The Search for Lodging

This is Mexican Christmas Carol.  The Spanish title is "Pedida de la Posada".

Joseph
Lodging, I beg you, good man in the name of heaven!
My wife is weary;
She says she can go no farther,
Long have we traveled; 
Have mercy on us, good man!
God will reward you if you will give shelter to her.

Innkeeper
There is no room in this place for any stranger.
I do not know you; 
Be gone! and all talking cease!
I do not care if great distance - 
You have come.
All of your pleading is vain, so -
Go away; let us have our peace!

Joseph
Listen, I beg you, for she is not a stranger.
Her name is Mary, and she is the Queen of Heaven.
My name is Joseph; 
We journey from Nazareth.
She has been chosen by God to bear His Son, 
The King of Men!

Innkeeper
Pardon, good Joseph, for I did not know you.
My house is honored by you and the Holy Presence.
Great is my joy,
If you choose to rest here.
Enter, I beg you, and bless this humble home;
Bring it happiness.

Joseph
Enter, Sweet Mary, we now have found lodging.
Here is man who to us opens his home and heart.
To him and all who shall thus His Son receive
God shall reward with great love.
The happiness He gives shall never depart!

Christmas Traditions in the United States

In Colonial times the celebration of Christmas was according to the origin of the settlers.  For example the Old English customs prevailed in Virginia, Maryland and Georgia; Dutch, Swedish and German in New York, New Jersey and Delaware.  The Quakers of Philadelphia did not observe Christmas except in a strictly religious manner.  The Puritans brought with them from Cromwell's England the prohibition of a Christmas Celebration.  This philosophy continued in New England for generations.  In 1659 the following law was passed in Massachusetts: "Whosoever shall be found observing any such days as Christmas, or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting or in any other way, shall be fined 5 shillings."  This law was not repealed until 1681, and Christmas did not become a legal holiday until the mid-1800's.  

The Christmas Tree is probably the most widely used decoration  in the US - in fact it is likely the tree is more popular in the US than in any other country.  It is odd to think of it now but when the tree was so popular in other countries, in the US, it was thought to be a form of tree worship and no one would have anything to do with it!  Now homes, both inside and out are decorated with lights and decorations.  No thought crosses anyone's mind of tree worship anymore - just how many more decorations we can get on the trees!

The poinsettia seems to be peculiar to the US celebrations of Christmas.  The flower was named for Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, who brought the flower back from a trip to Mexico in 1836.  The plants he brought back were small, wild and weed-like.  They have since

been developed by horticulturists into the beautiful scarlet and white plants we use today.  A many pointed start that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.  

Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine,
Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine,
Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white,
Christmas where cornfields lie sunny and bright.
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.
~ Phillips Brooks

{I have the complete poem in one of my books.  It just seemed a fitting way to finish this post.}

Christmas Quotes

Christmas Gift Suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness
To an opponent, tolerance
To a friend, your heart
To a customer, service
To all, charity
To every child, a good example
To yourself, respect.
~ Oren Arnold ~

I've learned you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these 3 things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. ~ Unknown ~

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.  Don't clean it up to quickly.  ~ Andy Rooney ~

Joy in the Morning

This is poem by Kenneth Grahame from "The Wind in the Willows".  It is in the story, "Christmas at Mole End."

Villagers all, this frosty tide,
Let your doors swing open wide,
Though wind may follow and snow beside,
Yet draw us in by your fire to bide;
Joy shall be yours in the morning!

Here we stand in the cold and the sleet
Blowing fingers and stamping feet,
Come from far away you to greet -
You by the fire and we in the street - 
Bidding you joy in the morning!

For ere one half of the night was gone,
Sudden a star has led us on,
Raining bless and benison - 
Bliss tomorrow and more anon,
Joy for every morning!

Goodman Joseph toiled through the snow - 
Saw the star over a stable low;
Mary she might not further go - 
Welcome thatch, and little below!
Joy was hers in the morning!

And then they heard the angels tell
'Who were the first to cry Noel?
Animals all, as it befell,
In the stable where they dwell!
Joy shall be theirs in the morning!'

Let Every Day Be Christmas

Let Every Day Be Christmas
~ Norman Wesley Brooks (1923-2002) ~

Christmas is forever, not just for one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to be put away,
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon the shelf
The good you do for others, is good you do yourself

Peace on Earth, good will to men
Kind thoughts and work of cheer,
Are things we should use often
And not just once a year.

Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man;
to hide Him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord's plan -
So keep the Christmas Spirit, share it with others far and near,
from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!

"This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone."
~ Taylor Caldwell ~

Light and Marvels

This was a Christmas Carol that was published in the December 2012 Ensign.

Lights and Marvels
~ Penelope Moody Allen ~

The manner of His coming was so humble few gave heed.
Though lights and marvels blazoned,
Their glad tidings few received.
The manner of His coming
Back to earth is with acclaim
All men will kneel and worship, 
Every tongue confess His name.
He comes with Light and marvels!
Christ comes with Truth and Right!
Our hearts expand in worship; 
Our eyes receive their sight.

The manner of His coming to the seeking soul who prays
Is personal, a witness, 
Through the Spirit of His grace.
The manner of His coming
To our heart brings joy and peace.
In private lights and marvels,
As our faith and love increase.
He comes with Light and marvels!
Christ comes with Truth and Right!
Our hearts expand in worship,
Our eyes receive their sight.

The Lamb of God

This was a Christmas Carol printed in the December 2011 Ensign.

The Lamb of God

A Christmas Hymn

By Tom Edward Clark

The Lamb of God was born on earth

To offer us salvation.

With joy we celebrate 

His birth,

Alleluia!

The angels tidings quickly spread

To every soul and nation.

His life for us

He freely shed,

Alleluia!

A star shines bright to lead the way

For faithful men to hasten,

In search of Him

To kneel and pray,

Alleluia!

We demonstrate our love for Him

Through faith and dedication.

Join now,

Our joyful Christmas hymn,

Alleluia!

"Finding the real joy in Christmas comes not in scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts.  We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the Season.  We can keep Him in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth.  At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowmen. 
~ Thomas S. Monson ~ ("Christmas is Love", First Presidency Devotional, December 2012).

Secrets and Santa Claus Poems

Secrets
~ Anonymous ~

Secrets big and secrets small
On the eve of Christmas.
Such keen ears has every wall
That we whisper, one and all,
On the eve of Christmas.

Secrets upstairs, secrets down,
One the eve of Christmas
Daddy brings them from the town,
Wrapped in papers stiff and brown
On the eve of Christmas.

But the secret best of all, 
On the eve of Christmas
Steals right down the chimney tall,
Fills our stockings, one and all,
On the eve of Christmas.

Santa Claus
~ Anonymous ~

He comes in the night!  He comes in the night!
He softly, silently comes,
While the sweet little heads on the pillows so white
Are dreaming of bugles and drums,
He cuts through the snow like a ship through the foam,
While the white flakes around him whirl.
Who tells him I know not, but he finds the home
Of each good little boy and girl.

His sleigh is long and deep and wide.
It will carry a host of things,
While dozens of drums hang over the side,
With sticks tucked under the strings.
And yet not the sound of a drum is heard,
Not a bugle blast blown,
As he mounts to the chimney-top like a bird,
And drops to the hearth like a stone.

The little red stockings he silently fills,
Till the stockings will hold no more,
The bright little sleds for the great snowy hills
Are quickly set down on the floor.
Then Santa Claus mounts the roof like a bird,
And glides to his seat in the sleigh.
Not the sound of a bugle or drum is heard
As he noiselessly gallops away.

For Christmastide is Here

This poem was written by Louisa May Alcott before her Little Women Fame.

For Christmastide is Here
From our happy home
Through the world we roam
One week in all the year,
Making winter spring
With the joy we bring
For Christmastide is here.

Now the eastern star
Shines afar
To light the poorest home;
Hearts warmer grow
Gifts freely flow
For Christmastide has come.

Now gay trees rise
Before young eyes,
Abloom with tempting cheer;
Blithe voices sing,
And blithe bells ring,
For Christmastide is here.

Oh, happy chime,
Oh, blessed time,
That draws us all so near!
'Welcome, dear day,'
All creatures say,
For Christmastide is here.

Candy Cane Story

Clyde and I were looking for a story to go with the candy cane pens we bought our Primary class.  We found this poem.  We rolled it up and attached it to the pen but it would work even better with a real candy cane

Candy Cane Story
Jesus Gentle Shepherd
This cane of red and white
Proclaims the sweet love story
Born on Christmas night.

This cane, you see, when turned around
Begins your name of Love
And now becomes a symbol
of peace proclaimed above
The lively peppermint flavor
Is the regal gift of spice
The white is your purity
And the red your sacrifice.

