A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"T"

IS FOR TWELFTH NIGHT, TURKEY, TINSEL, TOBOGGANS

Twelfth Night is traditionally the end of the Christmas celebrations and falls on 5 January on the eve of Epiphany.  As with many of the Christian traditions, it is a celebration adopted from pagan practices and their festivities for Saturnalia.  The idea that everything is reversed is a big part of the festivities, for instance the king and all noblemen would become peasants, and vice-versa.  A special cake would be made with a bean in one half and a pea in the other.  The half with the bean was for the men, the pea for the women and those who received the slice with the bean and pea would become king and queen for the night and rule the feast and merriment.

It is widely considered that all decorations should be taken down by the Twelfth Night to avoid bad luck.  This superstition is based on a belief upheld until the nineteenth century, when decorations remained until Candlemas on 2 February, (40 days after Christmas).  As the decorations were foiliage, people believed that the greenery contained tree spirits which had to be released to ensure spring would return and vegetation grow.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"S"

IS FOR SHINING STAR, SILENT NIGHT, SPROUTS, STOCKINGS, SNOW, SILVER BELLS

The Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three kings to the Baby Jesus, is commemorated by placing a star atop of the Christmas tree. Placing the star on top is usually the finishing act of decorating the tree and the honour is customarily bestowed upon the youngest child, who is lifted up to the highest branch.  Sometimes an angel is placed instead of a star to represent the Angel Gabriel; however, it has become increasingly popular to call this a Christmas fairy, which appeals more to the magical aspects of Christmas rather than the religious, and as such is normally pretty and sparkly.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"R"

IS FOR ROASTED CHESTNUTS, ROBINS, REINDEER

The opening line of The Christmas Song is so evocative of Christmas it can transport the listener to a cosy winter night by the fireside in just a few bars of "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...".  The idea of sweet chestnuts cooking in the crackling flames, waiting to be peeled so the tasty kernel can be enjoyed, is a deliciously wintery image and one that has been enjoyed for centuries.  Chestnuts are a nutritious snack, but should not be confused with the horse chestnut that produces 'conkers' which are inedible.  

Chestnuts are often used in the rich stuffing made at Christmas, adding a distinct nutty flavour.  To roast chestnuts, the skin should be split before cooking to avoid the flesh expanding and exploding.  They can be cooked in an oven, not just over an open fire - although this process is far more romantic.  It is also common for roasted chestnuts to be sold by street sellers over the festive season, as a lovely treat for Christmas shoppers.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"Q"

IS FOR THE QUEEN'S SPEECH

For some, watching the Queen's speech at 3pm on Christmas Day is an integral part of the tradidtions of the day.  The first broadcast from the monarch began during the reign of the present Queen's grandfather, King George V, who in 1932 spoke in the 'wireless' from an office in Sandringham.  The tradition was maintained by his son, King George VI, who became king following his brother's abdication and continued by the Queen.  


With the advent of television, the Queen made the first speech by this medium in 1957.  This allowed the public a glimpse of the monarch at her home, dressed for Christmas.  The address usually lasts around 10 minutes and is anchored by a theme chosen by Her Majesty.  It is a rare occasion where the Queen offers her own thoughts on events without Government advice and as such it is considered an important part of the relationship between the sovereign and her subjects.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"P"

IS FOR PLUM PUDDING, A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE, PANTOMIMES, PEACE ON EARTH

Much like mince pies, plum pudding was not only an indulgent Christmas food, but also steeped in religious meaning.  As with mincemeat, the mix should contain 13 ingredients, and the pudding should be made on the 25th Sunday after Trinity, or stir-up Sunday as it has come to be known, since every member of the family should take it in turn to stir the mixture from east to west to honour the journey of the wise men.  


Many people also take this opportunity to make a wish while stirring the pudding for good luck.  A silver coin should also be mixed in and the guest who finds it in his slice is said to have good fortune in the coming year.  The pudding itself is normally the finale of Christmas Dinner and is served topped with holly and doused in brandy, which is then lit and brought to the table with much ceremony and to a great applause.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"O"

IS FOR ORANGES, OPEN HOUSE, O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

The tradition of an orange at the foot of a stocking comes from the tale of Saint Nicholas, who heard of a nobleman who had fallen into despair after the death of his wife and lost all of his money.  He had three daughters who could not marry without a dowry, which caused him greater depression.  St Nicholas is said to have left a bag of gold in the socks of each daughter, which was enough for them to marry.  This spread the tradition of hanging a stocking in the hope of receiving presents, and an orange is often used to represent the bag of gold.  Oranges were also considered an exotic treat to receive and symbolic of wealth, so much so that they were, and still are, often used as a decoration and to perfume homes over Christmas.  A popular tradition is to display a bowl of pomanders made from oranges studded in a decorative pattern with cloves, which not only look delightful but also fill the home with a heady aromatic scent.

