Winter
Holidays
Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth
of Jesus, though the holiday as people know it today
was not established until the 1800's when Americans
reinvented it into a peaceful day for families to spend
together. This was also around the same time that gifts
became a more important part of the festivities, even
though the custom is said to have started with the three
wise men (Magi) when they brought presents for Jesus.
Did you know?
- The Christmas tree in the living
room is said to have originated in Germany as early
as 700 AD, and spread in the 1800's to England and
then to America through Pennsylvania German immigrants.
- The 12 days of Christmas are
the 12 days between Christmas and January 6th,
the day Jesus was baptized or the day the wise men
brought their gifts to the baby (Epiphany).
- Mistletoe has been used for thousands
of years as decorations in houses. It is associated
with many pagan rituals and was forbidden by some
Christian churches up until as late as the 20 th century.
Holly was the suggested substitute.
 The tradition of hanging a Christmas
stocking by the fire is attributed to the story of
three girls who had no money for their dowry and thus
couldn't get married. St. Nicholas (the original Santa
Claus) saw that they had left their stockings by the
fire, so he put gold coins in them, enough so they
were able to wed.
There are various explanations and historical backgrounds
given for how Christmas evolved and what it is –
below are links to several sites that can explain the
holiday in more detail.
Christmas
Around The World
The History Channel explores other countries
and their Christmas traditions.
How
Christmas Works
Explanation of Christmas and many of the
traditions associated with it, such as why we have a
tree, mistletoe, holly and poinsettias.
Christmas Food
- Visit our
recipe section for ideas on what to serve your
guests! Other ideas for Christmas meals can be found
at:
- All
Recipes - Christmas advice, including cookie recipes,
meal planning and ideas for giving food as gifts.
- Eggnog – Though eggnog originated in England,
it was a very popular drink during winter throughout
Colonial America, particularly on special occasions
like Christmas and New Year. The drink was reinvented
in the States when colonists started adding rum instead
of brandy. George Washington was such a fan of the
drink, he created his own version with rye whiskey,
rum and sherry. The Whistling Elves list several variations
on eggnog, including eggless and non-alcoholic versions.
- Gingerbread
House – Wow your guests by making an edible
gingerbread house!
For More Information
For more about the history and traditions of other holidays
celebrated during this time of year, please follow the
links below.
|