As so this cane reminds us
Of just how much you care
And like your Christmas Gift to us
It's meant for all to share.

The First Noel

One of my favorite Christmas Carols is "The First Noel".  I wanted to have a daughter born in December so I could name her Noel.  I just barely got  my wish with Heidi Noel being born December 1.  Here is a little about the carol and all of the verses.  We usually only sing the first two.

The Christmas Carol "The First Noel" first appeared in print in 1833 but had been a part of the folk genre for more than 300 years.  Both France and England claim it as theirs.  It was probably written by someone that knew enough to pen a song but not enough of scripture to be accurate, so it is known that no one from clergy wrote it.  It is genuinely marked as a folk song.

The First Noel
The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in field as they lay - 
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Chorus:
Noel, noel, noel, noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night

Chorus:

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from a country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

Chorus:

The star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it both did stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Chorus:

They entered in, those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee;
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Chorus:

"On Christmas Day"

Said Old Gentleman Gray, On Christmas Day
If you want to be happy, give something away.
So he sent a fat turkey to Shoemaker Price
And the Shoemaker said, "What a big bird, how nice,

And since such a fine dinner is set before me,
I'll send this fine chicken I bought to poor Widow Lee."
"This fine chicken, Oh see," said the pleased Widow Lee.
"And its kindness that sent it, how precious to me."

"I would like to make someone happy and
I'll send Washwoman Libby my big pumpkin pie,"
"Oh my," Libby said. "'Tis the queen of pies;
Just to look at its yellow face, gladdens my eyes.

Now it's my turn, I think and a sweet sugar cake
For the motherless Finnegan children I'll bake."
Said the Finnegan children, Rose, Denny and Hugh,
"Thank you so much, how kind of you;

It smells sweet of spice and we'll carry a slice
To poor lame Jake who has nothing that's nice."
"I thank you and thank you," said little lame Jake,
"For sharing with me your magnificent cake.

In my basket, I'll save all the crumbs
And give them all to each little sparrow that comes."
And the sparrows - they twittered as if they could say
Like Old Gentleman Gray, "On Christmas Day,
If you want to be happy, you give something away."
~ Unknown ~

Fear Not

I thought this was good on so many levels.  I share it to help bring perspective back to the dark days of winter.

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall reap good for your reward.
     Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." [Doctrine & Covenants 6:33-34]

"Life is wonderful even in the hard times, and there is happiness, joy and peace at stops all along the way, and endless portions of them at the end of the road...

"Please remember this one thing. If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, nothing can go permanently wrong.  On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and His teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.

"I commend to you the revelations of God as the standard by which we must live our lives and by which we must measure every decision and every deed.  Accordingly, when you have worries and challenges, face them by turning to the scriptures and the prophets."  ~ Howard W. Hunter
("Fear Not, Little Flock" BYU Devotional, March 14, 1989).

For Jesus

Two senior sister missionaries sent this to friend of ours.  I wanted to share it for my Christmas offering today.

Sister Deanna B. and Peggy R. are serving a CES (Church Education System) Mission in New Jersey.  Here is an email they sent:
"Had a humbling experience today.  My companion and I went to a little buffet in one of our big supermarkets for lunch.  An elderly gentleman came up to us and said he was paying for our lunch.

We protested but he insisted saying, "I see your signs (pointing to our name tags) sisters.  You don't wear the hats anymore but you are still proud to wear the signs.  This is my Christmas gift to you."

I explained to him that we were not Catholic sisters but missionary sisters from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  He smiled softly and said, "I didn't give it for the church, I gave it for Jesus.  You wear His name.  If everyone loved and follow Him it would solve the problems of the world."

We both said "Amen" to that!

What Do You Know About Christmas with Our Prophets?

I asked these yesterday to my Primary class and was surprised how many they got correct. Answers are at the end.  Have fun!

