The jolly festive season is upon us once again, Christmas a time for happiness/ turkey/mulled wine and crackers. These are just some of the traditions that are upheld at this time of year by people who on Christmas day celebrate the birth of our Lord.
Following this big day we then have the task of putting into force our new year's resolutions just so we can break them, just another tradition where vows and promises are made.
Traditions are there for the benefit of remembrance, you have the person that abides by the rules and then you have others that intend to do things a little different.
Whoever or whatever sort of person you are tradition is tradition.
By replacing turkey with a plate of pig's trotters on the Christmas menu is another Christmas tradition broken. Remember to be extra careful who you invite on the day for dinner if porky's feet are dish of the day.
Christmas idea
A fantastic way to keep family togetherness for ever for generations to come when bearing gifts to loved ones is to give each member an identical piece of jewellery symbolizing unity. It is a fabulous way of bonding and proving to the world that blood is thicker than water
Let us go back in time where Scottish tartan denoted the clan you belonged too. Cherokee Indians/apaches etc expressed their tribal identities by headwear or other colourful symbols. So why not bring your tribe/clan together with there own identities in the form of a piece of gold or silver.
Make your new year's resolution today and go in search of the symbol that will be recognized and passed down to future generations, by doing this another tradition is broken, but if it brings happiness, what the heck.
Unison prevails in the form of your own jewellery trade mark where your chosen symbol ring/chain sends a message to the world that this family would proudly like to say, united we stand.
Jewellery gifts can be made extra special by designing your own. Jewellers can take your ideas and work miracles with them as in putting you and your family on the map with your own trademark.
Ho ho hoMerry Christmas
الاثنين، 5 أكتوبر 2009
Family Christmas Traditions From Germany
German legend says that, on Christmas Eve, all the rivers turn to wine, the animals speak to each other and to humans, trees bear fruit, church bells ring from the sea, and gems pour forth from the mountains. Is it any wonder, then, that family Christmas traditions in Germany are bold, beautiful, and full of cheer? When Christmas, or Weihnachten as the Germans call it, rolls around in Germany, you’ll find lots of beautiful decorations, delicious treats, and traditional stories to brighten the season.
The first part of December is traditionally reserved for solemn religious reflection. In years past, this quiet period lasted right up until Christmas itself. This time included a focus on reconnecting with your religion through reflection and fasting. Modern Germans, however, tends to use a slightly shorter period of time while still preserving the idea of concentrating on the religious aspects of the season..
The four weeks leading up to Christmas (usually beginning just before December first so as to include four Sundays before Christmas) is the Adventszeit or Advent season. Many German households include an Adventskran, or Advent wreath. This is a wreath of leaves with five candles, usually with four purple candles and one white. On each Sunday of Advent, one of the purple candles is lit. The white candle is traditionally lit around midnight on Christmas Eve to signal the birth of the Christ Child. Most families also have an Advent calendar for each child. There’s a door on the calendar for each day from December 1st through 25th, and behind each door the child will find a small chocolate or toy. Many families open their doors just before bed, giving the children something to dream about in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas.
Children in Germany tend to honor both St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child in their traditions. On December 6th, families celebrate St. Nikolaus’s Feast Day by placing their shoes by the fireplace. The children hope that St. Nikolaus will deem their behavior throughout the year as good enough to warrant treats of fruit, nuts, chocolates, candies, and marzipan instead of the coal and twigs his partner Knecht Ruprecht bestows upon naughty children. Many modern Germans now use a decorative item like a small wooden sleigh or shoe in place of actual shoes when waiting for the arrival of St. Nikolaus. After St. Nikolaus has come and gone, the children write letters to the Christkindl or the Christ Child, addressing them to his home in Himmelstadt.
According to many accounts, the Christmas tree that has become traditional throughout many parts of the world originated in Germany. Known as the Weihnachtsbaum to the Germans, the Christmas tree is traditionally a live fir or pine tree that is decorated with candles, marzipan, beautifully wrapped chocolates, hand-blown ornaments, and tinsel. Tradition dictates that the children of the family aren’t allowed to see the Christmas tree until the Christmas bell rings on the night of Christmas Eve. Many families now keep the Christmas tree in a locked room for such a purpose, while others prefer to put their trees up on Christmas Eve evening.
On Christmas Eve, the German family traditionally starts their evening with a service at their church. When they return, one member of the family rings the Christmas bell, signaling the start of the Christmas celebration. The family then goes to the Christmas tree to open gifts. This tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve is different from many other Western countries, but remains true to this day. Different parts of Germany believe differently about who brings the gifts. In the northern part of the country, families traditionally believe that the Weihnachstmann or Christmas Man brings their gifts. In the southern part of the country, however, the Christkindl is who brings the gifts that everyone enjoys.
Then comes the Christmas feast. Different families partake of this feast at varying times; it can take place before the gift giving, after the gift giving, or even after the midnight Christmas church service. Regardless, the feast traditionally consists of a roasted goose or carp and lots of goodies. Some typical side dishes include Christstollen, which is a long loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and marzipan fruit; Lebkuchen, or gingerbread; marzipan fruits themselves; and Stollen, a fruit-filled bread. The feast is usually ended with plates of cookies and chocolates to bring a proper end to the celebration.
Christmas Day itself is spent with family and friends and usually includes time for religious activities. The Christmas season doesn’t traditionally end, however, until January 6th. This day was traditionally used to celebrate the birth of Christ, and is still used today as the Feast of the Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige. This day celebrates the three wise men, and their initials along with the year are written in chalk above the doors of German homes to protect the family throughout the year.
Germany is the source of many Western Christmas traditions. While maintaining their own unique intricacies, Germans have shared their traditions throughout the world and can be looked to for wonderful ideas on how you can start your own family Christmas traditions. Maybe this year, your family can participate in the celebration of the Advent with a beautiful calendar filled with chocolates, or decorate your tree with marzipan and cookies. Make the traditions your own, and your family will remember your Christmas celebration for years to come.
The first part of December is traditionally reserved for solemn religious reflection. In years past, this quiet period lasted right up until Christmas itself. This time included a focus on reconnecting with your religion through reflection and fasting. Modern Germans, however, tends to use a slightly shorter period of time while still preserving the idea of concentrating on the religious aspects of the season..
The four weeks leading up to Christmas (usually beginning just before December first so as to include four Sundays before Christmas) is the Adventszeit or Advent season. Many German households include an Adventskran, or Advent wreath. This is a wreath of leaves with five candles, usually with four purple candles and one white. On each Sunday of Advent, one of the purple candles is lit. The white candle is traditionally lit around midnight on Christmas Eve to signal the birth of the Christ Child. Most families also have an Advent calendar for each child. There’s a door on the calendar for each day from December 1st through 25th, and behind each door the child will find a small chocolate or toy. Many families open their doors just before bed, giving the children something to dream about in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas.
Children in Germany tend to honor both St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child in their traditions. On December 6th, families celebrate St. Nikolaus’s Feast Day by placing their shoes by the fireplace. The children hope that St. Nikolaus will deem their behavior throughout the year as good enough to warrant treats of fruit, nuts, chocolates, candies, and marzipan instead of the coal and twigs his partner Knecht Ruprecht bestows upon naughty children. Many modern Germans now use a decorative item like a small wooden sleigh or shoe in place of actual shoes when waiting for the arrival of St. Nikolaus. After St. Nikolaus has come and gone, the children write letters to the Christkindl or the Christ Child, addressing them to his home in Himmelstadt.
According to many accounts, the Christmas tree that has become traditional throughout many parts of the world originated in Germany. Known as the Weihnachtsbaum to the Germans, the Christmas tree is traditionally a live fir or pine tree that is decorated with candles, marzipan, beautifully wrapped chocolates, hand-blown ornaments, and tinsel. Tradition dictates that the children of the family aren’t allowed to see the Christmas tree until the Christmas bell rings on the night of Christmas Eve. Many families now keep the Christmas tree in a locked room for such a purpose, while others prefer to put their trees up on Christmas Eve evening.
On Christmas Eve, the German family traditionally starts their evening with a service at their church. When they return, one member of the family rings the Christmas bell, signaling the start of the Christmas celebration. The family then goes to the Christmas tree to open gifts. This tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve is different from many other Western countries, but remains true to this day. Different parts of Germany believe differently about who brings the gifts. In the northern part of the country, families traditionally believe that the Weihnachstmann or Christmas Man brings their gifts. In the southern part of the country, however, the Christkindl is who brings the gifts that everyone enjoys.
Then comes the Christmas feast. Different families partake of this feast at varying times; it can take place before the gift giving, after the gift giving, or even after the midnight Christmas church service. Regardless, the feast traditionally consists of a roasted goose or carp and lots of goodies. Some typical side dishes include Christstollen, which is a long loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and marzipan fruit; Lebkuchen, or gingerbread; marzipan fruits themselves; and Stollen, a fruit-filled bread. The feast is usually ended with plates of cookies and chocolates to bring a proper end to the celebration.
Christmas Day itself is spent with family and friends and usually includes time for religious activities. The Christmas season doesn’t traditionally end, however, until January 6th. This day was traditionally used to celebrate the birth of Christ, and is still used today as the Feast of the Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige. This day celebrates the three wise men, and their initials along with the year are written in chalk above the doors of German homes to protect the family throughout the year.
Germany is the source of many Western Christmas traditions. While maintaining their own unique intricacies, Germans have shared their traditions throughout the world and can be looked to for wonderful ideas on how you can start your own family Christmas traditions. Maybe this year, your family can participate in the celebration of the Advent with a beautiful calendar filled with chocolates, or decorate your tree with marzipan and cookies. Make the traditions your own, and your family will remember your Christmas celebration for years to come.
Christmas Joys
This Christmas has to go down in history as the best I can ever remember. It was my son’s 2nd year to celebrate the joyous holiday, but the first in which he could really participate in opening presents. And he had plenty to choose from!
