Christmas Stockings

Christmas Stockings

Where did the hanging of Christmas stockings above the fireplace at Christmas begin?

It would seem its origins stem from St Nicholas who was born in Greece, also known as “Nikolaos the Wonderworker” or “Nikolaos of Myra”.
Legend has it that a poor Fathers daughters remained unmarried due to him not having enough money to pay a dowry as he was very poor. St Nicholas heard of the poor Father's plight and sorrow and took it upon himself to help the poor Father.
That night, St Nicholas entered the poor Fathers home and filled the daughter's stockings, which were drying above the fireplace, with gold coins so the Father could pay the dowry.
St. Nicholas, being a shy and secretive man, did what he did with no need for gratitude as he was a humble servant of God undertaking deeds that lifted his fellow man.

Random acts of kindness can go far, it can be as a simple as offering someone an ear to listen, a cup of tea, or a simple smile. Christmas this year is hard for many, please donate your unwanted goods to charity, or a little money, and help spread some Christmas cheer to someone a little less fortunate as you, just like Saint Nicholas did in his day.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

El Festival de los Rabanos

El Festival de los Rabanos

Radish figures line the central plaza of Oaxaca Mexico on December 23rd and 24th. Nativity scenes, conquistadors, dancers, historical and mythological events are sculpted from radishes by Mexican artisans and add to the colour of holiday celebrations.
El Festival de los Rabanos (The Festival of Radishes) is a one-of-a-kind festival that features dance, food and delicately craved radishes...

A colourful Mexican Christmas tradition!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

The Ghost of Christmas Present:

The Ghost of Christmas Present:

The spirit transports Scrooge around the city, showing him scenes of Christmas festivity, but also deprivation. As they watch the spirit sprinkles a little Christmas warmth from his torch.
They travel to various places, one being to the home of Scrooges nephew, another to the home of Scrooges clerk Bob Cratchit.

The spirit shares a vision with Ebenezer of Tiny Tim Cratchit's crutch, carefully placed near the families fireplace. Scrooges as the spirit if Tim will die. The Ghost states “ If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die!”

Later the spirit reveals to Scrooge two emaciated children from underneath his robes. The two children are loathsome to behold. The spirit names the boy “Ignorance and the girl child “Want”.
The spirit warns Scrooge “Beware them both and all of the degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is doom unless the writing be erased”

The Ghost of Christmas present reveals to Scrooge that he only exists for one day a year and that he has 1842 brothers that have come before him.
The clock strikes midnight and the spirit disappears.....Scrooge watches intently as "The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come" approaches “like a mist across the ground”...



Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

Krampus

Krampus

The Krampus comes out of Austria and Hungary, he is said to accompany Santa on Christmas Eve, warning and punishing the bad children of the world - a direct contrast to Santa, who gives presents.

The word Krampus comes from a German word for "Claws". He is usually represented as an Incubus type demon with large horns and a large tongue

He is often depicted with a basket on his back which he uses to carry the unruly young children off to hell!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

"The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached. When it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and misery.
It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand...It thrilled him with a vague uncertain horror, to know that behind the dusky shroud there were ghostly eyes intently fixed upon him, while he, though he stretched his own to the utmost, could see nothing but a spectral hand and one great heap of black"

A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - 1843

El Caganer - Catalonia Christmas Tradition

El Caganer

In the principality of Catalonia Spain, it has become customary to decorate the traditional nativity scene with an extra something, or rather someone.

This extra character is known as El Caganer, also known as "The Pooper".
While traditionally the ceramic figure has been that of a Shepard, contemporary figures range in all different personalities, including, Hello Kitty, American Presidents, Star Wars Characters, Religious Icons such as the Pope and movie actors and characters, the list is endless, there is also a service to have "Poopers" custom made of family members....

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

The Christmas Pickle

The Christmas Pickle

The Christmas Pickle is a green, blown glass ornament shaped like a pickle. It is hidden among Christmas Tree decorations on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning receives an extra present and the first adult to find the pickle is granted good fortune for the year.

The Christmas Pickle is a German Christmas tradition.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©