Santa Claus, St. Nick, Pere Noel- What is the story behind Christmas

     I love the movie 'The Santa Claus.' It's one of my favorite Christmas movies. The line where Tim Allen lists all the names of Santa Claus always makes me laugh.






And surprise, surprise each one of those names is a  real name for Santa Claus. But where exactly did the story of Santa Claus delivering gifts from a sleigh with eight tiny reindeer come from.








One author from New York City named Clement Clarke Moore had something to do with it. In 1822 he penned a poem name 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.' The poem became one of the most read books at Christmastime, "The Night Before Christmas."
He developed the poem from two legendary figures,





St. Nicholas
who was known for gift giving and leaving presents in stockings










and Sinterklaas

the Dutch version of St. Nicholas who was traditionally known for his white beard and red clothing.


He threw in a smidge of Odin,





the pegan god of Yule, who road a flying horse with eight legs.





Moore also portrayed St. Nicholas as a jolly elf, not a religious figure.









He added a a pack of toys












and a sleigh with flying reindeer to give the poem just enough magic to become popular.

So, that took care of the look of Santa, the pack of toys, the idea of the stockings, the sleigh and flying reindeer. But what about the North Pole and elves? What about the naughty and nice list?

The answer is Thomas Nast, another New Yorker who was an illustrator. In 1862 the publication Harper's Weekly commissioned Nast to illustrate their Christmas edition. The renderings he produced transformed the idea of who Santa was and where he came from.

And last but not least, what about the history of the Christmas tree? The history behind the Christmas tree goes back ancient Egypt. It was thought that plants that remained green during the winter held special meaning. People would put evergreen boughs over their windows and doorways to ward off evil spirits. The decorated tree can be traced back to Germany in the 1600. Some scholars give credit to Martin Luther for adding lighted candles to the tree.






Of Course, Christmas, to many, is not so much about a man in a bright red suit riding in a sleigh with reindeer and handing out presents. In many different countries and cultures it's a time to gather together with family and friends to celebrate our beliefs. To be thankful for what we have been given. So, however you choose to celebrate Christmas, I wish you great love and Peace and joy for the season and the coming new year.

All in the Family

                                                                  Family

     What is conjured in your mind when you think of family? Some people think of the people that live under one roof and some think of everyone they have found on the ancestry site on the internet and for most it's somewhere in between.

     For some they have been blessed to live in the same community  and for others they have been blessed not to. Because let's face it, sometimes families can be hard to navigate.

     During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons many families choose to gather together and celebrate. It's usually a great time but can be stressful. There are factors that come into play getting extended families together.

     For those coming in, it could be choosing what to pack for the weather and the long flights or drives. Or, the feeling of burdening someone staying in their home. Doesn't matter that they are family. For the host, it's making sure the house is clean, the groceries are bought and everyone feels welcome and their needs are met.

   








      That's just the beginning. Then there is Uncle Joe who doesn't particularly have the same political views as Aunt Nancy or lovely little Sara ,who is three, and a holy terror. Everyone thinks they have the solution when all her mom and dad need is support and a few extra hands every once in a while. 

                                                                                   
Throw in a few activities and one family photo
that grandma just has to have and boy oh boy you have the makings of the perfect family gathering. Or not.

   


 The thing is, everybody has their own little bubble they live in. Their own little routine that gives them comfort and when that is disturbed or they are thrown out of their comfort zone, things can get a little sticky. Nerves get shot, people get annoyed, tempers flare, feelings get hurt, lines are drawn and all of the sudden families are divided. And most of the time, it's over a small disagreement.

     Whether you are a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or in-law, everyone is different. Everyone has a point of view that may not align with yours or things they do that are annoying. So what. Be thankful that you have grouchy old Aunt Bea. There are many people out there who have no family to spend the holidays with. 

     There are a few important things to remember during this time of year and I am writing this to remind myself.
     1. Remember why you love your family because you never know when you might lose them
     2. Remember you can't please everyone and that is okay.
     3. Respect others views, you may find out yours may be wrong!
     4. Remember, everyone is stressed so if someone barks don't take it too personally.
     5. Focus on the good stuff. Make happy memories.

     This time of year, reflect on your happy memories. Be thankful for what you have and who you have in your life. Focus on showing how much you love and appreciate them.

   

   

The season of giving

     Ah. The crisp chill of the air. The smell of a fireplace burning nearby. The sound of carolers singing and lights twinkling all about and those little white flakes drifting from somewhere up above. People are all bundled up scurrying from store to store for that perfect gift. Or, maybe sitting with their hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows staring at a screen and scrolling through an endless amount of items searching for that one perfect gift. Tis the season. People talk about being in the spirit of the season. What spirit exactly? I think it means different things to different people. Whether it bears a religious connection or an excitement of presents on their way or family getting together, there is something about this time of year that is special.

     Oh yes, it's fun to drive around and look at the pretty Christmas lights.

And maybe you are one of the lucky ones to wake up Christmas day to a blanket of snow. What could be more perfect?

Or, you might wake up Christmas morning with tons of presents under the tree.

Is that what the spirit of the season is about?

 




  To me, the spirit of the season is giving.

Giving without expecting anything in return.

Giving love to family you haven't seen in a while.


Giving hugs to those who may need comfort and giving to those who are in need.

Even if you are giving not expecting anything in return, you will receive gifts. Oh, trust me you will receive gifts that mean much more than any item that could be put under the tree.