My son took his time opening each gift – tearing wrapping paper off in one-inch sections and making sure he put them all in the trash bag. He’s quite the little neat freak even at 21 months. And, of course once the gift was opened, it had to be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a child’s toy lately? If not, be grateful. The toy is attached to the box by either screws or twist ties. But if that’s not enough, the screws and/or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If you’re fortunate enough to get a Little People’s set, you can have fun prying the little figures out of the heat-molded plastic casing they come in. So, after about 45 minutes of unwrapping one gift…he would move on to the next. Needless to say, unwrapping presents was an all-day event - a very enjoyable, laughter-filled all-day event.
I was having such a good time that it got me reminiscing. I remembered when I was a child; my parents would tell me that the best Christmas present they could ever receive was watching me open gifts with wide-eyed anticipation. As a young toy-craving kid, I couldn’t understand what they meant. How could giving EVER be better than receiving? I understand completely now. The older my baby gets, the more fun I have giving him gifts. And, the less I care about what I receive. As a kid, I would spend the long days leading up to Christmas examining packages, scheming to find out what was in store for me. Now those days are spent baking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates, and reading him stories about the very first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids, but I’ve never been happier.
The holidays have always been a great time of reflection for me. This year is surely no exception. I take note of having been blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband – both of whom have made this Christmas exceptionally grand.
My son took his time opening each gift – tearing wrapping paper off in one-inch sections and making sure he put them all in the trash bag. He’s quite the little neat freak even at 21 months. And, of course once the gift was opened, it had to be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a child’s toy lately? If not, be grateful. The toy is attached to the box by either screws or twist ties. But if that’s not enough, the screws and/or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If you’re fortunate enough to get a Little People’s set, you can have fun prying the little figures out of the heat-molded plastic casing they come in. So, after about 45 minutes of unwrapping one gift…he would move on to the next. Needless to say, unwrapping presents was an all-day event - a very enjoyable, laughter-filled all-day event.
I was having such a good time that it got me reminiscing. I remembered when I was a child; my parents would tell me that the best Christmas present they could ever receive was watching me open gifts with wide-eyed anticipation. As a young toy-craving kid, I couldn’t understand what they meant. How could giving EVER be better than receiving? I understand completely now. The older my baby gets, the more fun I have giving him gifts. And, the less I care about what I receive. As a kid, I would spend the long days leading up to Christmas examining packages, scheming to find out what was in store for me. Now those days are spent baking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates, and reading him stories about the very first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch kids, but I’ve never been happier.
The holidays have always been a great time of reflection for me. This year is surely no exception. I take note of having been blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband – both of whom have made this Christmas exceptionally grand.
Christmas Traditions In Germany
Germany has numerous traditions that it shares with the 9 neighboring countries that abut it. They also have quite a few that they have started themselves.
In the United States children write their letters to Santa Claus and mail them to the North Pole with their respective wish lists. In some other countries the children will write their letters and throw them in the fire so that the smoke will take their lists to Santa at the the North Pole.
German children have a slightly different tradition though. They write their letters to the Christkind or Christ Child. They seal them in envelopes and decorate the envelope with sugar and glue to make them glitter in the moon light. They then place them on the windowsill where their parents usually pick them up to leave the appearance that the Christkind has stopped by to receive them.
Another tradition is for the children to fill their shoes with hay, straw and carrots and leave them out in front of the door. They are trying to tempt Saint Nicholas to stop and feed his white stallion. He will then repay them by refilling their shoes with candy and toys.
The tradition of the Christmas tree was started in Germany and Christmas trees are quite popular there. How the tradition of the Christmas tree started is a matter of much debate.
The first tale is of a wood cutter who encountered a lone hungry child while out cutting trees. He befriended and fed the child. After the meal the child continued on his way. The next day the child appeared to the wood cutter and his wife as a spirit and thanked him for his kindness. He then explained that he was the Christ Child, Christkind to the Germans.
He gave the wood cutter a sprig from an evergreen tree and explained that this tree would bear fruit year round. This lead to the German's felling evergreen trees and decorating them with ribbons, candies, etc. to celebrate the Christkind.
The other tale of how the Christmas tree came about is attributed to Martin Luther. He supposedly brought in an evergreen tree one year from outside and decorated it with candles. The candles were to represent the light of Jesus Christ and the heavens according to tradition
Christmas Trivia
Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and decorating. Children love to write letters to Santa and get a reply with an envelope stamped "North Pole". But even more fascinating is the origins of many of our beloved Christmas traditions.
Exchanging Gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed that in order to have a prosperous year, one must not be selfish for to hoard what they already had would guarantee that they would never be blessed with more. This is why we exchange gifts today.
Tree decorating: In olden times trees represented life triumphant over death. The Romans trimmed trees with trinkets, candles, and toys. The Druids tied polished apples and other offerings on tree branches. In Munich, even trees in cemeteries were decked with holly and mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, which decorates our homes today, has come to signify the ever living Christ.
Yule Logs: The ancient Druids and other cultures believed that the sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, fireplaces with burning logs recapture this ancient custom with the belief that the firelight is symbolic of the light that came from Heaven when Christ was born.
Candles: In England, large candles were burned in conjunction with the yule log. In America today, the candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the sun because it was always green. Today holly represents the ever living Christ. The white flowers, purity; the red berries, his blood; the leaves, his crown of thorns, and the bitter bark, his sorrow.
Mistletoe: Comes from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess, had arranged for her son to be protected from all earthly dangers. When he was shot with an arrow made from mistletoe, Freyja made mistletoe promise never to harm anyone ever again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. It's winter blossoms bring promise of bounty for the coming spring.
Caroling: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a party was given to the god Thor, represented by a goat. After much singing and dancing the goat would pretend to die and return to life. Today, carolers go from door to door singing and this represents the life of Christ.
Santa Claus: Santa actually started out as a version of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. Sailors feared him because he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe journeys. Because he could save them from angry waters, he became known as "giver of all good things". Due to the rise of Christianity, the old custom was changed to honor Nicholas of Myra, an Asian bishop. Nicholas wore red clothing, rode a white horse who could fly, and delivered gifts anonymously. Today, he is Santa with his flying reindeer!
A Christmas History Lesson
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!
Christmas Customs Around The World
December is well-known for Christmas but do you know how people in countries around the world celebrate it? Here are some customs from various parts of the world.
Australia
Greeting - Merry ChristmasSanta's Name - Santa Claus. Children leave him a piece of cake or biscuits and a glass of milk or a bottle of beer.Food - Many Christmas dinners include roasted meats and vegetables, special fruit cakes, and puddings with a coin baked inside. Since the temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, people are starting to eat cold meats and salads, tropical fruits like mangoes, and stone fruits like plums. Often, the main meal is eaten for lunch.Gifts - These are left under the Christmas tree and opened Christmas morning.Decorations - Shops and homes are decorated with tinsel, Christmas trees, decorations for the holiday, and special lights.Customs - Traditional and Australian carols are sung by candlelight on Christmas Eve and are broadcast on television. On Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, two sporting events take place:The Boxing Day Test Match (cricket game) and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Brazil
Greeting - Feliz NatalSanta's Name - Papai Noel (Father Noel), who is dressed in a red, silk suit with boots.Food - Many people eat a traditional feast with roast turkey and vegetables, while others eat chicken and rice or beans. Beer and wine are also served. Some regions begin eating around 9 PM on Christmas Eve, while others eat around midnight.Gifts - Local charities take in donations but do not seem to have enough presents for all the children.Decorations - Brazil has a mixture of people so Christmas is celebrated in different ways. In the northeastern area, it is common to find Nativity Scenes; in the southern part, snow is simulated with little pieces of cotton on pine trees.Customs - Brazilians sing a number of Christmas carols.
Greece
Greeting - Eftihismena ChristougennaFood - Special holiday cakes are baked.Gifts - Most Greek people exchange gifts on Saint Basil's Day, January 1.Customs - To honor Saint Basil, the holiday cakes have gold coins hidden inside them. The cakes are cut at midnight on New Year's Eve. Whoever has a gold coin in his piece of cake will have good luck the following year.
Hungary
Santa's Name - Actually, the Baby Jesus is said to bring presents on Christmas Eve. A bell sounds signaling that the Angels have brought the tree and gifts.Customs - On December 5, children leave out their shoes. During the night, Mikulas and Black Peter come to fill them with goodies for well-behaved children and switches for naughty children.
India
Decorations - Sometimes, houses are decorated with mango leaves; mango or banana trees are also decorated. Small, clay, oil-burning lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs as decorations.
Israel
Greeting - Chag Semeach (Happy Chanukah)Santa's Name - Actually, parents, grandparents, and other family members give presents to the children.Food - Because oil is an important part of the holiday, many foods are prepared with it. A favorite is potato latkes (pancakes).Gifts - Since Chanukah lasts for eight days, children may receive one present each night.Decorations - Jewish stars, blue or silver foil garlands,dreidels (spinning tops), Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins), and pictures of the Macabees (Jewish army that recaptured the Holy Temple and Jerusalem from the Assyrian Greek King Antiochus) are found around the house.Customs - The menorah (candelabra) is lit each night. On the first night, one candle is lit; on, the second night, two candles; and so on until all the candles are lit on the eighth night. After lighting the candles, families eat a festive meal, dance, play games, and open presents. They also attend Chanukah parties.
Japan
Greeting - Kurisumasu OmedetoSanta's Name - Santa Kurohsu. He does not appear in person but is pictured in advertisements as a kind old man with a round sack on his back.Food - Depending upon the family's custom, they eat turkey on Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve. Japanese families also eat Christmas cake.Gifts - Stores sell merchandise for men, women, and children; and on Christmas Day, families exchange gifts.Decorations - More and more artificial Christmas trees are beginning to appear. They are decorated with small toys, gold paper fans, dolls, lanterns, paper ornaments, and wind chimes. A popular ornament is the origami swan. Other decorations are mistletoe, evergreen, tinsel, and lights. An amulet is put on the front door for good luck and children exchange 'birds of peace,' pledging there must not be anymore war.Customs - The daiku, or Great Nine, refers to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and is performed many places.
