homemade Christmas decorations are some of the most unique. They are also a lot of fun because you can enjoy them with your family. Below are 4 fun and easy to make homemade Christmas decorations:
Popcorn Stringing
If you like strung popcorn, it’s really simple to make. Start with a big bowl of popcorn (unbuttered, of course) and string it piece by piece using a standard sewing needle and thread. Make sure there’s plenty of popcorn because, if you’re stringing it for garland, you’re going to need a lot.
Cranberry Stringing
Much like the popcorn stringing method, many people used to string cranberries using a standard needle and thread. Again, make sure there’s plenty to go around if you’re going to use it as garland. Most importantly, and I know it’s tempting, don’t eat all the decorations. Save some for the Christmas tree.
Paper Chains
One of the greatest memories of decorating for Christmas, as a child, has to be the traditional paper chains. Using green and red construction paper, cut horizontal strips of each color. Fold them into a circle and seal with tape. Scotch tape is recommended and, if you use this when your child is young, the smell will always remind them of Christmas. It will likely become "Christmas tape" to them. Once you have a complete circle, take another strip in an alternating color and run it through the first circle. Next, fold it around and seal with tape. Complete this step until you have a big strand of paper garland in red and green. You and your child will enjoy doing this together and it will create wonderful memories for you both.
Lighted Wreath
If you love the look of a lighted wreath, but don’t quite have a budget for one of the more expensive ones, consider another option. You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively. A small strand of lights can cost anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But, put them together and you have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath. For this project, you could use either clear or multi-colored Christmas lights. Simply take the plain green wreath and wrap the lights around in a design similar to the stripes on a candy cane. Once you’ve gone all the way around, tuck the last light into the green of the wreath. Make sure that you place it near an electric outlet because there won’t be a lot of extra cord. Now that you’re ready, plug it in and see your very own design. A red bow is a nice touch, but not necessary. As people drive by, they will see a beautifully lit wreath in your window and they will have no idea that you saved a few bucks by wrapping the lights yourself.
About the author:
For more great Christmas craft related resources check out http://crafts.christmashub.comand http://stockings.christmashub.com
6 Family Christmas Vacation Tips You Must Know
by: Rosie Fletcher
A family Christmas vacation can be a wonderful experience. It can fill you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas is a magical time to be surrounded by loved ones, friends and the spirit of the holidays. It’s also one of the busiest traveling times of the year. But, not to worry - there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation. A few tips will make your trip a breeze.
Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa
If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don’t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them.
Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Forget
Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities.
Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning
If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions.
Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early
When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you’re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don’t want to be left standing in the cold.
Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Forget The Chef
If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated.
Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions
One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like "How will Santa find me if I’m away from home," have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It’s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place.
About the author:
For great family Christmas resources check out http://music.christmashub.comand my main site http://www.christmashub.com
6 Great Online Christmas Shopping Tips
by: Rosie Fletcher
Christmas shopping is no longer confined to the local mall or an annual catalog that happens to find it‘s way into your mailbox. Thanks to advanced technology, there is literally a whole world of shopping at your fingertips. The internet has revolutionized the way people shop and, besides, what better way to do your Christmas shopping than from the comfort of your own home. No longer must we suit up and weather the harsh winter days in the hopes of checking a few names off of our Christmas list. The store aisles, as we know them, are crowded and hectic.
But now, many store aisles are becoming virtual, a shopping cart is something you fill with images of a product and a checkout is something that you click on to confirm your order. Things have changed a lot in the past years and I wonder how many of us couldn’t even imagine what life would be like without the convenience of shopping on the internet. There are several tips for online Christmas shopping, which can make the experience a smooth and pleasant one.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Be prepared
It’s a good idea to start your shopping with a complete list. This will save you both time and money with having to go back and place a separate order later on. With most online stores, you pay a flat shipping fee. In some cases, if you spend a certain amount of money on your order, the shipping and handling fee is waived. It’s always best to get everything you want, all at once, to save on shipping. Before you commit to buying from one store, shop around and compare prices on both the product and shipping.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #2: The early bird gets the gift
If you want to get the best selection, begin your holiday shopping early. Internet stores generally carry large quantities of every item, but even they can sell out. As Christmas draws near, it becomes more difficult to find the exact item that you’re looking for. There’s nothing like finding the perfect item and seeing the words, ‘Sold Out’ written under the price.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #3: Shop Safe
When ordering anything online, check product reviews if available. Always shop secured websites because you will be entering your credit card, or banking information, for payment. You don’t want your financial information accessed by anyone else, which is why all secured websites let you know how they protect your data.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #4: Wrap it up
If you’re like most, there’s not a lot of extra time around the holidays. If you need to save some time on wrapping, most online stores offer a gift wrapping service for a small fee. At some point during the ordering process, you may be asked if you would like to add gift wrap or a name tag. It’s as easy as the click of a button, which is much easier than trying to tie the perfect bow.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #5: Check Delivery Dates
When placing your order, check to make sure that the item is in stock or will be delivered in time for Christmas. Many times, especially near the holidays, items will go on a backorder status. It’s not uncommon for an advanced order item to have a delivery date of January, so be sure to check the status of the items in your shopping cart, along with their expected delivery dates. Not only that, but it’s also a good idea to check on the company’s shipping policy and delivery time for in-stock items.
