Santa on his way
Ornaments and Stockings abound
Santa Claus Around the World
America’s Santa Claus is not the only St. Nicholas–inspired gift-giver to make an appearance at Christmastime. There are similar figures and Christmas traditions around the world. Christkind, or Kris Kringle, was believed to deliver presents to well-behaved Swiss and German children. Meaning “Christ child,” Christkind is an angel-like figure often accompanied by St. Nicholas on his holiday missions. In Scandinavia, a jolly elf named Jultomten was thought to deliver gifts in a sleigh drawn by goats. English legend explains that Father Christmas visits each home on Christmas Eve to fill children’s stockings with holiday treats. Père Noël is responsible for filling the shoes of French children. In Italy, there is a story of a woman called La Befana, a kindly witch who rides a broomstick down the chimneys of Italian homes to deliver toys into the stockings of lucky children.
Lithuania’s Santa Claus - Senis Šaltis (Old Man Frost) or Kalėdų Senelis (Christmas Grandfather)
Tree Ornaments
Ornaments today are associated with Christmas but the tradition of decorating evergreen trees started in 16th century Germany. Trees were first thought to be trimmed with real apples to represent the tree of forbidden fruit in the Bible and to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Ornaments didn’t make it to America till the American Revolutionary War and didn’t really catch on till around the 19th century because Christmas trees were seen as a symbol of paganism and frivolous.
Lithuanian Handmade straw ornaments are particularly traditional. They can decorate Christmas trees or be used as decoration for other parts of the house. Sometimes these are made with plastic drinking straws, but the more traditional material is the yellow straw usually used for farm animals.
Santa’s Reindeer
The origins of Santa’s reindeer are a fascinating blend of cultural traditions, folklore, and creative imagination. From the Sámi people’s deep connection with reindeer to the evolution of Santa Claus in popular culture, these magical creatures have a rich history that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the enchanting history behind Santa’s reindeer, and how they continue to bring joy and wonder to this special time of year.
Stockings
Naughty or nice. Remember, Santa only brings presents to those who believe in him. What’s in your Stocking? Hope it’s not coal!
Other Holidays This Week
December 22 - Forefathers’ Day, National Cookie Exchange Day, National Date-Nut Bread Day, National Mathematics Day
December 23 - Festivus, National Pfeffernuesse Day, Night of the Radishes, Roots Day | National Roots Day
December 24 - Adam and Eve Day, Christmas Eve, National Eggnog Day, Quviasukvik begins
December 25 - Christmas, National Pumpkin Pie Day, Takanakuy, Tulsi Pujan Diwas, Twelvetide
December 26 - Boxing Day, Day of Goodwill, Day of the Wren | Hunt the Wren Day, Kwanzaa begins, National Candy Cane Day
December 27 - Make Cut-out Snowflakes Day, National Fruitcake Day, Sam Sharpe Day, Visit the Zoo Day, Wine Blessing Day
December 28 - Childermas Day | Holy Innocents Day |Dia de los Santos Inocentes, Eat Vegetarian Day, National Chocolate Candy Day, National Card Playing Day