1. Which prophet took his grandchildren for an annual bobsleigh ride with bells?
A. Wilford Woodruff
B. Lorenzo Snow
C. David O. McKay
D. Gordon B. Hinckley

2. Which non-Christmas hymn was traditionally sung at Christmas celebrations during John Taylor's time?
A. Come, Come, Ye Saints
B. The Spirit of God
C. Now Let US Rejoice
D. I Stand All Amazed

3. Which prophet was born two days before Christmas?
A. Gordon B. Hinckley
B. Wilford Woodruff
C. Joseph Smith
D. Brigham Young

4. As kids, what did Gordon B. Hinckley and his brother do each year for their sisters' Christmas presents?
A. Sang for them
B. Made them things of wood
C. Took them on a sleigh ride
D. Bought them dolls

5. Which Church leader, before becoming prophet, received gifts of raisin cake and a handkerchief while in prison on Christmas Day because of plural marriage?
A. Joseph Smith
B. John Taylor
C. Lorenzo Snow
D. Joseph Fielding Smith

6. President Grant gave what gift to his children for Christmas 1893?
A. More time with them
B. Checks to the temple fund
C. Hand-carved ornaments
D. Christmas dinner for their neighbors

7. Which prophet gave his coat away to a street worker on his way to the Church office buildings one winter morning?
A. Joseph Smith
B. David O. McKay
C. Thomas S. Monson
D. George Albert Smith

8. What did young Thomas S. Monson give to his friend who had nothing for Christmas dinner?
A. Oranges
B. Chicken
C. Stuffing
D. Rabbits

9. Which prophet spent all of Christmas Day and night helping members receive temple ordinances on year?
A. Joseph Smith
B. Brigham Young
C. Heber J. Grant
D. Joseph F. Smith

10. What did Harold B. Lee determine that every home should have on Christmas in 1932 during the Great Depression?
A. A stocking
B. Money
C. A visit to the temple
D. A Christmas Dinner

11. Which prophet wept as a young father in the Church tithing office because he could not afford gifts for his children, and in later prosperity never forgot these Christmases of want?
A. Joseph F. Smith
B. Brigham Young
C. Thomas S. Monson
D. Heber J. Grant

12. Which prophet pretended to be Santa for his neighbor's children for three years, speaking to each child individually over the phone on Christmas Eve?
A. Howard W. Hunter
B. Lorenzo Snow
C. Thomas S. Monson
D. Heber J. Grant

13. Which United States President and his family attended Ezra Taft Benson's family night the week of Christmas 1954 and was entertained by comic skits, reading and songs?
A. President Roosevelt
B. President Truman
C. President Eisenhower
D. President Kennedy

14. Which prophet's daughter hid under the table one year (while her father read right next to her) in order to avoid being caught peeking at the Christmas presents?
A. Brigham Young
B. Joseph Fielding Smith
C. Joseph F. Smith
D. Joseph Smith

15. Who spent a Christmas in Missouri as a missionary?
A. George Albert Smith
B. Ezra Taft Benson
C. Spencer W. Kimball
D. Howard W. Hunter

16. What did Wilford Woodruff's wife knit for their children for Christmas one year?
A. Mittens
B. Scarves
C. Stockings
D. Sweaters

Answers:
1.C; 2.A; 3.C; 4.B; 5.C; 6.B; 7.D; 8.D; 9.B; 10.D; 11.A; 12.A; 13.C; 14.B; 15.C; 16.A

Getting Ready for Christmas

This is President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's  message to the children from the 'Friend' magazine.

As an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas.  Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies and read passages of scriptures that center on Christ.

We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming Messiah.  We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth.  Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having fun together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season.

I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider and tasty homemade cookie helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!

While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition.  Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy  schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - personally and as families.

When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message.  May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder and apply in this season of preparation.
First, REJOICE in the birth of our Savior.
Second, PONDER His influence in our lives today.
Third, LOOK steadfastly for His coming.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a Wonderful and Merry Christmas Season.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Friend Magazine, p.2, December 2012

Salvation Army Saved Christmas

This was written by Greg Raposa, a friend from the Newport Ward (he actually served as Clyde's second counselor until the Stake took him).  He wrote it for our local newspaper - The Newport Daily News - last year for the Clergy Corner.  Because of health issues, he just contributed his last piece this month, December  2012.  Greg has done a lot for the good name of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area.

Salvation Army Saved Christmas
I remember when I was 6, Christmas seemed special that year.  I was filled with the Christmas Spirit, putting together my costume for the Christmas Nativity at school.  I was a shepherd and my costume consisted of a plaid bathrobe, a striped towel to cover my heard and one of my father's neckties to secure the towel.  I saw my father's face beam as I came out on stage.  I remember feeling very Christmas-y.

On the day my parents were going Christmas shopping, they received a shock.  The money our father has been saving in his drawer for Christmas was missing.  They searched and searched to no avail, the money was gone.  It turned out my older brother had found the money in the drawer and had taken it and spent it with his friends.  I remember hearing my father crying in his room as he tried to understand why my brother would do such a thing.