Online Christmas Shopping Tip #6: Christmas Cards?
With all the stuff going on in December it's easy to forget to send out Christmas cards to family and friends. But if you forget to send traditional Christmas cards in time all is not lost. In fact, there are some great sites and services online that will send your christmas cards out for you (saving you precious time). You can find services that are both free and paid, and services that send both digital and tradition paper Christmas cards.
About the author:
For some great Christmas card related resources check out http://cards.christmashub.com
Christmas Tree Ornament Tips
by: John Morris
When it comes to decorating, we are all perfectionists about our Christmas tree. After all, it happens only once a year and the decorations are a treasure to behold. The finishing touch, for any Christmas tree, is the ornaments. Perhaps you have memories of a personalized ornament given to you as a child or maybe it’s the tradition of hanging them with your family - making sure that each is perfectly spaced from its neighbor for that added touch of beauty. The Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees, which we choose, should be a reflection of ourselves and our family.
There are all types of Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. From glass to unbreakable, there is something for everyone. Glass ornaments are among the most expensive, in part, because they require such intricate detail and add a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Glass ornaments pick up the reflection of lights and beam them across the room with, perhaps, even a twinkle or two. These ornaments are often hand-painted, which adds to their uniqueness.
There are a variety of unbreakable ornaments, also available, in a multitude of colors. If you have a child who loves to be near the Christmas tree, glass ornaments may not be the best option. Or, if you have a pet that enjoys the mystique of the tree a little too much, you may opt for something unbreakable. This is why there are plastic ornaments, which are much safer for your inquiring family members whether they be small or furry.
If you have children, there are plenty of ways to make beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees at home.
Using gold ribbon, tie a bow and place it on the tree. Repeat these steps until your tree is filled with golden memories of your child’s imagination. You can also purchase plain white ceramic ornaments and, together with your children, paint them into beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees.
What’s good enough to eat and also looks beautiful on a Christmas tree? Give up? It’s a candy cane, of course. These pretty little symbols of Christmas are everywhere during the holiday season. If you can resist the temptation of eating them, candy canes make terrific Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. Leave them as they are or tie little red bows around them for an added touch of Christmas.
If your child would like a personalized letter from Santa, contact one of Santa’s helper services and inquire about Santa also sending your child a personalized ornament with his/her name engraved. This will truly be one of the most special ornaments on the tree and your child will treasure it forever.
Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees truly are the icing on the cake. Let them reflect you, your family, your home and your love for the holidays. The most precious ornaments are those we decorate with love. Not so surprisingly, these are also the most beautiful.
About the author:
For more great Christmas ornament related resources check out http://ornaments.christmashub.com
Christmas Activities For Kids
Write A Letter To Santa
Writing a letter to Santa is a lot of fun. Ask younger kids what they would like to tell Santa and then have them draw or color a special picture for him to include with the letter you are writing for them. School aged kids can write their own letter and of course include a picture for Santa as well. Put the letter and picture in an envelope, and stick it in the mailbox. Just take it back out before the mailman gets there.
Of course your kids should receive a response from Santa. You can write your own on some holiday paper, or use one of the many Santa letter services out there. Here's one I have used in the past and have been very happy with: www.kinderinfo.com/santa-letter.htm
Write Christmas Cards
You don't have to be the only one writing Christmas cards to friends and family members. Get the kids involved in writing and even making the cards. All you need is some construction paper and some markers or crayons. You can even have them add some colorful Christmas stickers. Everyone will love getting these handmade cards from the kids.
Christmas Party
Let your kids throw their own Christmas party. This doesn't have to be complicated. Just have your child invite a few of his or her closest friends one afternoon in December. Serve some cookies and hot chocolate and play some Christmas music. You could even make a simple craft with the kids that they can take back home with them.
Pick A Christmas Tree
Take the kids with you to pick a Christmas tree. You can go to one of the many Christmas tree lots and let the kids help you pick out the perfect tree. Or you can even go out and cut your own tree. Many state forests have special areas that are grown just for Christmas trees and you can go out and cut your own. Of course there are also commercial tree lots that will let you do the same. Get everyone together and enjoy a winter afternoon of stomping through the woods finding the tree that's just right for you.
