With us just five days away from Christmas, I wanted to share five fun facts I learned about the holiday!
1. Christmas Tree Magic: Did you know our love for Christmas trees has ancient roots? Back in the day, folks brought evergreen branches inside during winter festivals to symbolize life. Fast forward to 16th-century Germany, where Martin Luther supposedly added candles to the tree for a sparkly effect. Today, we deck out our trees in all sorts of bling, making them the centerpiece of our holiday cheer.
2. Santa's Makeover: Santa Claus didn't always rock the red suit. The original Santa was inspired by Saint Nicholas, a generous 4th-century bishop. The modern, jolly Santa we adore emerged in the 19th century, thanks to a mix of cultural influences. Clement Clarke Moore's poem and those Coca-Cola illustrations in the 1930s played a big role in shaping the big guy's look.
3. Mistletoe Mischief: Hanging mistletoe for smooches has a fascinating history. It goes way back to Norse mythology and druidic traditions, where mistletoe was seen as magical. Fast forward, and it turned into a cute game – stand under the mistletoe, get a kiss. Talk about turning a tradition into a playful excuse for holiday romance!
4. Twelve Days of Christmas Fun: Ever wondered about that catchy "Twelve Days of Christmas" song? It's not just a tune; it's an 18th-century memory game from England. Each verse introduces a new gift for each day of Christmas. Some say it was a sneaky way to teach religious stuff during times when you couldn't be openly Catholic.
5. Stocking Surprise Tradition: Hanging stockings by the fireplace isn't just for show – it's a tradition with a dash of magic. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas once helped three impoverished sisters by tossing gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in the stockings they had hung by the fire to dry. Today, we hang stockings with hopes of waking up to delightful surprises and treats on Christmas morning, keeping the spirit of generosity alive.
The more you know....
From WQMX, here's wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!