Mexico
Greeting - Feliz NavidadCustoms - Beginning on December 15, some families carry colorful lanterns and walk from house to house in their neighborhoods, each night, until Christmas Eve. This is called La Posada, which means 'the procession.' On each of the nights, the families are invited into different houses where they become guests at a party. There is plenty to eat and drink. Children play the pinata game, trying to break open the papier-mache figure with a stick while blindfolded; when it is cracked open, candies and small gifts fall out.
Netherlands
Greeting - Hartelijke KerstroetenSanta's Name - Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas), who wears a red bishop's hat and bishop's cloak and has white hair and a white beard. He arrives on a white horse with his servant, Black Pete, to put small gifts in children's wooden shoes.Food - The Dutch people eat lots of marzipan, spiced ginger biscuits, tall chocolate letters, and 'bankletter' - initials made of pastry and filled with almond paste. When they are around the Christmas tree singing songs, they eat 'Kerstkrans' - a Christmas ring.Gifts - On December 6, after hearing a knock at their door, children find a bag full of toys, nuts, and gifts.Decorations - The Christmas tree is known as the Paradise Tree. Decorations of the season include dolls, musical instruments, fruit, candies, and lights.Customs - The Dutch sing carols, the most popular one being "O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree."
Sweden
Greeting - God JulFood - Coffee, cakes, and special buns are served on Santa Lucia Day, December 13.Customs - Santa Lucia Day honors Saint Lucy, who helped blind people. The oldest daughter in each Swedish household dresses in a white gown with a red sash, wears a crown of evergreenwith seven candles in it, awakens the family with a song, and serves the coffee, cakes, and buns. Each town and city also chooses a young woman to be Lucia for the day. She then serves coffee and food to the townspeople at schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. From these women, a national Lucia is chosen; followed by a parade, feast, and dance.
Now that you have this data, let your children put the information in a comparison chart. Label the left side with the names of the countries and the bottom with the various information (ie: Greeting, Food, and so on). Then fill in the boxes!
Let your children do research to find out the information I left out.
Conduct research to find out the same customs for other countries, especially the heritage countries of students in your class or your own family.
However you celebrate the holidays, have a safe, wonderful season and a Happy New Year!
I hope these ideas are useful and inspire your own creative thinking.
And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!
Welcome Christmas!
Christmas is the most mysterious holiday! Christians celebrate it all over the world. It is too special holiday as all the traditions were handled down from our grandparents and parents.
From November nobody forgets that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centers and shops and artificial snow painted on shop, cafe windows. In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees', real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees, are also decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.
Shopping centers become busier. Speaker systems in them play Christmas 'carols', the traditional Christmas Christian songs. Very often groups of people sing these carols raising money for charity. By mid-December, most people decorate their houses with Christmas trees, colored lights, make different decorations around the rooms. Some people decorate their trees with apples, nuts, and candles as it was in earlier times.
In many countries, most people send Christmas greeting cards with many wishes to their friends and family, and these cards are hung on the walls of their homes then. Traditional Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today pictures are often winter pictures, jokes, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.
'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. In the pictures we can see the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. The history of Santa Clause begins with a man called Saint Nicholas. He was a Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor (now Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. One day he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking, which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.
For many people it's too interesting to know: how did Christmas start?
Since about 400 AD Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah', the title given to Jesus. Unfortunately the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas, not in Jesus. Christmas Day is a holiday with eating, drinking too much and watching TV and other activities. But the real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. After Jesus was born there were some wise men who came to look for Him, from an area which is now in either Iran or Saudi Arabia. Admittedly there were three wise men (or three Kings). The story said they had seen an unusual star in the sky that told them of a birth of a special king. For bringing honor to the child, the brought rich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin which burns with a beautiful smell) and myrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). These gifts tell us three key things about Jesus: Gold - a gift fit for a King, Frankincense - burnt in worship of God, Myrrh - a sign of mortal humanness, used to bury the dead. Jesus lived too difficult life. He was and is 'everyman' for us all as He came to identify with every racial group. Christmas cards from different countries often show Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the landscape of that country, and with the racial appearance of that nationality. "No other person has had such an effect on human lives as Jesus. He came back to life again, and millions say they know Him today as a friend and helper in their lives. You owe it to yourself to find out more about Him. Is He who He claimed to be? Can He help us in our lives today? You have nothing to lose! Christmas is the time to stop and think about these important questions".
Merry Christmas!!!
X-mas...pinoy-style
As early as when the months of the year begin to end with "-ber", Filipinos are bursting with anticipation for that special magic the Christmas season never fails to yield. Anywhere else in the world, Christmas is a December "thing". Here in the Philippines, however, it lasts all the way into the Feast of the Three Kings, sometimes even onto the Chinese New Year. Indeed, with all the holiday hoopla, Christmastime in the Philippines is anything but boring.
Christmas the Filipino way would not be the same without the "people traffic" inside and outside department stores and tiangges as shoppers clamor to get the best buys of the season. Pinoys at home meanwhile, spiffy up the house with decorations and strategically placed speakers, from which the sounds of Christmas will be heard.
You also have fidgety children and over-anxious parents and yayas who bribe the children into "being good", else Santa Clause doesn't come for a visit this year. Anything for that red fire truck or Barbie doll, the kids would think, but how would they know whether jolly ol' St. Nick is just a fraud or not? Anyway, the trick turns out to be just as good a disciplining method for any other day of the year as it is during Christmas time.
Several traditions remain uniquely Filipino. The misa de gallo for example. Filipinos have been religiously attending these dawn masses, more commonly known as Simbang Gabi, ever since Fray Diego de Soria popularized it in Mexico in 1587. In the Philippines, Simbang Gabi novena devotees brave the dark and morning chill of daybreak to preserve the tradition. Of course, there is always the lure of fresh bibingka and puto bumbong to stiffle the yawns and prevent heads from nodding off to sleep.
The onslaught of parols, paper lanterns made of Japanese paper glued to a star-shaped bamboo frame, is another unique sight to behold. These glittering configurations may be seen hanging everywhere: from window sills, bedecking a tree out on the lawn or hung from street lights, even from highway posts. Sometimes, people fix parols atop one end of a long pole while they bury the other end deep enough into the ground to keep it steady. The more modern parols, the 10-foot plus urbanized ones, decorate the facades of office buildings and hotel lobbies. Aptly, the more modest ones are the kind you see hanging from homes. Whatever the size or shape, parols will always be part of the Filipino Christmas.
Along with the parol, the belen is also a main attraction closely identified with the Pinoy Christmas. The sight of the holy family in a manger with animals and the three kings surrounding it, renders a certain serenity to the household --- a feeling of holiness which just about anyone can use a little bit of during this season.
Of course, every Filipino Christmas is sure to include a noche buena. Sometimes it is a feast of jamon, queso de bola, relleno, roast turkey, castanas, and fruit cake. Sometimes, it's plain pancit, fried chicken, hotdogs and lugaw. It's a feast, nonetheless, and shouldn't really matter as long as the family is together. Getting ready for the noche buena, as far as saving up, decorations and presentation is concerned, may start as early as right after this year's meal. Year-in and year-out, people are putting away any amount of extra cash they might have with hopes of adding yet another "viand" to next year's noche buena table.
The Filipino way of celebrating the yuletide will not be the same without the children's hopeful "mano pos" --- sometimes in the churches, often times in the homes of their ninongs and ninangs. You also have the songs from yesteryears played over practically all the radio stations in town. Sure, the same song might vary a bit, depending on whose version the disk jockey chooses (Gary Valenciano's or Regine Velazquez's "Pasko na Sinta Ko"), but listeners do not usually mind as long as the songs add to their Yuletide merry-making.
Of course, what would Christmas be without the usual caroling and Christmas songs? In the suburbs, kids as young as six years old are taught Christmas carols, accompanied by the jingle of flattened bottle caps strung together through the middle by a thin wire. They are then encouraged to go singing around the neighborhood and along the streets in order to spread some of the yuletide cheer to weary motorists.
As Filipinos are generally musically inclined, there are many people who would not dare pass up a new album, especially if it's a Pinoy Christmas album. A refreshing change to hear original Pilipino music on the airwaves as opposed to listening to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," many Filipino artists now have their Christmas records in several music bars.
One such album that is undoubtedly OPM is Bukas Palad Music Ministry's "Pasko Na!", which is distributed by BMG Pilipinas. Consisting of 18 orginal songs, mostly penned by founders Fr. Manoling Fransisco, S.J., Norman Agatep and Jandi Arboleda, "Pasko Na!" relives a uniquely Filipino and Christ-centered season.
For those unfamiliar with Bukas Palad, they are a liturgical group composed of college students and young professionals who first got together at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1986. They were the ones who gave strong mass appeal to songs of the Catholic faith such as "Tanging Yaman", "Take and Receive", "Anima Christi" and "Hindi Kita Malilimutan". After eight albums and more than 13 years of concerts around the nation, Bukas Palad offers to the public their latest album which is flavored with the group's own style of a mix of pop, jazz, soul, gospel and broadway-inspired music.
"Pasko Na!" is filled with the energy and soul becoming of the modern, yet traditional, Filipino Christmas. The album guarantees that people are still capable of realizing a Christmas that's liberating and joyful, despite whatever problems the weary year may have brought on. These themes are reflected in such songs as "Himig ng Hangin" and "Pasko ng Paglaya" by Jandi Arboleda and Fr. Manoling, respectively. A must-have for this year's holiday season, "Pasko Na!" is now available in all record bars nationwide.
Filipinos do not really have to be over-flowing with wealth to enjoy Christmas. Expensive decorations and a feast fit for a king at the noche buena table are things most Filipinos can do without. Afterall, as long as there's the family to celebrate the season with and the traditions to make it more meaningful, the Filipino Christmas will always be special, meaningful and endearingly unique.
