While I realize Christmas, technically, was yesterday, today is Boxing Day, and if there was ever a day to continue a post about Christmas, it’s today. Unless you’re one hell of a Scrooge, I can’t really see this being a pressing issue for anyone reading.
It still blows my mind, 30 years into life, that so much energy and effort is invested toward one single day. I feel the same way about weddings in this context. But, Christmas is a magical time, so I can understand why some folks tend to become absolutely batshit crazy around this time of year.
Again, this information comes from goodhousekeeping.com.
“Fruits were the first ornaments. In the late 17th century, people used fruits like apples, pears, and oranges to decorate Christmas trees. In fact, edible ornaments were so popular that many began to call Christmas trees ‘sugar trees.’
“Candy canes are shaped like shepard’s hooks. In 1670, a German choir master asked a local confectioner to shape the candy into its traditional form, resembling a shepherd’s hook. In the Christmas story, shepherds traveled from far and wide to visit the infant Jesus. The symbolic candy cane helped keep his choirboys content during long practices.
“Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas. In 1836, Alabama became the first state to recognize Christmas as a state holiday, with Arkansas and Louisiana following suit. But it wasn’t until 1870 that President Grant declared Christmas a national holiday.
“Christmas wasn’t always on December 25. Although Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, it doesn’t actually mention December 25 anywhere in the bible. In fact, some historians think Jesus was born in the spring, not the winter at all! Christmas on December 25th wasn’t celebrated until about 336 AD.
“Hanging stockings started by accident. The historic St. Nicholas heard about the plight of a local man who did not have enough dowry money to marry off his three daughters. The generous St. Nick tossed some money down the chimney that landed in the ladies’ stockings that were drying by the fire. After that, the tradition stuck!” the web page states.
The article actually lists 52 facts about Christmas, so if you’re looking for some reading material to mull over while you relax after the chaos of Christmas, be sure to give it a glance.
Photo by Mourad Saadi on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 