Happy Holidays

December is filled with lots of fun Holidays!!

Christmas:

In the Seventeenth century the Puritans did not celebrate Christmas. December 25 was a workday.

In the late 1700's, Christmas was once again a happy holiday. The Colonists 

decorated their fireplaces with greenery, sung carols, and feasted. No one, however, had a Christmas tree.

In 1823 Clement Moore wrote the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus began to play a big part in the celebration of Christmas.

In the 1840's. German immigrants introduced the Christmas tree. This decoration became a major part of the Christmas tradition.

In the 1890's, Victorians decorated their trees and homes with lots of lace, flowers, and glass ornaments. Sending Christmas cards became popular during this time.

Today, we combine old and new traditions to celebrate Christmas in a way that is meaningful to our family and friends.

Winter Solistice:

Long before Christmas, people celebrated the Winter Solstice. People felt the celebrations made the Sun God happy and hurried the coming of Spring. Celebrations were held on the eve of the shortest day of the year.

 A big log, called the Yule Log was burned in a great bonfire. Everyone danced and sang around the fire. Families hung mistletoe from the doorways of their homes for good luck. Some people decorated their homes with evergreens.

 As you can see, many of the Winter Solstice traditions were made a part of the Christmas traditions as more people became Christians. The Winter Solstice is still celebrated, however, by many cultures around the world and is also a part of the Wiccan religion.