الجمعة، 2 أكتوبر 2009
Christmas Gifts - 1
Christmas time is fun time for Children. Children are always very excited about arrival of Christmas because they get lots of gifts. Every child has their own dream about the kind of gift they want during Christmas. So if you are thinking of buying gift for Children you should spend little more time and attention to get the best gift for Children during Christmas. Let us find out what can be done.
Children get many toys at Christmas. Why not buy children something different such as a day at a theme park? The range of gifts now available for children is very large. You get-
Bicycles,
Musical instruments
Board games,
Model cars and trains
Karaoke
Computer games,
And many such gifts.
Before you buy a child a gift think about what their hobbies are. Talk to the child and the parents for sometime. Go to the child's room. Look at what they have there. Avoid giving them the same thing. Ask them about what they would like. Best is to give them a catalog and ask them to mark their choice in priority. Then choose what suits your budget.
Early Shopping-
Start your Christmas shopping early.
If you leave your shopping to the last minute you will buy any gift rather than your chosen one.
By shopping early you will have the pick of the Christmas range.
Shopping early gives you enough time to select suitable gifts for the children.
All of us have our own budget and cannot exceed that. It is our effort to make every Dollar go a long way. We can buy anything online or search properly. a friend of mine has been buying all his gifts on eBay. He starts this three months before Christmas and by the time of arrival of Christmas, he has collected best gifts for everyone.
Extraordinary Christmas Gifts
With a little imagination you can give a gift that will be remembered fondly, and it can be as much fun for you as for them.
When I was a little girl I woke up Christmas morning to the largest package I’d ever seen! Usually I would save the best package for last, but my parents told me I had to open it first. I opened it and my grown up brother popped out, home for a visit! He was not expected this year, so it was a special treat.
One year I gave a hand made certificate to my in-laws for breakfast in bed. Of all the material gifts they received, some very expensive, this was the one that gave them excitement! The day after Christmas at the appointed time, I made a lovely breakfast and put it on a tray with good china, linen napkins, a fresh newspaper, and flowers, and knocked on their bedroom door.
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was for my tuition to be paid to take a workshop with my friend. She signed us up to learn Reiki, which is a skill I value having today, and I have the lovely memory of our taking a workshop together.
You can do something very fun or romantic if there has been fresh snow. Find a nice area of unmarked snow, and stomp a message in it and then take your spouse or friend for a walk to it. If you make the message personal, they will be very surprised to see it is for them.
Another wonderful gift to give is simply to take care of a problem a friend or family member has been having. This is a particularly nice gift to give to the elderly. You can repair a dish washing machine, do yard clean-up, or offer your services for a couple hours each weekend for a month.
If you know the person well, it can be fun to arrange for an experience they, or both of you, have never had. This could include white water river rafting, sailing in a balloon, race car driving, a wine tour, a day at a spa, or local tours.
Christmas Gifts - 2
How To avoid Tension During Gift Shopping For Christmas? Should Christmas be a festival of joy or tension? It seems that because it takes so much effort to prepare for celebration and selection of gifts and sending them, Christmas has become a festival of tension. Should Christmas be like that? Certainly not, because Christmas is a festival of joy. How to do Christmas shopping for gifts to reduce some stress and tension? Here are some quick tips.
1. Prepare a list of all the people you are proposing to send Christmas gift.
2. Write down the amounts for which you want to buy gifts for Christmas.
3. Before that think about how much will you spend for all the Christmas gifts.
4. After this, think about what you want to choose as a gift. Have you thought of a bracelet for your mother? Write one more alternative.
5. Write tow alternatives for everyone you want to give Christmas gift.
6. How do you prefer to buy? Online or shopping in the real world? No use telling everyone to go online because many of us are not comfortable.
7. If you are an online buyer, visit different websites and bookmark what you want to buy.
8. Place orders and send directly to recipients.
9. If you buy offline, call the shop and ask for a catalog.
10 Mark the gifts ob n the catalog and visit the shop only after that.
11. Ask them to gift-wrap.
Buying gifts when you have enough time is the greatest remedy for avoiding tension. Have enough time at your hand. That allows relaxation and avoids stress. That also makes sure that you get the gifts in time to send across. Many times last minute orders are never shipped. Think of a stress free Christmas. After all does not Christmas bring joy and pleasure? Enjoy your Christmas.
Why Not Shop Online?
When Internet began becoming popular few years back, online commerce was considered the biggest opportunity. Some how it did not pick up in the initial years. The reasons were many. There were many shops about which no body had heard. All of us were afraid to use our credit cards online. We could not see the product we were buying nor could we feel it. Somehow all of us felt that it was not real shopping. Slowly these blocks gave away and now a days most buyers prefer online shopping. Let us see why?
1. The major difference was made by Amazon. Amazon began offering books on all the subjects and with guaranteed delivery. As amazon became a success, most people started buying and gifting books on amazon. As amazon picked up, it added many other products on its site. The name of amazone spelled safety and easy buying. Today amazon is one of the largest retailers online. Amazon broke all the mental blocks.
2. Online shopping can be done from the comfort of home or work place.
3. Most retailers give discounts online.
4. We can avoid all the crowds of festive shopping.
5. It is easy to order gift-wrapping online.
6. Most of the websites offer bigger pictures of products.
7. Most websites carry details about the experience of other buyers. These opinions make it easy to choose.
8. Payments have been made secure and the fear is no more there.
9. One can shop at leisure and at peace.
10. Many sites are offering flash images to make the products look more attractive.
11. Most of the retailers are present online now.
12. One can buy products from retailers in different cities without moving out.
13. We can also shop with retailers based in foreign countries directly.
Christmas Season
When Christmas Is Difficult
Many of us have difficulty enjoying the holidays for a number of reasons, but usually, in one way or another, the reasons have to do with family. It is, however, possible to regain a sense of peace and to find enjoyment in the season. The first step is to let go of feeling like you have to do the holiday in a certain way. Sometimes this can feel challenging, but you really can do it.
The most common reasons people have trouble with Christmas is it may mark the anniversary of the loss of a loved one, there may be a lot of family discord or alcoholism in the family, or there may be great loneliness. If any of these reasons describe your situation, you will need to find new ways of passing the holidays so that you can find more joy. Going along with the way things have been in past years will not help you to find peace.
Give yourself permission to avoid or limit exposure to people who make you unhappy over the holidays. Family pressures can be intense, so if you need to, you can change your participation in family events by stages. Even shortening visits will help you reclaim some of your time but perhaps even more importantly, you will start to regain a sense of control over your own life by making choices for yourself instead of passively going along. This will help you a great deal to feel better.
Also, find old or new activities on or around the holidays that have meaning for you, no matter how unconventional they may be. You really do not have to spend Christmas any particular way. ‘Holiday’ literally means a day of freedom from labor, as well as ‘holy day.’ The word ‘holy’ in turn, means ‘belonging to God’ but it is interesting to note the word ‘holy’ comes from root words meaning sound, whole, and happy. Holidays should be your days of freedom, and a chance to feel whole and happy, not distressed and burdened. Find activities that help you feel this way.
During every popular festival, there are some things that excite us a nd make the festival fun. During Halloween it is pumpkin and scary ideas. During Thanksgiving, it is the turkey and during Christmas it is the Christmas tree. Go back to your childhood and recollect the tress your father brought. Was it a freshly cut tree or did he buy that from the market? How tall was the tree an d where would you keep it? How did you decorate the Christmas tree? The memories make you very happy. That is the charm of Christmas. Christmas tree and Santa Claus.
There are many theories about how the tradition of Christmas tree was started. But no body is sure about that. It is known that the Germans brought the tradition of Christmas tree to the USA. But who introduced this to Europe is not known though written records suggest that in Latvia the tree was decorated in sixteenth century.
In the earlier days all the people used natural fir trees. Balsam was the top favorite. Now days practically every home has Christmas tree made in China. These synthetic trees need no care and watering and are available cheap. Why is the Christmas tree decorated? Is it to remind us of the tress in the Garden of Eden that were laden with apples? All of us decorate the tress with bright shining balls, trinkets, stars and other decorations sold in the market. That is the beauty of Christmas. Christmas tree has become a symbol of the festive spirit. China is the major manufacturer of decorations and retailers stock the decorations in all the varieties. Every home competes with the other and getting the best tree celebration. The day is not far when followers of other religions will also have such decorations in their home during Christmas time.
Christmas tree has become a symbol of the festival See a Santa or a tree anywhere and we are reminded of Christmas. That is the beauty of the Christmas tree.
Christmas Shopping
Short Cuts to Holiday Shopping
Avoid the crowds and avoid leaving your shopping to the last couple of weeks. The earlier you shop in the season, and the less you shop during peak shopping times, the less stressful it will be for you and the faster you can shop. Peak shopping times are weekends, evenings, and later in the week. Thanksgiving Day weekend, and the last Saturday before Christmas are the busiest shopping days of the year. Better times to shop are to be there when the store opens, and if you can, during a weekday.
Consider one type of gift for your gift list. Each year you can pick a theme that will suit most people on your list. One year you might give bookstore items, another year you might get winter hats and scarves and mittens, and another year you might give DVDs. Or you could give chocolate or toiletries or jewelry.
If you tend to get stuck deciding what to get everyone, try asking! You can either ask directly or develop the art of subtle inquiry. For instance, you can ask a teenager what they are listening to and if there are any new releases. Earlier in the year people will often mention in passing things that they wish for without realizing it. Write these things down so you don’t forget. Chances are good that even six months later they will not have gotten it yet for themselves.
For less fuss gift wrapping, you can use stores that offer gift wrapping services. Another option is to purchase a range of gift bags and tissue paper (to cover the tops).
Your biggest aid in avoiding the stress of holiday shopping is keeping a relaxed attitude. Remember that not getting the perfect gift is not the end of the world. You can make shopping fun by doing it with someone and planning lunch.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Every household has its own traditions, of course, but in our house growing up we were allowed to go into our stockings before our parents got up. The idea behind this, I’m sure, was to allow mommy and daddy to sleep in past four a.m., which is of course when we would have woken them up if we’d had to wait until they were up to enjoy any Christmas! With this in mind, gifts in our stockings were intended to occupy us until everyone had slept in as long as they wished and we could get on with the business of presents. Here are some ideas for stuffing stockings for all you Santa’s helpers out there.
