X is for Xmas
What is Christmas without Father Christmas, A Christmas Tree, gifts and of course a Snowman.
This is probably the most beautiful of all children's animated films and still moves me with its magic.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
X is for Xmas
24th December 2013
What is Christmas without Father Christmas, A Christmas Tree, gifts and of course a Snowman.
This is probably the most beautiful of all children's animated films and still moves me with its magic.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
What is Christmas without Father Christmas, A Christmas Tree, gifts and of course a Snowman.
This is probably the most beautiful of all children's animated films and still moves me with its magic.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
K is for King
11th December 2013
Can you believe this? Wolverine, looking so young and singing as a King?
K is for King
Can you believe this? Wolverine, looking so young and singing as a King?
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
J is for Jesus
10th December 2013
Christmas Day is an amalgamation of celebrations, both pagan (the turn of the Winter Solstice) and Christian. It marks, in the Christian calendar, the birth of Jesus.
The Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, had to travel to Nazareth for a census. However, when they arrived, Mary travelling on a donkey, they could not find anywhere to stay and ended up staying the night in a barn. Jesus was born on 25th December and laid in a manger for a bed.
J is for Jesus
Christmas Day is an amalgamation of celebrations, both pagan (the turn of the Winter Solstice) and Christian. It marks, in the Christian calendar, the birth of Jesus.
The Bible tells us that Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, had to travel to Nazareth for a census. However, when they arrived, Mary travelling on a donkey, they could not find anywhere to stay and ended up staying the night in a barn. Jesus was born on 25th December and laid in a manger for a bed.
Monday, 9 December 2013
I is for Invitation
9th December 2013
Invitations are always exciting, especially when you are a child. What could be more exciting than an invitation to a Christmas party. A party with magical decorations, a sparkling Christmas tree, a copious table of tasty food and drinks and of course, a visit from Father Christmas, complete with his sack of gifts.
The word invitation, or to invite comes from the Latin word: invitatio (the noun) and invitare, (the verb), which means to entertain or to be pleasant to someone. Which of course is what you ought to be if you have guests.
I never knew that my Latin O level might come in useful writing Christmas blogs, one day.
It took a fair number of invitations addressed to Harry Potter before he finally managed to open his invitation to Hogwarts.
The moment when Uncle Vernon is buried under a mountain of envelopes, reminds me of my daily task of sweeping the leaves outside in my garden. But that is another story and another blog: Limey Limericks.
I is for Invitation
Invitations are always exciting, especially when you are a child. What could be more exciting than an invitation to a Christmas party. A party with magical decorations, a sparkling Christmas tree, a copious table of tasty food and drinks and of course, a visit from Father Christmas, complete with his sack of gifts.
The word invitation, or to invite comes from the Latin word: invitatio (the noun) and invitare, (the verb), which means to entertain or to be pleasant to someone. Which of course is what you ought to be if you have guests.
I never knew that my Latin O level might come in useful writing Christmas blogs, one day.
It took a fair number of invitations addressed to Harry Potter before he finally managed to open his invitation to Hogwarts.
The moment when Uncle Vernon is buried under a mountain of envelopes, reminds me of my daily task of sweeping the leaves outside in my garden. But that is another story and another blog: Limey Limericks.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
H is for Holly
8th December 2013
Holly is a plant with green prickly leaves and red berries that are common in winter. In ancient times, Druids used to wear garlands of holly on their heads.
The Romans considered holly as the sacred plant of Saturn and offered it during the Saturnalia festival.
Early Christians believed that holly warded off evil spirits and would hang it on doors to prevent witches and evil spirits from entering the house.
Holly is now considered part of Christmas and is an essential Christmas decoration.
H is for Holly
Holly is a plant with green prickly leaves and red berries that are common in winter. In ancient times, Druids used to wear garlands of holly on their heads.
The Romans considered holly as the sacred plant of Saturn and offered it during the Saturnalia festival.