As Christmas approached, we all were disappointed and angry with my brother.  Our family found it hard to even be in the same room with him.  My other brother chastised him and blamed him for ruining our Christmas I just felt sorry for my brother and our circumstance.  My parents wondered what they would do.  They had no more money and they no had other means to buy any presents.  We would have to celebrate Christmas the best we could.

Then Christmas Eve arrived.  Some of our relatives had given us gifts and it looked like we would have at least two presents each to unwrap.  I knew the present my uncle gave me was a pair of stocking top slippers.  He always gave me stocking top slippers for Christmas and it looked like he came through again, although they looked pretty lonely under the tree.

After my mom sent us to bed, I heard a car pull up and bit of commotion on our front porch.  The doorbell rang and I sneaked to the top of the stairs and I saw a man and a woman in dark colored uniforms.  I became afraid thinking they were the police looking for my brother.  I ran back to bed, pulled the covers up and went to sleep.  The next morning when I woke up, I thought, "Well, I guess I'll go downstairs and put on my slippers."  When I got to the living room, I gasped as I saw presents - lots of presents - under the tree!  I stood there for a moment in amazement.  "Is there really a Santa Clause?" I thought.  My whole family gathered in the room.  My brother who took the money sat on the side watching us opening presents.  I could see the dejection on his face as he watched each of us with presents.  I opened a great big package with my name on it.  It was the best thing ever to a six-year-old in the 1950's.  It was Roy Rogers Chuck Wagon set.  It had figures of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and Gaby Hayes.

There was Roy's horse Trigger, Dale's horse Buttermilk and their dog Bullet.  It included a large covered wagon, a jeep and all of the accessories to go with it.  This was the neatest thing I had ever seen.  Then I continued to unwrap gifts.  There were gloves and hats and shirts and pants and more.

As my brother sat off on the side, our father said, "Come on Mike, there's presents here for you, too."  My brother began to cry and ran and hugged our father.  We all sat on the floor, opening presents, playing with toys, laughing, singing, hugging, all with a bit of crying.  It was the first time that I remember that we had a family prayer.

That afternoon, while walking through Eisenhowever Park, (in Newport, RI) I saw the Salvation Army Band playing there.  As I approached, I noticed that the man playing the trumpet and the woman playing the trombone were the same people I saw at my house the night before.  I then realized that it was the Salvation Army that salvaged our holiday.  They inspired us to be grateful and helped us to forgive my brother.  This was without a doubt the best Christmas of my childhood!

To this day, when I see a bell ringer from the Salvation Army, I never pass without putting something in their pot of miracles. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a great holiday celebration!

On Christmas Night

Here is an old English Christmas Carol.  This carol was popular during the mid-1800's.

On Christmas Night
English Traditional

On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.

Refrain:
News of great joy, news of great mirth.
News! News! of our merciful King's birth.

Then why should men on earth be so sad?
Since our redeemer made us glad?
Who from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing that night;
Glory to God and peace to men, 
Now and forevermore, Amen.

Christmas Traditions from the British Isles, continued

In old England, St. Stephens Day (December 26) was established as Boxing Day.  It was customary for the less fortunate people to solicit money from employers and others on that day.  A Christmas box was carried to receive the gifts.  Perhaps the custom goes back to the Roman Paganalia when earthen chests were used to receive contributions at rural festivals.  In modern England, pretty much everyone is remember with boxes of food or other gifts on Boxing Day.

The idea of the Christmas Card was also originally from England.  The Christmas Card grew out of the school work or Christmas pieces that were popular at the beginning of the 1800's.  These were elaborately prepared scrolls that someone imitated engraving on.  They were done to demonstrate the abilities of the students in composition and chirography.  There is a Christmas card in the British Museum that is believed to have been printed in 1842.  Some say that the first commercial Christmas card was printed in 1845 by W. C. Dobson.  Others say that the first Christmas card was issued by Joseph Crandall in 1846.  Some of the original cards had artwork on the fronts of the cards such as Red Riding Hood, a hermit, St George and the Dragon and snow scenes.

In Wales a service called Plygain was held very early on Christmas morning.  Young men with torches would escort the minister from his home to the church.  The church was brightly lit with colored candles.  There was carol singing and sometimes hot soup was served.  Today this more commonly occurs on New Years Day  

Christmas used to be almost a rowdy good time until Cromwell took over.  Then he made it illegal to celebrate the holiday.  During his reign, Christmas was celebrated with prayer and contemplation.  This subdued the celebrations greatly once they were made legal again.  In the 'New World' when the Puritans came, they too made the celebration of Christmas a time of prayer and not a time of partying.  It was illegal to observe with anything but great solemnity.  However in Jamestown, Virginia, the good times were still had.  Maybe not quite as bawdy as the old days but still celebrated with song and fun.  During the reign of Queen Victoria, many of the traditions were brought back and celebrated with happy hearts once again.