For Children:
Small puzzles, action figures, miniature cars, baseball cards, Legos, modeling clay, paper dolls, balsa wood airplane kits, coloring books, puzzle books, activity books, comic books, jewelry or beads and string to make their own necklace, bubble solution, doll clothes, educational cards, miniature dolls, small electronic games, Pez dispenser, travel sized games of chess or checkers, card games, stickers, temporary tatoos, toy animals, coins, jump rope.
For Adults:
Key chain, gloves, safety whistle, Christmas ornament, rubber stamp and pad, postage stamps, votive candles, lip balm, music cd, calendar, address book, magazine, crossword puzzle book, Sudoku, travel size toiletries, metalic markers or calligraphy pen, pocket sized books, flash drive, paperback novel, calculator, sticky notes, 100 calorie snack packages, pedometer, tire gauge, garlic press or kitchen gadget, film, batteries, tea packets or coffee sample, fancy hot chocolate packet, art supplies, utility knife, spa items, nail trimming set, small desk items, mini kits from Running Press, gourmet food items, road maps, phone card, dvd, mug or travel mug, watch or watchband, ipod case, pocket magnifier, book mark, sunglasses, screwdriver/rachet all in one tool, tickets, small flashlight, pocket knife, harmonica, cell phone accessories.
For All:
An orange or other fruit, dried fruit, nuts, jerky, candy, candy bars, candy canes, tall pretzels.
How To Avoid Problems With Allergies At Christmas
Christmas songs, decorations in the stores, cold weather, and commercials for all the Christmas toys are the first things that we notice as the holiday approaches. Then we start to notice all the scents of the holidays, from evergreen Christmas trees, decorations made with cinnamon, oranges, and mint. Excitement fills our hearts and minds and anticipation charges the very air that we breathe. That is when our breathing allergies start, from coughing and being stuffy to having a full blown asthma attack.
Making plans for the holidays usually includes making lists for people who receive gifts, planning dinners and family events, writing notes and cards to those we send Christmas cards and starting to choose decorations for the home. It isn’t very long until we start to actually collect the things that we need for the holidays, like recipe ingredients and mood setting candles. Something that many people don’t take into consideration is that many allergies lurk around us during the holidays. People with food allergies must be careful not to ingest cookies and smacks that contain peanut products
While we are busy making all of our plans, we need to remember that many things can be bothersome or even dangerous if they are not addressed. A simple act of decorating your Christmas tree can bring so much pain, if you are allergic to pine oil, which can actually cause welting and rashes where the needles puncture and scrape the skin. The only thing that you can do if you have a pine oil allergy is to get an artificial tree, rather than a real one. The good thing is that there are so many beautiful types to choose from and some even are pre-lit so you don’t have to add strings of lights.
Some of the best preparations are baking Christmas goodies. Everyone enjoys baked goods during the holidays and there is nothing quite the same as homemade cookies and candies. If you have any kind of food allergies, however, then certain adjustments must be made. Milk products are used in pies and puddings and lactose intolerance is a serious problem, so you must find alternatives. Peanuts and nut products are used in cookies, brownies and candies, and again you must find alternatives. Gluten is found in many bread products and must be avoided if you have stomach problems.
Breathing allergies can be worsened by having real evergreen decorations inside, as well as burning candles. It is acceptable to have silk, artificial flowers to decorate stairs and windows, and even vases. There are some very real looking poinsettias and holly branches that are great to substitute in vases, wreaths and other decorating places. Burning candles has 2 simple solutions. You can either buy soy candles, which are more expensive than regular candles but burn cleaner. The other possibility is to buy electric candles that look like they have real candle flames but actually are battery powered or electric.
Touching, tasting or smelling any item that you are allergic to can really mess up a perfect holiday, so make sure that you look for alternatives to your specific allergy. Artificial products are great substitutes for trees, evergreen decorations, and even candles. What you can eat is not so easily corrected, but can be done by spending some time researching alternatives to peanuts, milk or gluten. The main thing to understand is that you are not alone with your allergies. Many others have dealt with food allergies and skin allergies but were successful in finding substitutions and were still able to have a wonderful holiday. Make any necessary adjustments to your normal way of doing things and you will not have any problems with your allergies.
Children’s Christmas Traditions
"Santa Claus is coming to Town” is one the main Christmas songs that most children know. My children are no different. That song always made them remember to be on their best behavior or else Santa might just pass by their house on Christmas Eve. There are many ways to convince children to settle down and behave, but none quite as convincing as hearing part of a song, “He knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake”.
My children are like most when it comes to dreaming and wishing for the big day and all the magic that Christmas brings. They want to decorate the house with lights and figurines, and each one always had their favorites. The first thing that my son wanted to display was the Nativity scene that he had made at school when he was 7 years old. His teacher at church had given 20 Popsicle sticks to each child, but 5 had been cut in half. His class glued the sticks together in the shape of a house, with the cut sticks being the sides. It was made much like Lincoln logs were designed, and a small Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus glued on the bottom sticks. It made a pretty centerpiece on the television with a few red candle votives on each side.
Our family had started collecting small ceramic houses. A new one was added for each child. One wanted the toy store, another one wanted a church, and the last one wanted a big Victorian manner house. Putting up the miniature village was our oldest daughter’s choice as the second Christmas decoration to be displayed. We always had it on a quilted red cloth and it was beautiful with all the little indoor lights in the miniatures turned on at night.
The next decoration to put up was the Christmas candles in the windows, with an animated Santa and Mrs. Claus. A new tradition that started with our youngest son by adding lighted wreaths in each window. Of course, my favorite decoration was a large door wreath with a gold angel in the middle and gold leaves and berries around the outside.
Our greatest family tradition was going to their aunt and uncle’s for dinner and gift exchange. As they grew up, they became part of the planning and carrying out the details of entertainment. One of the kids would play Christmas carols and they would lead the adults with their singing. Another cousin would check online to see exactly where Santa was showing up on the radar and which way he was heading. The younger children would get so excited hearing those details.
Opening presents, after sharing a Christmas Eve feast with family, was the ultimate end to our family get together. The children always delighted in receiving a personalized ornament and something unique for their talents or interests. By the time we were finished opening gifts, the radar showed Santa was getting close, which meant it was time to go home and get ready for bed.
The final tradition we followed on Christmas Eve was reading the “Night before Christmas”. The children would get into their pajamas and go to bed, waiting to hear the sound of reindeers on the roof. They would get so excited when they heard the jingle bells ring outside. That always was their clue to shut their eyes and begin to dream of what was to come. Traditions are wonderful because they let children know what to expect. Our children now have their own families and traditions, but many that they grew up are still alive today in their homes. Angels, lights, family and Santa are part of the traditions that many families celebrate and are what makes the holidays so much fun.
Thanksgiving- Most Useful Turkey Tips
First, let me tell you something briefly about Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. The day is also called as the Turkey day as turkey is traditionally eaten all over the United States of America. In the United States of America, Thanksgiving holidays are a four day weekend which usually marks a break in school and college calendars. Families and friends gather for a reunion, a day of thanks, and a festive meal. Families eat Thanksgiving dinner together with turkey being the main dish. Mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, turnips, yams and pumpkin pie are very commonly associated with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Very often guests bring food stuff or help the hosts with cooking in the kitchen as part of a happy, communal meal. Families re-unite with old-timers, kids and relatives for this holiday.
A ten pound turkey will feed about seven people and take about eight cups of stuffing. A fifteen pound turkey will feed about ten people and require about twelve cups of stuffing. A twenty pound turkey will feed about thirteen adults and require fifteen cups of stuffing to fill the cavities.
To thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, it will take about twenty four hours for every five pounds. For the water bath method of thawing, make sure the turkey is in a sealed bag and place it in cold water. Change the cold water every thirty minutes. It will take about thirty minutes for every pound of turkey to thaw.
For safety, be sure to wash carefully with soap and hot water everything that touches the raw turkey, and wash anything that has touched anything that touched the raw turkey. Do not, for instance, touch other areas or items when you have just touched the raw turkey.
At 325 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature you will need to cook a 10-15 pound turkey from 3 3/4 to 4 ½ hours, and a twenty pound turkey from 4 ½ to 5 hours. Your supper should be served a half hour after that to give the turkey a chance to rest and you a chance to make gravy and put the food on the table. If you like, you can count backwards from the time you wish to serve to get an idea when you should begin. If you wish to serve at 3 p.m., for example, the turkey should be out of the oven by 2:30. If it is a fifteen pound turkey, it should go into the oven at ten am, and you will probably need an hour to prepare the stuffing and stuff the bird, so you should begin at nine am.
If you are able to use a meat thermometer, insert it to the thickest part of the thigh near the breast, but avoid touching the bone. The thermometer should be 180 degrees when the turkey is done.
Choosing The Right Christmas Gifts For Men
With Christmas just around the corner, many people are talking about what kinds of gifts to get for men. A lot of people have various ideas on what to get the men in their lives. Whether it is a gift for a husband, a father or other family or friend, there are many types of gifts that are available. One man that I know says that shopping for a man depends on his tastes and his likes and dislikes.
So, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, it would be a good idea to start paying close attention to the men around us and make mental notes about the things they like. Getting ideas ahead of time about the things they use and talk about should give people a lot of ideas for gifts. For instance, if the man loves the outdoors, then take notice of what they like to do outside. Or if the man is a professional businessman, then see what kinds of things he has and might need. If the man likes to watch television or play video games, then you know which direction to head.