Susanne Myers is the owner of Kinderinfo.com a site for parents and kids with some great Christmas Crafts For Kids. For even more great Christmas crafts and ideas visit www.waitingforxmas.com and sign up to have new Christmas crafts, activities and recipes delivered to your email inbox each day until Christmas Eve
Christmas Decoration Ideas
There are a number of ways to make Christmas ornaments. Christmas ornaments can be made from regular paper or any other type of material. In fact, you can purchase a number of Christmas ornament cutouts or guides from your local craft store. These ornament pieces are likely plain, but already shaped like something, such as a star or a cross which the child can then paint. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is great for small children or those who may be making their own Christmas decorations for the first time.
Your children can also easily make their own Christmas paintings or drawings, often with the supplies that can already be found inside your home. You can then put it on your refrigerator or you could even frame the picture and hang it up somewhere else or give it to a grandparent as a Christmas gift. You can also have the child draw on a large sheet of paper or stamp it and use it as wrapping paper. This makes a double gift. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is ideal for children of any age and is a great way to save money since you likely already have all of the needed supplies. Many newspaper offices will sell end rolls of blank newsprint which is ideal for making wrapping paper.
Another fun Christmas project that your children could do is to make a centerpiece for your dining room table, or individual place cards. You children will be thrilled if you use that centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The children can create a somewhat elegant centerpiece, with artificial flowers, a large bowl or vase, some Christmas balls, as well as other decorative items. Your children can easily arrange these items to create their own unique centerpieces for your dining room table. If your children are a little older, they may be able to create a centerpiece in the shape of an Angel, a Santa or a Christmas tree by using construction paper and a few other small supplies.
Making a gingerbread house together is also fun. It is important that the house be constructed the day before so that the icing will have a chance to harden, but the children can have a wonderful time decorating the gingerbread house. It can even be used as a centerpiece for a Christmas display and then the children can eat it later.
Another similar idea is to take Social Tea Biscuits and make them into a small house, putting a ribbon between the seam of the roof top. It takes 7 cookies to make a house, a little Royal Icing, a ribbon loop long enough to hang over a tree branch, and some imagination to decorate it. These can be take home or eat gifts for children who visit your home around Christmas. Hang several on the Christmas tree.
There are a number of places online where you will be able to Christmas craft projects for kids. You can find a collection of ideas by performing a standard internet search. Also, your local library will no doubt have some Christmas Craft books. Your local book stores will also have a collection of Christmas craft books for children. These books tend to outline the supplies needed, as well as give detailed directions on how to make the Christmas decorations. These decorations may include Christmas drawings or paintings, tree ornaments, table centerpieces, and much more.
Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree.
Fran is a mom and grandmom who currently works as a Career/Employment Counsellor while establishing her online business. You can find more about her on her website www.franwatson.ca, and you can pick up a special gift at www.franwatson.ca/Memories.html
Christmas Time
by: David the Dogman
from David the Dogman
Gather presents, boxes, paper, etc. in middle of living room floor.
Get tape back from puppy.
Remove scissors from older dog's mouth.
Open box.
Take puppy out of box.
Remove tape from older dog's mouth.
Take scissors away from puppy.
Put present in box.
Remove present from puppy's mouth.
Put back in box after removing puppy from box.
Take scissors from older dog & sit on them.
Remove puppy from box & put on lid.
Take tape away from older dog.
Unroll paper.
Take puppy OFF box.
Cut paper being careful not to cut puppy's foot or nose that is getting in the way as it "helps".
Let puppy tear remaining paper.
Take puppy off box.
Wrap paper around box.
Remove puppy from box & take wrapping paper from its mouth.
Tell older dog to fetch the tape so he will stop stealing it.
Take scissors away from puppy.
Take tape older dog is holding.
Quickly tape one spot before taking scissors from older dog & sitting on them again.
Fend off puppy trying to steal tape & tape another spot.
Take bow from older dog.
Go get roll of wrapping paper puppy ran off with.
Take scissors from older dog who took them when you got up.
Give pen to older dog to hold so he stops licking your face.
Remove puppy from present & hurriedly slap tape on to hold the paper on.
Take now soggy bow from puppy & tape on since the sticky stuff no longer sticks.
Take pen from older dog, address tag & affix while puppy tries to eat pen.
Grab present before puppy opens it & put it away.
Clean up mess puppy & older dog made playing tug-of-war with remnants of wrapping paper.
Put away rest of wrapping supplies & tell dogs what good helpers they are.
Found on the Internet author unknown
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
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Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for