Christmas Customs from the British Isles

There are a lot of traditions that we have acquired.  Here are just a few and why.

Holly and Ivy were place in windows as protection against witches. It was believed the heart-shaped leaves of the ivy symbolized the holy spot where God set foot on the earth.  Eventually the holly wreath with it thorns and red berries came to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus.

Mistletoe was sacred to the Druids.  They believed mistletoe had healing powers.  Christians interpreted these healing powers to Christ.  Mistletoe was placed on altars of early churches.  This custom is still observed in some churches in the British Isles.

Mince Pie became one of the chief delicacies at the Christmas feast.  It symbolized the gifts of the Wise Men and was supposed to be made of the choicest things from the East.  At one time the pie was made in an oblong shape to represent the manger in which Christ was born.

Plum Pudding was and is, still and important part of the English Christmas.  The story goes that century's ago an English king and his party of hunters were lost in the woods on Christmas Eve.  The ingenious cook, faced with the scanty provisions for a Christmas Eve dinner, put everything together in the cooking pot and thus made the first plum pudding.  It is said that the ingredients which he used formed the basis for the recipe of the plum pudding as we know it today.

Today in parts of England the Mummers enact the same traditional plays at Christmas time which have been presented for several hundred years.  The name Mummers comes from mask - most of the players wear masks.  In different localities the subject matter of these plays varies, but one of the most popular plots is based on the legend of St. George and the Dragon (how Christmassy is that!)  These plays have been passed down for hundreds of years, so much of the language is difficult to follow.

Christmas Stocking Ideas

I have thought the idea of "the Bedroom Christmas Stocking" a brilliant one since I first heard about.  I have since heard of several families that follow this tradition.  I wish I had known about it when our daughters were little.  It would have saved us some angry Christmas nights (when they come in every little while - sending a different sibling each time - to ask if it is time to get up yet).

I don't know if this is the idea from one family or if I have collected  several ideas from several families - but here is how I think it would work the best.

Sometime on Christmas Eve - if desired - a package is left hidden under one of the beds.  It can be a board game that all of the children can play or a book they can read together or even Lego to play with - but some kind of quiet activity for the group of them.  When the children are asleep, the parents come in with the filled stockings and either hang them from the bedposts or prop them against the bed.  If there is a child that never sleeps, then both parents come in together.  Mom brings a full laundry basket with clean clothes to put away but tucked under the clean clothes are the filled stockings.  Dad tucks the restless child in bed as a diversion and Mom puts the clothes away and props the stockings against the beds but acts like she is cleaning up - so Santa will know the children are being good.  When the children awake - they can immediately open their stockings and play with whatever is inside.  The families that leave the other present leave a note that there another present hidden in the room.  After a few years, it is automatic - the stockings and present are associated together and looked for together.  One mother was telling me that her sons were having such a good time that when when they came to get them for the Christmas Tree to see what Santa brought, one of her sons said, "In a little while."  They had to be coaxed away.  She said it only happened one year. 

I think this is wonderful tradition.  If your children sleep through the night - this is not a necessary tradition - but if you have children like so many of us - that are up and down all night.  This might be a tradition that you might like to start in your home.

Glory to God in the Highest

Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men."

Live by the words of this simple verse.  Stop judging, reach out in gentle kindness; follow the teachings of Christ.  When you feel anger or impatience - just whisper the words of this verse to yourself.

May you have the true peace of the Season on your little piece of the earth.

Candles in the Window

A long forgotten tradition is that each candle on a Christmas tree or in a window, represents a prayer that needs answering.  When you see lights on a tree or a candle in a window, say a prayer for someone who has a  need.  Remember those who are suffering.

Holly

Holly is still the most popular of all evergreens used to decorate home at Christmas, although in the past a variety of branches were used.  

Spread out the laurel and the bay,
Fork the chimney-piece and window bay
Scour the brass gear - shining in a row
And holly place with the mistletoe.