Once you have watched the men in your life and made some observations about important interests and things in their lives, then you can begin to creatively think of ideas for each. The benefit of starting your observations before Thanksgiving is so you can start finding great gifts on sale that might be perfect for the men in your life. If you find that one of your men likes to watch television and movies, then you start to watch for sales on videos and things that would be beneficial to someone who likes watching movies. It is a good idea to try to find out what kinds shows they like to watch, like old movies, television series, comedies, romance, action or dramas. It is beneficial to have a month to watch for sales on videos or DVDs so you can get more for your money so you can get old television show DVDs, like All in the Family, Bonanza, M*A*S*H, Forest Grump, Liar, Liar, Contact, Air Force One, or even Gunsmoke or Star Trek.
If you discover that one of the men in your life loves the outdoors, then it can be fun to see what kinds of things they already own and use. Is it a sporting interest, a camping interest, or hunting or fishing interest? There is a very large sporting goods store, called Bass Pro Shops that has anything that you could imagine to give to the man who loves the outdoors. If you are not sure what to give, then a gift card is always appreciated by a sportsman.
For those who are professional businessmen, there are some great personalized items that are sure to be big hits. Things Remembered is a good store for business equipment, as well as Office Depot and eve Wal-Mart. Some of the things that are sure to be appreciated are the man’s name engraved on a fine pen, a card holder, a portfolio, a desk set, clock or mug and warmer. Something personal and thoughtful is always appreciated by someone who is proud of what they do.
A great gift for gamers is a gift card to a local game store. That allows the man to buy a video game that they want or some kind of video accessories. Gift cards are a great idea for almost any man although there are some who think they are not very personal. I know that we enjoy getting gift cards for entertainment because we would not normally go to various places unless we had a gift card. For young men, clothing gift cards are a good idea as young people have a different taste in clothes and styles.
Shopping for a man depends on his tastes as I said, but if you can not determine what their interests or taste is and have no idea and can not get any ideas from looking around them, then you can always go the traditional route of Christmas presents. Some men will like monogrammed hankies, electric razors, or tools. Of course there is always the gift card for movies or restaurants that allows the man to use his gift to enjoy a night out with his wife or girlfriend. That is one way to give two gifts at once, and is sure to be appreciated and enjoyed.
Christmas Shopping Tips
On November first, get yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea, gather whatever catalogues you have handy and paper and pencil, and get ready to dream your Christmas list.
For a simplified Christmas, limit your gift giving list to about a dozen. You might wonder, how is this possible? Extended families can be given one nice gift per household for their family to share. One gift can give you the opportunity to give something special. Coworkers and other associates can be put together as one on the list also because you can think up one good gift that can be given to each. You might for example, decide to give them each chocolates, a gift basket, or tickets.
To avoid last minute shopping stress, having to drive in heavy traffic, and over-crowded stores, try to finish your necessary shopping by end of November. This will also let you enjoy December events. Make your shopping trips enjoyable outings, and include some treat for yourself such as a nice lunch or good company. Take advantage of wrapping services or use gift bags to reduce your wrapping or the need of getting supplies.
Handmade gifts can fit with a simplified Christmas, so long as you enjoy making them. One possibility is to hand make the same gift again and again for the people on your list this year, and next year to choose a different gift. This makes it easier and predictable. You might, for example, decide to knit scarves, but vary the yarn. Another possibility is to make one large batch of something that can be divided into gifts. An example of this is handmade soap. The trick to avoiding stress making gifts is to give yourself ample time, knowing that you will become busier as Christmas approaches and have less time to make gifts. Have an alternate plan for handmade gifts so that you can abandon a project without much trouble.
Keep your list handy. It is fun to be an elf at Christmas time. Better stores have wonderful gift suggestions and packaging. With a short list and a good department store, shopping center, or with online access, it is possible to shop and have your gifts wrapped in a day.
Finding a gift for your girlfriend/wife/fiancee:
Christmas gift for your lady partner is not easy to select. Most of the men know how to woo women and how top present themselves well. But they do not know how to select a Christmas gift for their lady. Look at some men who go for shopping. They think of buying any and everything and get very confused at the end. What should men do to select gifts for their lady partners? Here are some tips.
1. Find out what she likes most.
2. Do not make assumptions. Find out precisely what she likes.
3. Make a list of what you can gift and decide what would be best.
4. A tentative list may be- jewelry, perfumes, dresses, gift cards, trinket boChristmas, etc.
5. Before you prepare your list decide about your budget.
6. Will you be buying online or offline?
7. If you are buying online find out from your lady friends about the sites they shop.
8. Visit the online shops and select what you think is best.
9. Do you think that you need to get a feel of what you bought? Then better visit a shop and handle the gift.
10. Ask the online shop to gift-wrap and send at the required date.
11. You can always include a card. Do that without fail.
12. If you are thinking of buying in a physical store, visit the store much before Christmas time.
13. Ask the sales persons for advice. They can guide you.
14. Keep your list with you. The list of what your partner likes. Otherwise you may end up buying something else.
15. Do not buy from the first shop you enter.
16. Visit as many shops as you can and mark what you want.
17. Do not buy during your first visit. Sleep over selection.
18. Visit the shops again on Christmas day and buy.
Christmas Stockings
A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that children hang on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins, or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers. In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from Santa Claus. Other presents are wrapped up in wrapping paper and placed under the Christmas tree. Tradition in western culture dictates that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece of coal.
By tradition, the stocking is hung on the fireplace mantel, but, since many contemporary homes do not have fireplaces, stockings may be hung in almost any location. The tradition began in Germany. Originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. Today, stores carry a tremendous variety of styles and sizes of Christmas stockings.
Children love the passion of Christmas. While many children are aware of their family’s personal religious feelings regarding the holiday, the religious concepts are often too difficult to understand for my young children. As a holiday symbol, it is Santa and his sleigh full of toys that brings universal joy to nearly every child worldwide. The Christmas holiday is a wonderful childhood memory of love, family and presents. To many, the Christmas stockings hold the most exciting of surprises, filled with toys and treats, this tiny holiday package encapsulates all that is fun in the Christmas holiday.
Christmas stockings can be purchased in a store, made at home or in some homes; the children use their own socks. For many, the idea of using their own sock is a way to get more toys. Some children will search drawers to find soccer or other sports socks so that they can get the greatest stretch and length for Santa to fill with treats. The store bought variety offer many different sizes but lack the stretch to accommodate a lot of treats. The sock can be filled but only within its size limits, so many children prefer to discover a specialty sock in their own home. Another alternative when planning for Christmas stockings is to make your own for yourself or your children. The creation of a personalized Christmas stocking is always a great deal of fun. Stockings can be made out of any type of fabric or can be embellished with felt shapes, sequins and glitter.
Creating a personalized Christmas stocking is a great way to decorate for the holidays and assist Santa in sorting out whose stocking belongs to whom on Christmas Eve. However, keep in mind that the size of stocking is often an indicator of how many toys a child will receive on Christmas morning so be sure to make your Christmas stocking extra big. As you plan to create your Christmas stockings, whether for you or as gifts for family and friends, try to create a theme around the exterior of the stocking itself. Many people cut felt images out and decorate the exterior face of the stocking with different hobbies, dreams or favorite items of the intended recipient. Creating homemade Christmas stockings is a great way to recognize and celebrate each individual within your home and it creates a fun memory of childhood.
Christmas Shoes
Every Christmas,many people the world over celebrate this carnival with an oft remembered funny Christmas song. Though unheard of and not very popular, Christmas Shoe Song Lyrics can actually be made to sound touchy and emotional if the right kinds of phrases are made to fall in place. Many a times, famous bands and singers have used this feature of Christmas Shoe Song Lyrics to their advantage. Many a Christmas Shoe Song Lyrics reflect happy and merry times. Originality is preferred while writing these kinds of songs. The few poems and stories that have been written by famous authors can serve as examples for ones intent on composing their own Christmas Shoe Song Lyrics.
Despite a song turned into a story about personal struggles, Christmas Shoes is still related as an event in many families. The song has been termed one of the most depressing songs every recorded, in spite of the human character bonding bred by the tale. It does however, relate to many people’s wish of having Christmas Shoes to look their best for the holiday. Aside from the song, book and subsequent movie, it is not unusual for persons to receive footwear for the holidays. If not as a gift then for wearing to religious services or other gathering where appearance may be considered important. Additionally, having new Christmas Shoes reduces the potential for getting cold feet from the cold during the usually cold weather in the month of December. The type of Christmas Shoes some will look for will depend on their taste, their climate and budget, but for many younger people a pair of designer sneakers will do just fine.
In the song a young boy struggled to buy his buying mother a pair of new Christmas Shoes, believing she was on the verge of death. How he went about finding the money to buy them was meant to show the spirit of Christmas giving as he unselfishly gave up anything for himself so he could afford to buy Christmas Shoes for his ailing mother. During the holiday season there are many stories about the good things people do to help others. Unfortunately, many of these stories are overshadowed by other stories of a few being self-centered and greedy to please only themselves. Even some of the requests for expensive Christmas Shoes as presents, knowing the family has no money for such extravagant purchases, can put a damper on the fires of Christmas kindness.
However, there are folks who will decorate their footwear for the holiday by painting them with trees, color balls and religious symbols to demonstrate their love of the holiday season. It is these kinds of Christmas Shoes that help people remember what the holiday is supposed to celebrate. When a stranger sees someone wearing a pair of painted or decorated Christmas Shoes they can be reminded of the time of year. When people are in a shoe store looking for new shoes to compliment their holiday apparel, it may be good to remember how some folks struggle to make ends meet and would like nothing more than a functional pair of Christmas Shoes for a loved one.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Kid
Christmas is a fun time of year, but Christmas give ideas for kids can be tough to come by if you aren't used to dealing with children. It isn't all that tough, though, if you know what you are doing. Going beyond the typical books and clothing that kids get every year; these ideas will help you get that perfect gift for the kid in your life.
The Movie Gift Basket
Get a basket or tub, pick up a liter of soda, some microwave popcorn and a gift card to a local video rental store and you have a movie gift basket! Any kid will love to get their very own movie card and all the "fixins" that are just for them. This is appropriate for a kid of any age.