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"N"

IS FOR NATIVITY, NOEL, NUTCRACKER, NINE LESSONS

 Usually the nativity is simply, but charmingly, performed in the school hall or local church.  The cast of young children re-enact the story of Jesus' birth, while parents busily film their little one's first moments in the spotlight.  While a few lucky children may land a starring role as Mary or Joseph, a chorus is made up of various shepherds, angels, kings and animals, who usually sport an array of tea-towel headdresses and paper crowns.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"M"

IS FOR MINCE PIES, MIDNIGHT MASS, MULLED WINE

     When biting into a rich mince pie, topped with a healthy dollop of brandy butter, thought is seldom given to the religious symbolism and long history of the humble festive treat.  Dating back to returning soldiers of the Crusades and inspired by Middle Eastern cooking that combined spices, fruit and meat, the mincemeat filling of the pie was a tasty way to preserve the meat.

     Over time the mixture came to include less and less meat and become a sweet rather than savoury treat.  The pie was originally much larger and shaped like a crib, or a manger, with its connotations to the birth of Jesus.  Old recipes also included 13 ingredients, which represented Christ and his Apostles, and three middle eastern spices - cloves, cinnamom and nutmet - representing the three gifts brought by the wise men.  The recipes today are not so strict and vary widely, containing different mixtures of fruit, alcohol and spices.  The pies themselves come in different shapes and sizes.  However, a superstition is that a mince pie should be eaten on each of the twelve days of Christmas to bring good luck in the coming year.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"L"

IS FOR LAYING THE TABLE, LANTERNS, LIGHTS, LEFTOVERS

Whether a small gathering or a large family affair, Christmas dinner calls for a beautifully dressed table that is resplendent with candles, floral arrangements and shimmering decorations. A special tablecloth topped with the best flatware and crockery is used and care is taken with each place setting.  Usually there is a name card for each guest, along with a cracker to be pulled before dinner commences, and sometimes there are even small, personalised gifts to open before the feasting commences.

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"K"

IS FOR KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, KINGS COLLEGE, 

WE THREE KINGS

Thought by the druids to hold magical powers, mistletoe has long been considered a plant associated with romance, fertility and good fortune.  The custom of kissing beneath a ball of mistletoe was an eighteenth-century tradition.  The ball would be hung and decorated with ribbons and ornaments and any girl standing beneath it could not be refused a kiss.  This kiss could be romantic or a sign of lasting friendship; however, if she was to remain undissed it was considered a sign that she would not marry the following year.  it was also customary to burn any remaining mistletoe on the Twelfh Night, or else those that had kissed beneath it would not marry.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"J"

IS FOR JINGLE BELLS, JOKES IN CRACKERS, JOY TO THE WORLD

Bells have long been used for celebrating joyous and religious occasions.  The tradition has pagon roots, when bells were used to ward away evil spirits during the winter celebrations.  As an inexpensive instrument bells are popular in Christmas docor.  They sometimes hang from wreaths for an inviting jingle when guests arrive; they make a pretty decoration on trees and are used by carollers to sound their presence as they make their way, door to door.  It is also understood that Father Christmas's reindeers wear bells.  Bells are further cemented into the psyche of Christmas in popular songs and carols such as Silver Bells, I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day, and, of course, Jingle Bells.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"I"

IS FOR ICE SKATING, ICING THE CAKE, INDULGING, ICICLES

Although in England we rarely have weather conditions that warrant safe ice skating on a lake, it has become popular for a temporary outdoor rink to be created in city centres.  Across London there are several options set against grand backdrops, including one in the grounds of the beautiful Natural History Museum.  This romantic notion of skating outdoors is thought to have been introduced around 1650 by the Royal Family, who discovered the pursuit of skating on bladed boots when they fled to Holland when Cromwell attained power.  It continued to be enjoyed throughout Victorian times and as conditions werre jolly chillier, Prince Albert was even recorded as skating on the lake at Buckingham Palace.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"H"

IS FOR THE HOLLY AND THE IVY, HE'S BEHIND YOU...., HATS, HOLY NIGHT

As an evergreen plant that bears vibrant berries even in the depths of winter, holly is a natural choice for decorative foliage at Christmas.

Its symbolic importance stems back to Druid times when it was considered to have magical properties, and hanging it indoors brought good luck.  This belief was upheld by Romans celebrating the festival of Saturnalia (in December) who decked their halls with boughs of holly.  This practice was adopted by Christians who applied their own relegious symbolism to the plant, with the berries rrepresenting the blood of Christ and the Sharp prickles indicative of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus before his crucifixion.