Nevertheless the holly must be hung before the mistletoe, otherwise ill luck will come down the chimney on Christmas Day. ~ Josephine Addison

No doubt a function of holly inside the house was to deal not only with demons and witches, but with the house goblins.... Holly and ivy would have subdued the house goblin precisely from Christmas Eve, when the decorations went up, to Candlemas Eve, when the decorations were taken down.  
Geoffrey Grigson
The Englishman's Flora

What is Your Favorite Part of the Christmas Story?

More kid answers that will make you smile and think.

What it your favorite part of the Christmas Story?

"I like how angels got used like mailmen in those days." Lori, age 9

"When Rudolph  learned to have more faith." Taylor, age 6

"How Jesus got born even though all the hotels were full or cost too much."  Johnny, age 7

"I like how the three kings brought presents and that gave Santa Claus the big idea."  Guy, age 7

"How the shepherds got some time off from their job." Paul, age 8

It was real good how there was a big star in the sky so they could see the roads at night while they traveled....We could  use that star now for the highways."  Nancy, age 9

The best thing is how everybody realized that the birth of a child is a very important thing for the world."  Russell, age 10

Twelve Days of Christmas Representation

No one is exactly sure where the twelve gifts from the "Twelve Days of Christmas" came from.  There are many theories - the most popular being that it was written in England as a code to help young Catholic children learn about their faith.  In this interpretation each gift represents something connected with Jesus Christ and His mission.  What about taking it and putting a different spin on it.  Here is an LDS version.  Take one verse leading up from the 12 days before Christmas.

A partridge in a pear tree: The partridge represents Jesus Christ, who said He would shelter His chicks under His wings as a mother partridge does (Luke 13:34).  The family could make a list of Jesus's qualities and personality traits (compassion, forgiving, etc.).  Discuss how these attributes would improve our own lives.

Two Turtle Doves: These have been thought to represent the Old and New Testament.  We can take that one step further and talk about the Bible and Book of Mormon.  Talk about how all scriptures together testify of Jesus Christ.  Have family members find scriptures in each of the standard works testifying of Christ.

Three French Hens: These represent the three kings bearing gifts or they can stand for the three Christlike attributes of faith hope and charity.  Read 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Moroni 10:20-23.  Set goals of what you could do as a family or as individuals to better develop on of these attributes.

Four Calling Birds: These represent the four gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John), because each of these disciples call out to the world through their testimonies of Jesus Christ.  Look up "Gospels" in the Bible Dictionary; look at the chart that depicts harmony in the gospels and notice how several of these four men testified of some of the same events from Christ's life.  Talk about the principle of having more than one witness, found in 2 Corinthians 13:1 and Ether 5:4.  You may also want to discuss testifying or testimony during this time.

Five Gold Rings: These symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament (known in some religions as the Torah or the Pentateuch).  Talk about how Christ led Moses and the children of Israel to the Promised Land and especially discuss the many miracles that happened along the way.  Discuss other miracles that Christ performed and look up corresponding scriptures.  You can also talk about miracles you have experienced in you own lives.

Six Geese A-laying: These stand for the six days it took Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to create the earth.  Read the account in Genesis 1.  Have younger children draw pictures of the creation.

Seven Swans a-swimming: These represent the seven gifts of the Spirit, although in LDS tradition there are many more than just seven.  Make a list of spiritual gifts from Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-33, 1 Corinthians 12:12, and Moroni 10:8-18.  Try to identify strengths you have and how you can improve upon them.

Eight Maids a-milking: These stand for the eight Beatitudes, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5 and 3 Nephi 12.  Discuss the Beatitudes in your family and how you can apply them to your lives.

Nine Ladies Dancing: These represent the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22.  On a piece of paper folded in half, write on one side family members' ideas of how they feel when the Spirit is present, and on the other side how they feel when the Spirit it not present.  Discuss what you could do as a family to have the Spirit dwell in your house.

Ten Lords a-leaping: These signify the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20 and Mosiah 12-13.  Discuss each commandment.  Have each family member share an experience in which they chose to follow one of the commandments even though it may not have been the easiest choice.

Eleven Pipers Piping: These symbolize the eleven faithful apostles in Christ's original Church.  See if you can name all of them.  Talk about who these men were before they were called as apostles: Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen; Matthew was a tax collector.  Why did Jesus call men from such humble circumstances?  How did these men learn and grow through their experiences with Christ?

Twelve Drummers Drumming: In the original version, the twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of the Apostle's Creed (an early statement of belief accepted by the Catholic Church).  For the LDS version they can represent the twelve living apostles in Christ's restored church.  Make a matching game of the 15 living apostles and prophet's pictures and 15 with their names and have the children match them up.

