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5 Top Christmas Tree Myths

Santa Fan — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:37:25 +0000

Seems like there’s myths and urban legends about almost everything today and the Christmas tree hasn’t been left out. So many things have been said about live trees throughout the years that many consumers are confused about what is true and what is false. Here are 10 of the most common myths that might ease your mind about using a live Christmas tree.

1. Live Christmas trees are cut down in the nations forests.

While this myth is mostly false, it does have a little truth to it. There are a few locations where the Forest Service allows people to purchase a permit to cut a live tree. The trees are cut to create fire…

20 Interesting Facts About Live Christmas Trees

Santa Fan — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:34:05 +0000

The Christmas tree is the center piece of the holiday decor. The sparkle of the lights and the shimmer of tinsel are favorite holiday memories of both children and adults alike. It’s a gathering place for family on that very special day of the year. But, there’s lots of interesting facts about Christmas trees that few people know.

*The first known decorated Christmas tree originated in Riga, Latvia in 1510.

*The commercial sale of Christmas trees began around 1850.

*The very first retail Christmas tree lot was in New York in 1851. It was started by Mark Carr.

*Christmas trees are grown in every state in the United States.

*Live Christmas trees are grown just…

The Origins of Santa Claus

Santa Fan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:12:45 +0000

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

Santa Fan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:40:05 +0000

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

Santa Fan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:18:11 +0000

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…

Pre-Christian Roots Of Christmas

Santa Fan — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:31:19 +0000

Many of the traditions and customs that are part of our current Christmas festivities have been with us since long before the birth of Christ. Christmas, as we know it today, evolved from year end and new year holy days that were celebrated in the Near East, Rome and Northern Europe.

Before Rome “converted” to Christianity there were three major holy days that were celebrated.

Saturnalia
Saturnalia began on December 17 and lasted for eight days. This festival was in honor of Saturn who was a prehistoric king and god that was believed to have taught their ancestors agriculture, civilization and peace. The celebration started with the sacrifice of a pig which was attended by…

Christmas Traditions In The United Kingdom

Santa Fan — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:59:39 +0000

Building up to Christmas has almost become as traditional as the celebration itself. On the first of December, Advent calendars are started, either in the form of a Calendar with opening doors and sometimes even a chocolate inside, or a candle in which you light each day. Shops and public places tend to have Christmas decorations displayed anytime from September onwards, however most homes begin putting up decorations in the first week of December. Decorations consist usually of the Christmas tree with a Fairy on the Top decorated with tinsel and colorful lights.

Christmas in the United Kingdom usually starts with 24th December with most people either already finished work, or having a short working…