Grab Bags
Get several small trinkets and one "main" gift. Put each one in its own decorated paper bag and put those bags into one large bag. Allow the child to choose one small bag at a time, discovering the treasures that are contained within each. This is a delightful surprise for the younger child, but older kids seem to like it too.
Gift Cards
Kids love to get gift cards. Depending on the age, you can get them a gift card to a toy store, the mall or get one of the major credit card gift cards so that they can spend it anywhere! They will feel just like a grown up when they go shopping and use their very own credit card to get the things that they want!
Art Sets
Purchase an art set of acrylic paints, brushes and paper, or try a different medium such as charcoal, pastels, water colors or oils. You can add in an instructional book and you have a gift that gives in so many ways. Children love to create and art allows them the gift of self expression.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a fun way for children to learn through doing. They learn logic without even realizing that it is a lesson because it is so much fun. Jigsaw puzzles are fun and you can get the mats that roll up so that the puzzle can be put away without being taken apart. Wood puzzles and brain teasers will keep kids entertained for hours as well.
Magazine Subscription
There are many great kids' magazines that are available; many are published by mainstream publications such as National Geographic and Sports Illustrated. Find out what interests the kid in your life has and get them the gift that gives all year long - a subscription to their favorite magazine.
Jewelry
Jewelry is always a hit with girls. Younger girls will love bracelets and necklaces with their names in block letters. Jewelry kits are also a big hit with girls. They can make their own jewelry and wear it.
When you are shopping for the kids in your life, don't be afraid to be creative. Have fun and steer away from the conventional. Think about the child's personality, likes and dislikes, then run with it! If all else fails, do a movie gift basket or a hot cocoa gift basket. You can't go wrong!
Using Xmas Instead Of Christmas
Xmas" and "X-mas" are common abbreviations of the word "Christmas". They are sometimes pronounced "eksmas", but they, and variants such as "Xtemass", originated as handwriting abbreviations for the pronunciation "Christmas". The "-mas" part came from the Anglo-Saxon for "festival", "religious event": Crīstesmæsse or Crīstemæsse. This abbreviation is widely used but not universally accepted; some view it as demeaning to Christ, whilst others find it a helpful abbreviation. The word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used. "Christ" was often written as "XP" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as 1021 AD. This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters), used in ancient abbreviations and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ.
The occasionally held belief that the "X" represents the cross Christ was crucified on has no basis in fact. St Andrew's Cross is X-shaped, but Christ's cross was probably shaped like a T. Indeed, X-as-chi was associated with Christ long before X-as-cross could be, since the cross as a Christian symbol developed later. While some see the spelling of Christmas as Xmas a threat, others see it as a way to honor the martyrs. The use of X as an abbreviation for "cross" in modern abbreviated writing (e.g. "Kings X" for "Kings Cross") may have reinforced this assumption.
There has been an outcry recently over the use of Xmas in place of Christmas and what may have started as a shortened version of the holiday name to fit on smaller signs, has turned into a sometimes heated debate. Since Christmas is a deeply rooted religious holiday some contend the ‘X’ is determined to take Christ out of Christmas while others see the ‘X’ as form of a cross, maintaining the religious meaning of the holiday, however there are no facts to support this theory. It is not clear when the abbreviation was first used, but it is commonly believed to have been by a person making a sign who figured that making the writing small enough to fit the available space would make it unreadable from a distance. Instead they used Xmas to take up less space. Over the course of several years the abbreviation became more common and Xmas began to be seen in more places.
However, the reality is the ‘X’ is a modern rendition of the labarum, or Chi-Rho symbol, written as an ‘X’ with a ‘P’ in the center, which means Christ. The symbol was used over 1,000 years ago in place of the word and when used with the Anglo-Saxon word ‘mas’ that means festival or religious event, was often used as the name of Christ’s birthday. In fact the Ladies Home Journal published an ad using the term Xmas in 1922. Some religious individuals blame retailers for using Xmas as they are often prone to abbreviate nearly everything, especially in printing and print ads as bigger words cost more money. However, since the term Xmas has been around a lot longer than virtually all retail stores, that theory has no support.
Perhaps the abbreviation of Xmas has grown to such proportions that the letter ‘X’ is often used as an abbreviation in words that have nothing to do with Christ.. Words such as extreme are often abbreviated as xtreme and occasionally a celebrity will use an ‘X’ to replace the word Christ in their name, such as Christina Aguilera, sometimes writing her name as X-tina. While most religious scholars and historian have no objection to the term Xmas, there are others who believe that the abbreviation is way by which retailers and a few others can take the meaning of Christ out of Christmas, with no regard to the historical beginnings of the word.
Flowers Given On Valentine's Day
There can be many messages attached to the flowers given on Valentine's Day and floral retailers are hoping for orders that generate love and revenues. Floral shops will be willing to work late hours delivering flowers for Valentine's Day, and most of those floral arrangements will contain messages of love and will let a woman know she is cherished and that someone is thinking about them in a very loving manner.
Some people keep the mystery and romance alive on Valentine's Day with the flowers that they send. They will get great enjoyment out of not putting any messages in envelopes with the flower arrangements that are sent to a wife. The lack of a message that would give a woman just a hint about who sent those beautiful flowers will keep the mysteries of love alive for just a few hours. By lunch, the woman will probably hear all about the mystery when her lover arrives to take her to lunch and the smile on his face will say he happy to see her.
Many women will keep an eye on the elevator at work on Valentine's Day just to see what type of flower arrangements are arriving by messenger. Some women might have the opportunity to smell the fragrant bouquets of many while the bouquets sit on a ledge by their desk waiting for the recipient to come get them. The rich red colors of roses will spark new life in a drab reception area and the receptionist will hate to see them go to their owners during various parts of the workday.
Some floral shops get into the Valentine's Day spirit by dressing floral delivery personnel in marvelous costumes that depict Cupid. The sweet aroma of flowers might arrive before Cupid rounds the corner but office workers will truly be amused when that Cupid stops at a certain desk in a crowded room used for work. Some Cupid's spread romantic feelings throughout the room by reciting bits of poetry that were provided on a card with the flowers.
Not all flowers delivered on Valentine's Day are sent to people who are in a relationship. Office workers are often rewarded for working hard or late on a project with a bouquet of daisies surrounded by little flowers such as baby's breath. Other office workers who have a corner office, might find flowering plants delivered on Valentine's Day. These floral arrangements will be watered and cared for daily and remind the recipient that someone special sent them on a very special day.
Not all flowers given on Valentine's Day will be delivered to an office. People might find them on the seat of their car when they get in to run an errand. Some will find colorful bundles of flowers on their doorstep when they come home for lunch, and the giver might be waiting inside with a note from the boss that says they do not have to return to work until the following morning. Women love receiving flowers on Valentine's Day but they also like to send them. Daughters will often send Dads a red rose just to reassure them that they are loved too.
The History Of Gift Giving At Christmas
Giving gifts has been a tradition among human beings since ancient times. Many historians believe that this practice led to the development of the barter system, which was the economic basis for many societies. Land that was passed from one generation to another was considered a gift, as well as offerings made to various gods. The Romans and Greeks considered any beneficial occurrences were “gifts for the gods” while the leaders of different countries that were part of the Roman Empire sent “gifts” or “tributes” regularly to the emperor in Rome.
Many ancient peoples often exchanged gifts during different festival days throughout the year. The Romans exchanged gifts on New Year’s Day in celebration of the winter solstice. Some of these gifts included coins to represent prosperity, pastries to represent happiness, and lamps to provide light on one’s journey through life.
The idea that gift giving and love are closely associated developed alongside the growth of the Christian religion. The main theological basis of this religion is based on the fact that God himself gave humanity “His only begotten Son”, Jesus Christ, who was a “gift” to mankind. At the time of the Crucifixion, Jesus is said to have died “for our sins” because of the love that he felt for all humanity, his “gift” being his own life which was given to aid mankind on the path to salvation.
Even at the time of His birth, Jesus Christ was associated with gift giving. When He was born, the three Wise Men brought gifts to the newborn babe to honor Him. These gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh, gifts that would normally have been given to a king. Frankincense was a base element used to make fragrances and perfumes, myrrh was used in anointing oils, and gold was as valuable then as it is today. These items may also have had a symbolic meaning-frankincense was associated with the priest hood, gold was the symbol of earthly kings, and myrrh was a symbol of death, as this incense was often burned at funerals. The idea of giving gifts to newborns may have started with this Bible story, as well as the giving of gifts at Christmas.
The idea of gifts at Christmas developed differently as Christianity spread into various countries. In England, Father Christmas was responsible for delivering the gifts, while in France this was the work of Pere Noel. In Italy, it was Babbo Natale who acted as what we would refer to as Santa Claus, although the gift giver was another character named La Befana. The belief was that La Befana became lost on her way to deliver gifts to the Christ child and began delivering gifts to all youngsters. The American version of Santa Claus was developed in the 1880s by cartoonist Thomas Nash and has become a recognizable symbol of gift giving worldwide.
Today, while gifts are given for a variety of holidays and special occasions, the largest of these gift- giving occasions is and will probably remain to be the Christmas holiday. After all, as far as Christians are concerned, this holiday was the time that the people of the world received the greatest “gift” of love-Jesus Christ.
الأربعاء، 30 سبتمبر 2009
Christmas: The Real Reason for the Season
For almost 1600 years, millions of people around the world have been taught that "Christmas" represents the true birthday of the Jewish messiah and Son of God, Jesus Christ. But does Christmas really represent Jesus's birthday?
Before it was deemed "Christmas" and the birthday of Jesus Christ, the period of the winter solstice - ending on December 25th - was celebrated in various countries as the birth of the sun, who was considered a god in these many places.
The Christian celebration of "Christmas" was only formalized in the middle of the fifth century (450 AD/CE), when Emperor Julius I "assimilated the festival with that of the birth of Mithra (December 25), in order to facilitate the more complete Christianisation of the empire." Until that time, December 25th had been the birthday of Sol Invictus or the "Unconquered Sun," established as such by Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD/CE.
