The Christmas Presents

There is a Christmas custom here which pleased and interested me. The children make little presents to their parents, and to each other; and the parents to the children. For three or four months before Christmas the girls are all busy; and the boys save up their pocket money, to make or purchase these presents. What the present is to be is cautiously kept secret, and the girls have a world of contrivances to conceal it -- such as working when they are out on visits, and the others are not with them; getting up in the morning before daylight; and the like. then, on the evening before Christmas day, one of the parlours is lighted up by the children, into which the parents must not go.

A great yew bough is fastened on the table at a little distance from the wall, a multitude of little tapers are fastened in the bough, but so as not to catch it till they are nearly burnt out, and coloured paper hangs and flutters from the twinges. Under this bough, the children lay out in great order the presents they mean for their parents, still concealing in their pockets what they intend for each other. Then the parents are introduced, and each presents his little gift, and then bring out the rest one by one from their pockets, and present them with kisses and embraces. Where I witnessed this scene there were eight or nine children, and the eldest daughter and the mother wept aloud for joy and tenderness; and the tears ran down the face of the father, and he clasped all his children so tight to his breast, it seemed as if he did it to stifle the sob that was rising within him. I was very much affected. The shadow of the bough and its appendages on the wall, and arching over on the ceiling, made a pretty picture, and then the raptures of the very little ones, when at last the twings and their needles began to take fire and snap! -- Oh, it was a delight for them!

On the next day, in the great parlour, the parents lay out on the table the presents for the children; a scene of more sober joy success, as on this day, after an old custom, the mother says privately to each of her daughters, and the father to his sons, that which he has observed most praiseworthy, and that which was most faulty in their conduct. Formerly, and still in all the smaller towns and villages throughout North Germany, these presents were sent by all the parents to some one fellow, who in high buskins, a white robe, a mask, and an enormous flax wig, impersonate Knecht Rupert, the servant Rupert.

On Christmas night he goes round to every house, and says that Jesus Christ his master sent him thither, the parents and elder children receive him with great pomp of reverence, while the little ones are most terribly frightened. He then inquires for the children, and, according to the character which he hears from the parent, he gives them the intended presents, as if they came out of heaven from Jesus Christ. Or, if they should have been bad children, he gives the parents a rod, and in the name of his master recommends them to use it frequently. About seven or eight years old the children are let into the secret, and it is curious to observe how faithfully they keep it.

Legend Of The Candy Cane

Along with candles, wreaths, stars, bells and mistletoes, another ubiquitous decorative item for Christmas, which is also a favorite with children, is the candy cane. In fact, the candy cane is so popular that it is one of the most visible items in any decoration, for Christmas or not. The candy cane is simple, eye-catching, and what's more, it's tasty. Though candy canes come in many flavors, the most popular and common flavor is peppermint and cinnamon. Candy canes can be hung with colorful ribbons and can be used to decorate almost anything, from an entire room to a cake or a Christmas tree; they add a very playful touch to everything. And like all other facets of Christmas, this J-shaped, red and white candy also has an interesting story, legend if you may call it, behind it. As so, the origin and symbolism of candy cane is steeped in myth.

The Legend

It is widely believed that the candy, which earlier was straight as a stick, was given its distinctive J-shape by a German choirmaster. It is said that during service one evening, the children were being very loud and noisy, creating quite a ruckus and not paying any attention to the choirmaster. To keep them quiet and still for the nativity ceremony, he gave them a long, white, sugar candy stick. Since giving chocolates and candies at church was considered sacrilegious, he bent these sticks at one end to make them look like a shepherd's cane and thus, attached a religious significance to them. In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Good Shepherd and so, the staff is considered to be a sacred symbol. The Staff also represents the shepherds who came to visit the infant Jesus.

The candy cane became popular when, in 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant in Wooster, Ohio, who liked candy canes a lot, decided to string them on his Christmas tree as decorations. The idea soon caught up became quite a fashion in no time. By 1900, candy canes, which were earlier only white, came in red stripes, and with peppermint and cinnamon flavoring. Of course, now it's a popular tradition everywhere.

The candy canes became a much sought-after Christmas-decoration item as the 'hook' in the candy made it easier to hang them on the Yule trees, and the unique shape made it an eye-catching attraction.