(This was taken from LDS Living November 2012 with some of my own revisions and additions.)

St. Nicholas Eve

In  the early 1960's the Archie Brugger family moved to Frankfurt, Germany.  There we were mentored into German Traditions.  St. Nicholas Day was one of the most fun and is one that has been carried on into my next generation of family.

In Northern European Countries, St. Nicholas Day is a big deal.  Children put their shoes out on the evening of December 5 and then the next morning they find small gifts and candy in them.  The shoes are either placed in front of a fireplace - if one is available - otherwise the shoes are placed outside the front door.  Magically the next morning the shoes are inside and filled with treats!  (From this the ideas of the American Christmas came, I am sure.)

Naughty children are given coal and switches.  For the child that needs to improve - in Germany you can buy switches with coal and candy dangling from them.  St. Nicholas travels with a trickster.  He is known as Black Peter in some countries and the devil in others.  He sometimes turns the candy into fancy wrapped coal and cotton!

This tradition gives children plenty of time to be good for Christmas.  By the morning of December 6, they know their standing and how much they need to improve for the rest of the Holidays.

" 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and All Through the House...

I thought these were fun  so here goes.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

"You could hear my father snoring" Rose, age 10

"All was quiet except for some stirring mouse that was wrapping Christmas presents for the mouse children." Carey, age 7

"Nobody could sleep because the Christmas lights from the neighbor's Christmas house were too bright." Gordie, age 8

"Kids were cheating and looking at the presents." Andi, age 8

" 'Twas the night before Christmas and God was sure glad to have tomorrow off."  Sylvia, age 10

Fruitcake Cookies

Clyde loves fruitcake.  My parents had a neighbor, Eloie Martin, that made these cookies.  He loved them.  I had misplaced the recipe and just found it.  Here it is for anyone that might like it.  It is  my Christmas Offering for today.

Fruitcake Cookies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Zest of one orange
1 egg
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 Tablespoons water
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup dried currants
3/4 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup candied cherries
3/4 cup golden raisins or regular
3/4 cup chopped candied pineapple
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Red and green colored sugar, mixed together
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.  In a large bowl combine the sugar, butter, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, salt and baking soda.  Beat with a mixer until fluffy.

Add the orange zest and egg to the sugar mixture.  Beat to combine.  Add the orange juice, water and half of the flour.  Mix until combined.  Add the remaining flour and mix thoroughly blended.

Stir in the currants, dates, cherries, raisins, pineapple and pecans.  Drop the dough by the Tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets.  Sprinkle with colored sugar.  If you have dough leftover after filling 2 cookie sheets, cover the bowl with a damp towel until the first batch of cookies are done.

Bake cookie at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Cool cookies sheets on a cooling rack for 5 minutes then transfer to another cooling rack to completely cool.  If desired frost with a brown butter frosting.

A Christmas Song

This is a Christmas Carol that is never sung anymore.  It was written for the Relief Society Song Book by Evan Stephens.  The words are kind of interesting so I am offering them as my first 'poem' of the Season.  You can take them as you want to take them.  I have been pondering them for quite a while now and finding new meaning all the time.

Christmas Song
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth,
This is the song the angels sang,
Bethlehem's plains above,
While near the blessed mother held
The newborn King of Love.
Born unto Sorrow was the Child,
Tho' Lord of Life was He
To die as man, but undefiled,
Win deathless victory.

This is the song repeated o'er,
Each happy Christmas morn,
And blessed mothers cling anew
To dear ones newly born.
Born unto sorrow as was He,
But oh, how weak and frail,
These little lambkins of our Lord,
How prone to err and fail.

Oh, let us try some aid to lend
These of the newborn throng,
To grow and live so in the end
They, too, may join the song.
With the redeemed when life is o'er,
When all the ransomed sing,
There's peace on earth
There's joy in heaven,
Saved by our Savior King.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to all.

Happy Birthday Heidi

Happy birthday Heidi, may this year be the year that brings your fondest wishes.  Heidi has been our peacemaker in our family her whole life.  She is a joy to have around.  We love you.

For the month of December, I will be doing Christmas blogs.  I will post recipes, Christmas ideas and stories.  My first idea - Advent stockings.  Our German foreign exchange student has made 24 little stockings that she will fill with odds and ends for Advent.  I thought it was a brilliant idea and wanted to share it.