The Origins of Santa Claus
HO HO HO
The battle cry of Christmas. Just where did Santa Claus come from? Why do most accounts have him living at the North Pole? Is there any truth to the stories of kind and generous souls who left gifts for children on Christmas Eve? Where did the reindeer come in, and why does he wear a red suit?
St. Nicholas, who was a Greek Orthodox bishop in the 4th century of what is now Turkey is one of the earliest ideas of what we now know as Santa Claus. He was a kind and generous soul who gave gifts and dowries to poor children. There is also the German god Odin, who led…
Christmas Traditions From Around The World
December 25 is the day Christians celebrate as the birth of Jesus Christ… however, it is unknown when the birth actually happened, and the chances of it being in December are slim. December 25 was originally a pagan holiday in Babylonian times to herald the Son of the Goddess of Nature (Isis). It was celebrated with a huge feast and much merriment.
The standard Christmas traditions of the United States came from Great Britain. There is an interesting tale of the tradition of hanging stockings…. when Father Christmas came down the chimney, gold coins fell out of his pocket. A stocking that had been hung over the hearth to dry caught the coins… hence hanging…
Christmas Traditions In Germany
In Germany, the preparations for the Christmas celebration usually begins in November. The people in Germany set aside special evenings so that they can bake delicious deserts and make Christmas decorations and gifts.
December 6 is Nikolaustag, St. Claus day. On the eve of December 5, shoes or boots are set beside the fireplace. While all the children are asleep, St. Nicholas goes from house to house with his book of sins, which lists all the misdeeds of the children.
If he checks his book and finds out that the child has been good, he will fill the boot with holiday candies and treats. But, if the child has been naughty, he would awake to…