Early Christians believed that holly warded off evil spirits and would hang it on doors to prevent witches and evil spirits from entering the house.
Holly is now considered part of Christmas and is an essential Christmas decoration.
There is even a traditional carol just about holly:
The Holly and the Ivy
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
Saturday, 7 December 2013
G is for Gingerbread
7th December
Gingerbread is found in Ancient Greece and Egypt and it was used in ceremonies. It was the crusaders who brought ginger to Europe in 11th Century. Only the rich could afford the spice to begin with, however as it became more affordable so gingerbread became popular.
Queen Elizabeth I created gingerbread men for her guests. They soon became common at fairs and in bakeries decorated with ribbons and icing.
The gingerbread house became popular in Germany after the publication of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm in 19th Century. They were then taken to the US and take on many very intricate designs. They never really became fashionable in the UK.
Gingerbread can be eaten as a cake or a biscuit in England and the biscuits are popular as part of the Christmas festivities.
G is for Gingerbread
Gingerbread is found in Ancient Greece and Egypt and it was used in ceremonies. It was the crusaders who brought ginger to Europe in 11th Century. Only the rich could afford the spice to begin with, however as it became more affordable so gingerbread became popular.
Queen Elizabeth I created gingerbread men for her guests. They soon became common at fairs and in bakeries decorated with ribbons and icing.
The gingerbread house became popular in Germany after the publication of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm in 19th Century. They were then taken to the US and take on many very intricate designs. They never really became fashionable in the UK.
Gingerbread can be eaten as a cake or a biscuit in England and the biscuits are popular as part of the Christmas festivities.
Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!
Friday, 6 December 2013
F is for Father Christmas
6th December 2013
Father Christmas is known by many names today, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Santa Claus, St Nicholas.
There are many origins to the Father Christmas we know today. St Nicholas originally came from Turkey. The legend tells us that there was a man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters, so St Nicholas gave them three bags of gold one night, just before Christmas.
Father Christmas in England finds his roots in 15th Century, when he was called Sir Christmas. He was not originally a bearer of gifts. He became popular with the Victorians, they made Christmas what it is today, and he even featured in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
His big belly, red coat, trimmed with white fur and black boots probably comes from the United States where he was given the name Santa Claus.
F is for Father Christmas
Father Christmas is known by many names today, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Santa Claus, St Nicholas.
There are many origins to the Father Christmas we know today. St Nicholas originally came from Turkey. The legend tells us that there was a man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters, so St Nicholas gave them three bags of gold one night, just before Christmas.
Father Christmas in England finds his roots in 15th Century, when he was called Sir Christmas. He was not originally a bearer of gifts. He became popular with the Victorians, they made Christmas what it is today, and he even featured in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
His big belly, red coat, trimmed with white fur and black boots probably comes from the United States where he was given the name Santa Claus.
The animated film, Father Christmas, is based on the books by Raymond Briggs. Father Christmas is a big man, with a large belly, long white heard, red suit and black boots. The story shows his grumpy side as he has to deal with all the chores in his little house and dreams about a seasonal holiday in France.
The Snowman makes a brief appearance as well. Ah such a beautiful film. I shall have to embed a copy in a later post.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
E is for Elf
5th December 2013
Elves have featured in mythology and folklore for a long time. They possess magical skills and can be a little picky when choosing whether to help or hinder humans, dwarfs and hobbits!
In 16th Century England, they became associated with fairies - William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Scandinavian writers began to weave elves into Christmas stories during 19th Century. They became Santa's helpers - well how on earth was he to make and wrap all those gifts in time? - sometimes though, they could be a little mischievous.
Modern Christmas elves are an invention from the United States. They were painted wearing red and green costumes, and have huge ears. Elves check up on children throughout the year and let Santa Claus know which children were good and deserve their presents and which children were naughty and only deserve a sack of coal.
E is for Elf
Elves have featured in mythology and folklore for a long time. They possess magical skills and can be a little picky when choosing whether to help or hinder humans, dwarfs and hobbits!