Symbolism

Traditionally, the only symbolism that was associated with the candy was that of the shepherd's staff. But now, there is a modern allegorical interpretation of the candy cane. It is said that since the candy cane, when inverted, becomes J-shaped, it is a direct representation of Jesus Christ. The white color of the candy denotes the purity of Christ while the stripes represent His sacrifice and the whipping he received at the hands of the Romans, the color red symbolizing his blood. It is believed that even the peppermint flavor of the candy is so because it is similar to hyssop which, according to the Old Testament, symbolizes purification and sacrifice.

Legend of Christmas Angels

There were two angel friends. One used to sunset pink robes while other used to adorn himself with sky blue robes. They were known for singing sweet duets about glory of God and playing on pure silver trumpets. They often used to lead the orchestra for angels because of their musical abilities. Once, their orchestra leader Temira gave them and other members of the angelic orchestra, an exciting news. God had decided to send his Son to live among His people. They had to prepare a musical jubilee in one of the most important events in the history of the world. It just had to be the best and all angels with good voice had to sing and all instruments were to be played for the event.

Temira asked his orchestra, whether they knew the importance of the assignment. Trumpeting angel in pink said that he understood that the Lord want them to appear to the shepherds in the hills of Bethlehem, who had never seen an angel in their lives and might get afraid. The trumpeting angel in blue completed the answer by adding that the angels could replace the fear of the shepherds with joy and love for the Christ Child and then, they could announce the arrival of the Savior. Temira smiled and nodded contentedly. All orchestra members felt honored for the opportunity and practiced for perfection in their roles.

On the day, Christ was born in the stable at Bethlehem and as planned, the Christmas angels first appeared to the shepherds and the trumpeting angel friends played the first few notes of the glorious concert in the dark night sky. Shepherds looked up to the sky and were shocked, surprise and awed, soon to be filled with amazement and wonder and their hearts brimmed with humility and thankfulness to God for His glory. The angels then gave the shepherds the good tidings of great joy and were joined by many other angels who sang and praise God, filling the skies with the angelic words - "Glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men".

A Christmas Tale

Santa was cross, he'd had a bad day.

His elves were on strike for more overtime pay.

Thay'd all been on strike since the end of the 'fall'

They wanted a 'National Elf Service' for all. 

And Donner and Dancer and Cupid and Blitzen

had gone of in a 'hoof' since early last Whitsun'.

His lights wouldn't flash and his bells wouldn't ring

and his Jing wouldn't Jang and his Jang wouldn't Jing. 

He'd asked Mrs. Claus for the weather forecast

and wished Christmas present would become Christmas past.

Global warming has meant there'll be no snow this year,

so she said, "Sorry my luv, there will just be 'rain dear!" 

On top of it all, he'd the presents to sort

and political correctness had made the task fraught.

No dolls for the girls or guns for the boys,

no fireworks that bang or pollute with their noise. 

No harm to their teeth from a sweet or a lolly.

Nothing sexist or racial, like a doll or a Golly!

No books on religion or to do with the body,

no 'Famous Five' and nothing on 'Noddy'! 

No caffeine filled drinks to cause tension and stress.

No glue and no paint, because of the mess.

No jigsaws with pieces that some kid could choke on

and nothing too fragile that would only get 'broke-on'. 

No feathers or fur and nothing of leather.

Nothing too simple and nothing too clever.

Nothing too violent and nothing too scary.

Nothing Royalist or 'Gay', not a Queen or a 'Fairy'! 

Nothing with e-numbers or colourings that might

bring them out in a rash or be hyperactive all night.

No balls and no bats which could injure or bruise

and nothing with bits they were certain to lose. 

No marbles or beads that a small child could fit

up its nose, in its ears or unmentionable bit.

And trees must be from a sustainable source

and the lights must be energy saving, of course! 

And gone were the days when all they would wish

was an apple, an orange and a wooden goldfish.

Now a video, computer and color TV

was what they all asked for when they sat on your knee. 

And he was tired and fed up of appearing so jolly

and he knew what he'd like them to do with their holly!

And he was sick of clambering about on those roofs

now he wasn't as nimble as he was in his 'yoof'.

And he hated the folks who said, "No pets at all,

a puppy's for life not for Christmas", they call.

Well it's OK for them with their fine protestations

but what can I do with five thousand Dalmations?!! 

In spite of it all, at the end of the night

he'll have managed to give every child something right.

And he'll sit by the fire with a big jug of beer

and wish you all, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" 

A Christmas Carol

Narrator: Once there was a mean and miserly old man. His name was Ebenezer Scrooge (Boo!). Oh …………..what a miserable old skinflint he was! – When his nephew called to invite him to spend Christmas with him and his wife, all he could say was:

Scrooge…..Bah! Humbug! (Boo!)