Concerning the origins of the solar holiday of December 25th vis-à-vis Christianity, the Catholic Encyclopedia ("Christmas") states:
"The earliest rapprochement of the births of Christ and the sun is in [the writings of early Church father] Cyprian [200-258]...'O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born…Christ should be born.'
"In the fourth century, [Church father] Chrysostom...says: ..."But Our Lord, too, is born in the month of December...the eighth before the calends of January [25 December]..., But they call it the 'Birthday of the Unconquered'. Who indeed is so unconquered as Our Lord...? Or, if they say that it is the birthday of the Sun, He is the Sun of Justice."
As we can see from these remarks, the birth of Christ at the winter solstice has been asserted since as early as the third century. Moreover, the reason for this birthdate is clearly given: This date represents "the birthday of the Sun!"
Before that time, the winter solstice was also celebrated in many other places, including in Egypt, where the baby sun god Horus was brought out in a manger for display. Concerning winter-solstice "Feasts and Festivals," the Encyclopedia Britannica reports, "The common people in China have a similar custom on the arrival of the winter solstice..." The Encyclopedia Britannica also names several other cultures as having winter celebrations, including the Mexicans and Peruvians. Even the Jews had their winter holiday, or "Feast of the Dedication," as mentioned in the New Testament at John 10:22. The winter solstice in Latin is called "bruma," serving as one source of the Roman celebration called "the Brumalia." There was also the December festival of Saturnalia in the Roman Empire, which ended at the winter solstice.
December 25th actually represents the end of the three-day period or triduum of the winter solstice, which begins at midnight on December 21st or the morning of December 22nd and ends at midnight on December 24th - "Christmas Eve" - or the morning of December 25th. This time represents the shortest days of the year, when the sun appears to be "dying." Thus, when the days start to lengthen again, the sun seems to have been "born," "reborn" or "resurrected." Hence, December 25th is the birthday of the sun!
Advent Calendars And Chocolates: A Christmas Specialty
Dating back during the 19th century, counting the days till Christmas was not made on printed calendar with pretty Santa Claus complete with chocolate, instead tracking the days down was made through the use of a chalk line on the front door or a burning candle to indicate the days until Christmas. It is in this fashion, that a Christmas advent calendar was created.
In 1908, Gerhard Lang printed the first advent calendar at his office in Munich, Germany. Since then, Advent Calendars became a saleable item and were being produced in volumes. By 1950’s chocolate advent calendars were on the shelves of every local store to purchase and as expected became a hit not only for grown-ups but for kids as well.
Presently, advent calendars are still popular when Christmas season comes. There are several collections of advent calendars to choose from, everything from the children’s much loved cartoon characters – like Barbie Dolls and the likes - to the sparkly Santa Clause and the famous Christmas icon – Mr. Snowman. Modern chocolate advent calendar has usually 25 boxes to open – representing each day until the eve of Christmas. Each box contains a single chocolate in various forms. Some contains the shape of Santa Claus, snowflakes, a reindeer, a star, while others were shaped as snowman, which keeps children more interested in the Christmas countdown.
Christmas advent calendars may vary from the most simple to the most elegant, depending on the buyer’s preference. Kids tend to get attracted to the modern advent calendars that are filled with milk chocolate goodies and sweets, while adults lean towards sophistication like Praline, Dark Chocolates, or White Chocolates and can be bought from almost all candy shops and chocolate stores.
Advent calendars are available on display in most shops as early as October. However, because of its high demand, it is advisable that you buy one before December starts, since they tend to sell out really fast. One option though is to purchase it online and have it delivered straight to your door. Some can give you bigger discounts. What’s more, you can choose from a wide array and compare prices without having to hop from one store to another, making you save time, effort, and money.
Christmas advent calendars don’t have to have chocolates in it. There are some that contains a nice note behind every window. A wooden or magnetic one is also available and is a very good alternative to the chocolate one, since it can be reused for the next year.
Another option would be to have a photo of your loved-one enlarged and have it fashioned into an advent calendar, or instead of putting chocolates, you may put a photo of every family member behind every door.
Christmas advent calendar can also be an excellent pre-Christmas present. A homemade one with photos of every family member behind each window would surely be a delight for grandfathers and grandmothers. Seeing their sons, daughters, and grandkids behind every door will surely bring joy and warmth.
Celtic Christmas Traditions
Most of us celebrate contemporary Christmas customs of putting ornaments on our Christmas trees and awaiting the arrival of Santa, the Celts on the other hand celebrated the Winter Solstice. The Druids believed that the sun stands still for 12 days from Christmas Eve to the 6th of January. A Yule log was used to burn for light back on those days and the charred relics sheltered the house throughout the year. Mistletoe, which is a sign of fertility, hangs in every house with other plants as a symbol of life in the midst of darkness.
It is the Scots belief that on Christmas Eve, an intense fire would keep impish elves from going down the chimney. On Christmas Day, people would dance around the bonfires while listening to the music of bagpipes and at the same time enjoys oatmeal cake. The major celebrations happened on Hogmanay, at the eve of New Year. These would involve a tradition called "first footing", where the first person to step inside the home in a New Year is said to carry either good or bad luck, depending on the color of their hair. During the Night of Candles, candles brighten the path for the Holy family, the first footers, and the Mummers. Mummers are often clothed in masks and pass through from every home for music and dancing. The household members would have to guess who the mummers were. On the evening of New Year, they would round houses pounding on the walls to force out the old year while chanting a particular rhyme to request entrance for food & drink.
In Ireland, the celebration ends from Christmas Eve up until Epiphany on the 6th day of January. Red candles would be lighted and decorated with holly sprigs on the eve of Christmas. A seed cake would be baked by the women for every person, three pieces of puddings for Christmas, New Year's and the Twelfth Night. On Christmas Eve, milk and bread is placed outside and the door was left unbolted as a sign of generosity. On December 26 which is St. Stephen's Day, every place is filled with football and gatherings. An entertaining even called The Wren Boys Procession is for boys who would put on a costume and hop from house to house singing and playing music while gripping a Holly bush on a stick. They would state that a Wren was concealed in the bush and they needed funds to feed the famished wren, which in reality, the money is for them.
The Welsh which are well-known for their fantastic singing voices and caroling, known as eistoddfodde, is a very famous activity held during Christmas. In some neighborhood, people gather around in a public area to make known who has presented the best music for a new carol. This carol is included to all the rest of the songs that are well-known and frequently sung in Wales. In other areas, a resident is chosen to be the Mari llwyd, who roam around the town in dressed white clothing while carrying a horse's skull on a stick. Any person being bitten by the horse's jaws must pay a penalty. One of the well-liked sweets for the Christmas holiday is called Taffy. Christmas goose is also a traditional food and a must. Santa doesn’t have any cookies and milk left for him; instead, mince pies and a bottle of Guinness was left for his taking! They also preserve the English practice of holly, mistletoe, pudding, stockings, and snow.
Christmas Tree: A Tradition Through the Ages
Ornamented evergreen trees are a favorite symbol of Christians during Christmas. On the other hand, history reveals that conifer trees were worshiped by different societies long before Christians got the idea.
The earliest Egyptians were one of the first known civilizations to value the conifers. During winter solstice, the Egyptians used to move green date palm leaves inside to represent life over death. When Romans celebrated their winter solstice festival, Saturnalia, they festooned their homes with greenery and lights as a way of giving thanks for a bountiful season and keeps on praying for another upcoming abundant season. It has been said that the Druids used evergreens in their winter solstice ceremonies. They placed evergreen branches over doors to fend off evil spirits and stop them from entering their homes.
The evergreen tree's connection with Christianity dates back about 500 years ago to the early 16th century. As the story goes, St. Boniface was wandering through the woods, which today is northern Germany, when he stumbled across a group of pagans that were devoting an oak tree. Seeing this, St. Boniface was so angered that he cut the oak tree down. It is said that in the oak tree's place, a conifer tree grew in a little while. Astonished, St. Bonifice acknowledged this to be a holy sign of the Christian faith, and since then on, conifer trees began to be linked with Christianity. In due course, German people began to take coniferous trees indoors at Christmastime and adorn them with candles to observe the holiday.
When Prince Albert of Germany married Queen Victoria of England, he transported his German practice of the Christmas tree to England. The first year he was in England, he got hold of a fir tree and had it ornamented for his family. The people of England were so overwhelmed, that the idea caught on quickly, and before long everyone in England wanted their own "Christmas tree" in their homes.
This practice slowly extended to the new world. Initially, the Puritans who instituted our country barred Christmas worldly celebrations. In 1851, a Cleveland minister allowed a Christmas tree in his church and almost lost his job because of it. During that same year, the practice became part of the free market economy when a farmer named Mark Carr produced and dragged two sleds of evergreen trees to New York City. In spite of the Puritans' early struggle to the tradition, the idea of Christmas trees grew in the United States. At the turn of 1900, one in five American homes had a Christmas tree. Christmas tree farms started to sprang up and farmers could barley meet the demand.
During 1890, a man by the name of F.W. Woolworth initiated to the United States the thought of decorating a tree with glass knick-knacks. Blown glass decorations had long been a custom in Europe. From 1870 to the 1930s, Germans created the finest glass ornaments of that time. German glass blowers were accounted to have had nearly 5,000 different molds for variations and different styles of Christmas ornaments. At the turn of the century, there were over one hundred small glass blowing shops in Europe that were all producing Christmas stuff. These days there are only two German glass-blowing factories that are capable of making the accuracy required for fashionable ornament collections such as Christopher Radko.
The reputation of the Christmas tree continues to develop. The National Christmas Tree Association reports that in 2006, over 28 million live Christmas trees were put up for sale in the United States. The use of an evergreen tree has developed into such a conventional symbol of the holiday season that it sometimes go beyond religious boundaries. Today, many non-Christians prefer to exhibit decorated evergreen tree in their homes during the month of December. At the moment, synthetic Christmas trees have also become a well-liked choice for many families, which has even initiated a debate over which is superior: real versus artificial. Whatever your choice, adorn it well and enjoy it; you are taking part in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
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