Holly is associated with males and as such is considered to bring men good luck, whereas ivy is the female counterpart, so be sure to decorate with both for a fortuitous Christmas for all the family.

From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"F"

IS FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS, FAMILY, FROSTY WALKS

The central figure of most secular celebrations of Christmas is a jolly fellow who delivers presents to well behaved children on Christmas Eve.  In England, this man is known as Father Christmas and although the name has now become synonymous with the American Santa Claus, the origins of our festive figurehead are very different.  


Santa Claus stems from the legend of Saint Nicholas, inspiring the character in Clement Moor's poem The Night Before Christmas (1823); in a red, fur-trimmed suit who brings presents by flying a magical sleigh pulled by reindeer.  Father Christmas, however, was a man who visited homes over the winter period and was associated with feasting rather than gift-giving.  The best illustration of this man was in Dickens' A Christmas Carol where he appears as the Ghost of Christmas Present, a larger-than-life character clothed in green robes who jubilantly feasts on indulgent foods.  

As the popularity of Santa Claus spread across America, with no small thanks to a campaign by Coca-Cola in the 1930s featuring the widely accepted vision of a bearded man in a rich red suit, the two figures became interchangeable, with elements of both woven into the myths of the beloved character.

From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"E"

IS FOR EGGNOG, EBENEZER SCROOGE, CHRISTMAS EVE

Indulgent drinks are one of the treats of the festive period and none is more deliciously sumptuous than a velvety eggnog.  The drink has origins in medieval times and wa later enjoyed by English aristocracy who could both afford the expensive ingredients, and keep the milk chilled.  The name of the drink varied and was also known as an egg flip. 


The roots of eggnog are somewhat ambiguous.  Some would argue it comes from the word 'noggin' a drinking vessel from which the egg mixture would have been drunk, while others refer to the East Anglian dialect of 'nog' for a strong ale which was sometimes used to flavour the punch.  Another explanation stems from when the drink reached the shores of America in the eighteenth century and rum, or 'grog' was used to lace the mixture, with the name abbreviated from egg and grog to that used today.


The drink itself varies from country to country and even amongst families.  However, good eggnog is made as a punch and should contain a large quantity of eggs, some extra yolks for added richness, milk, spices such as vanilla and netmeg and, of course, a healthy dose of alcohol, traditionally brandy although rum and whisky are popular alternatives.  The mixture is chilled and before serving whisked cream is added for a frothy texture.


From English Home Magazine 

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"D"

IS FOR DICKENS, DECK THE HALLS, DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH!

The Victorian era was when many of the traditions of Christmas that are celebrated today were established.  After Christmas had been abolished by Cromwell, there was a nostalgic interest in the festivities that used to be enjoyed.  Prince Albert also introduced some German traditions, such as the Christmas tree, and the Royal family promoted the idea of family Christmases.  This, paired with a novella written by Charles Dickens, cemented the ideologies of Christmas we uphold today.  A Christmas Carol is not only an illustration of Christmas during Victorian times, it promoted many of the sentiments of what the season meant to secular society.  The story is rich with the importance of family and love as well as merriment, enjoying food and drink, dancing and playing games, but also, most importantly, goodwill to all men and generosity of spirit.

From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITION

C

IS FOR CAROLS, CRACKERS, CHARITY, CHARADES

Although there are plenty of formal carol concerts, there is something charming about carollers singing with gusto on one's doorstep.  In the name of charity and goodwill to all men, groups make their way from door to door by torch or, more romantically, candlelight, or sometimes gather on village greens beneath a streetlamp to sing and to garner donations for a variety of charitable collections.


From English Home Magazine

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

B is for Boxing  Day, Baubles, Brandy, Baking, Bethlehem....

B

The day after Christmas Day is a national holiday that is perplexingly called Boxing Day.  There are a number of explanations for the name, however, most relate to the giving of a box of money or food to those who are needy or who have provided a service.  Churches would have boxes in which money was collected to give to the poor on St. Stephen's Day (December 26) and it was also commonplace for servants to be given this day off to spend with their families since they would have worked to maintain the household for the masters' Christmas Day celebrations.  The servants would be presented with a box of gifts and food to enjoy.  In most households today, Boxing Day is a rather relaxed affair and is usually spent with the extended family and friends.  Rather than a formal dinner, a buffet of cold meats including left-over turkey and a specially cooked glazed ham, with pickles and potatoes is usually served.

From English Home Magazine