2012 EXCITING NEWS!

Well this has been a busy new year for me.  I have been in the process of publishing and revising my etiquette book.  It should be ready in about one month.  I will keep you posted.

Also, I will be speaking in Victoria, Canada at the VICTORIA TEA FESTIVAL on February 18, & 19.  It is one of North America's largest tea festivals and will be held in Victoria's historic Crystal Garden.  4,000 Greater Victoria residents and visitors are anticipated to attend this weekend tea extravaganza that presents tea from every possible angle.

See website below for more information:

http://www.victoriateafestival.com/

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.