In 16th Century England, they became associated with fairies - William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Scandinavian writers began to weave elves into Christmas stories during 19th Century. They became Santa's helpers - well how on earth was he to make and wrap all those gifts in time? - sometimes though, they could be a little mischievous.
Modern Christmas elves are an invention from the United States. They were painted wearing red and green costumes, and have huge ears. Elves check up on children throughout the year and let Santa Claus know which children were good and deserve their presents and which children were naughty and only deserve a sack of coal.
Where did you say you were from?
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
D is for Decoration
4th December 2013
Christmas decorations became popular on Christmas trees during the reign of Queen Victoria. Decorated trees are believed to have originated in Germany and date back to around 16th Century. They were usually decorated with candles, apples, nuts and dates.
Originally Christmas decorations and trees were not put up until Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky.
Christmas wreaths actually date bake to Roman times when they were hung on the front door to indicate a festivity or celebration.
D is for Decoration
Christmas decorations became popular on Christmas trees during the reign of Queen Victoria. Decorated trees are believed to have originated in Germany and date back to around 16th Century. They were usually decorated with candles, apples, nuts and dates.
Originally Christmas decorations and trees were not put up until Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky.
Christmas wreaths actually date bake to Roman times when they were hung on the front door to indicate a festivity or celebration.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
C is for Candle
3rd December
Candles were initially used to create light. They were then used to keep time. Notches were cut into the side of the candle and as the wick burnt down, it denoted the amount of time that had past.
They are used for many different purposes today: light, celebration, religious rights, and decoration.
Candles are made out of wax with a wick (made out of string or cord). The wick is lit and slowly burns down, being held in place and retarded by the wax surrounding it.
The word candle comes originally from the Latin candre meaning to shine.
During advent it is customary to burn a candle a set amount to represent the days approaching Christmas.
C is for Candle
Candles were initially used to create light. They were then used to keep time. Notches were cut into the side of the candle and as the wick burnt down, it denoted the amount of time that had past.
They are used for many different purposes today: light, celebration, religious rights, and decoration.
Candles are made out of wax with a wick (made out of string or cord). The wick is lit and slowly burns down, being held in place and retarded by the wax surrounding it.
The word candle comes originally from the Latin candre meaning to shine.
During advent it is customary to burn a candle a set amount to represent the days approaching Christmas.
Monday, 2 December 2013
B is for Bells
2nd December 2013
Bells are made of metal, normally cast.
The earliest bells were made of pottery and were found in China. around 3000 BC. They are found in many religions across the world.
Metal bells, with a hanging clapper that hits the side, were used in churches to announce the start of a religious service and in town halls to announce an event.
They are rung every Christmas Day morning in a peel (a series), to herald the birth of Jesus Christ.
Bells are now used to commemorate a wide variety events: weddings, jubilees, peace, freedom and other positive and uplifting moments.
Someone who studies bells is called a campanologist.
A peel of bells at St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
B is for Bells
Bells are made of metal, normally cast.
The earliest bells were made of pottery and were found in China. around 3000 BC. They are found in many religions across the world.
Metal bells, with a hanging clapper that hits the side, were used in churches to announce the start of a religious service and in town halls to announce an event.
They are rung every Christmas Day morning in a peel (a series), to herald the birth of Jesus Christ.
Bells are now used to commemorate a wide variety events: weddings, jubilees, peace, freedom and other positive and uplifting moments.
Someone who studies bells is called a campanologist.
A peel of bells at St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
Sunday, 1 December 2013
A is for Angel
1st December 2013
A is for Angel
An Angel is a celestial being used by God to communicate between Heaven and Earth in the Christian and other Abrahamic religions. They carry out tasks for God and are particularly associated with Christmas.
They are normally depicted as benevolent, looking like humans with feathered wings on their backs and halos.
My favourite film featuring an angel is Michael. Not your archetypal angel by any means.
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