Christmas has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870, but it was not a holiday in early America. Celebrating Christmas, in fact, was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. This was a result of Puritan ideas and religious reform.

Then in the 19^th century things began to change. Previously, Christmas celebrations were akin to Mardi Gras celebrations, very rowdy and riotous. However, Christmas celebration began to change for a number of reasons.

First, Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. Irving thought that Christmas should be a peaceful, loving holiday that brought people of all social and economic status together. Many believe that Irving’s book actually initiated our current traditions, by implying that things were in reality, celebrated as he portrayed.

About the same time Charles Dickens created the now well-known book, A Christmas Carol. The message he offered stressed the importance of charity, benevolence and compassion towards all.

In addition, families were requiring their children to be a bit less disciplined. Christmas allowed parents the opportunity to concentrate on their childrens’ emotional needs a bit more by providing them with gifts and attention.

As Christmas came to be enjoyed more by families, Americans took pieces of other customs, including decorating trees, sending cards, etc. and an American Christmas was born.

(see www.history.com for more information)

Mistletoe has long been regarded as possessing magical powers, as far back as with the Druids in the first century and early Vikings in the 8^th century.  It has been known for its ability to raise people from the dead, to cure diseases, provide fertility, protect from evil spirits, as an antidote for any poison, and more. Ancient Scandinavians called it the “plant of peace”. Most recently, Suzanne Sommers has highlighted research pointing to mistletoe as a possible cure for breast cancer.

Mistletoe is actually a partial parasite…partial because it is capable of photosynthesis.  But typically, it attaches to trees as a parasite.  It has no ground roots.  Instead it puts a root structure down into its host tree in order to extract nutrients.

But how did we come to kiss under the mistletoe?  The tradition actually stems from more than one source.  According to Norse legend, when Balder was killed his mother wept and her tears fell on mistletoe berries and her son was brought back to life.  To express appreciation, she kissed everyone who walked underneath the mistletoe.  Belief in mistletoe’s aphrodisiac and fertility enhancement abilities may have also added to the kissing tradition.

We seem to have lost one element of the historical tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.  Originally, a berry was supposed to be plucked off of the mistletoe each time someone kissed under it.  When the berries were all gone, the mistletoe could no longer be used.  Perhaps this is because we typically use plastic mistletoe these days!  This isn’t a bad idea since the berries are poisonous.

She’d been drinkin’ too much egg nog,
And we’d begged her not to go.
But she’d left her medication,
So she stumbled out the door into the snow.

When they found her Christmas mornin’,
At the scene of the attack.
There were hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin’ Claus marks on her back.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now were all so proud of Grandpa,
He’s been takin’ this so well.
See him in there watchin’ football,
Drinkin’ beer and playin’ cards with cousin Belle.

It’s not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family’s dressed in black.
And we just can’t help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now the goose is on the table
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
That would just have matched the hair in Grandma’s wig.

I’ve warned all my friends and neighbours.
Better watch out for yourselves.”
They should never give a license,
To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six
geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans
a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids
a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping,
nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking,
seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds,
three French hens,
two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Chorus
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down thru the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Repeat Chorus

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks

Repeat Chorus

• Drill a small hole in the bottom of the tree to increase water intake.

• Make sure your tree is kept in a reservoir while it is inside.  Check the water daily to make sure that the tree is not drying out.  Lack of water will lead to browning and loss of needles.  If your tree is being kept outside or on a non-heated porch, there is no need for water.

• Allow your tree some time to fall.  Leave it on a porch outside overnight.  This allows the tree to regain its natural shape and shake off any loose needles before you bring it inside.

• Avoid Fire hazards and over drying.  Be sure to keep the tree away from heaters, vents, fireplaces, etc.

• Always recycle your Christmas tree.  It can be used for mulch or wood chips.  Go online to find a tree recycling program near you.

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev’ry mother’s
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I’m offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho’ it’s been said many times
Many ways; “Merry Christmas to you”

Balsam Fir- Balsam Fir trees have short, flat, dark green needles.  They have a very strong fragrance that people associate with the holidays, and are the most common type of Christmas tree.

Frasier Fir – Named for John Fraser, who explored the Appalachians in the late 1700’s, these trees have dark green, flattened needles. They are famous for their good needle retention, cone shape, and dense, strong branches.

Scotch Pine- These trees have stiff branches and long, dark green, rounded needles.  Scotch Pines are less dense and have more room for ornaments. Also, these trees have a long-lasting scent, as long as they receive plenty of water.

Douglas Fir –Douglas Fir trees have more of a bluish color.  The 1” to 1 ½” needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees. These trees also have a great pyramid shape.

White Pine – White pine trees have soft, blue-green needles, which they retain throughout the holiday season.  They have a very full appearance and support fewer decorations.  These trees are less scented than most, and are better for people with allergies.

Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa’s big scene
And above all this bustle
You’ll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day

I’m a little late this year but I think there is still plenty of time. I ordered my cards from the Vistaprint and they were pretty inexpensive. I found a site that has a 50% off discount on all of their holiday products. If anyone still hasn’t ordered their Christmas cards and want to, the site with 50% is Vistaprint Best Deal Ever .  They offer free shipping to which is really nice.  I’ll be sure to post a picture of my holiday cards as soon as they arrive.

Happy Holidays!