Narrator: When two visitors called, asking Scrooge to donate a little money to help the poor over Christmas, he said..

Scrooge……Bah! Humbug! (Boo!)

Narrator: He had a clerk named Bob Cratchit, who had lots of children. One of them was called, Tiny Tim. He was crippled and very poorly (Ahhh!). Scrooge was locking up the office on Christmas Eve and he, very begrudgingly told Cratchit that he could have the whole of Christmas Day off – but he must be in all the earlier the next morning! (Boo!)

Scrooge went home to his bleak apartment and was getting ready for bed when he heard a clanking and clattering (clanking & clattering noise) coming up the stairs – then emerging through the bedroom door – came the ghost of his long dead partner, Jacob Marley! (Oooer!). Long chains were wrapped around Marley’s body and were dragging on the floor behind him.

Marley: Ebenezer, I come to warn you! If you don’t mend your ways and become a kinder man, You will end up like me! Forced to wander the world for all eternity, carrying the heavy burden of guilt, forged link by link throughout my life! Take heed of what you see and mend your ways!

Narrator: Scrooge shivered with fear and listened as his dead partner told him that he would be visited by three spirits – The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas yet to Come. Marley then picked up his chains and walked backwards towards the window. He then floated out into the night sky – moaning and crying in agony! (Marley exits backwards, moaning and crying etc!)

Narrator: Scrooge was terrified! And then he began to think that maybe he had imagined it all and went to bed. (Clock chimes) Suddenly, he was awakened by the chiming of his clock. It was midnight and he sat up in bed as a spectre appeared in front of him.(Ghost appears) The ghost pointed a finger towards him and beckoned him to come from his bed.

Scrooge: (Frightened) Who – who are you?

Ghost: I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Scrooge: Long past?

Ghost: Your past!

Narrator: He took Scrooge’s arm and led him to the window. He pointed out – Scrooge could see a school-room, deserted except for one solitary child. It was Scrooge himself as a boy – not allowed home for the Holiday like the others – his father didn’t want him! (Ahhh!).

Ghost: Let us see another Christmas.

Narrator: The scene was the same school-room – only dirtier and grimier – the same solitary boy was still there – older and just as sad. The door burst open and in came a girl (enter Fan)

Scrooge: It’s Fan! My sister!

Fan: Ebenezer! I’ve come to take you home! Father has changed. – he is much kinder now – come, the carriage is outside waiting for you!

Ghost: Always a delicate creature. But she had a large heart.

Scrooge: So she had. So she had.

Ghost: She died a young woman and had, I think, children.

Scrooge: One child.

Ghost: True – your nephew!

Scrooge: (feeling guilty) Yes.

Narrator: The ghost took Scrooge through his early life as an apprenticed clerk for old Fezziwig, who treated him well – into manhood, when he began to value money and gain – more than friendships. Scrooge for the first time saw himself as his past had made him. He didn’t like what he saw.

(Exit ghost)

Suddenly he was back in his bed, awaiting the next spirit – The Ghost of Christmas Present - He didn't have to wait long.

(Enter 2nd. ghost).

This spirit showed him things as they were now. He took him to Bob Cratchit’s house. Mrs. Cratchit was preparing Christmas dinner. Even with the meagre pittance that Scrooge paid his clerk, they managed to fill a table with potatoes and vegetables – and a goose! Bob entered, with Tiny Tim perched on his shoulder (enter Cratchit and Tiny Tim).

Bob: A Merry Christmas to us all my dears!

Tiny Tim: God Bless us every one!

Narrator: Said Tiny Tim – Scrooge turned to the ghost:

Scrooge: Tell me Spirit – will Tiny Tim live?

Ghost: I see a vacant seat in the chimney corner, and a crutch without an owner. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die! (Ghost exits)

Narrator: The clock struck again and the third spirit entered (enter third spirit), The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Scrooge was more fearful of this ghost than the others – with every reason!

It took him to a group of women who were arguing over a deceased person’s belongings. Another group, this time of business men who were discussing the death of someone they knew. There was no sympathy in the discussion, just a simple exchange of news and speculation that there were unlikely to be any mourners at the funeral!

Scrooge was then shown a corner of a derelict, overgrown cemetery. There was a neglected gravestone and the name inscribed in cold letters was – Ebenezer Scrooge!

Scrooge: Oh Spirit, hear me. I am not the man I was – I will not be the man I used to be. Why show me this if I am past all hope?

Narrator: The ghost dissolved (exit ghost) and Scrooge was once again sat in his bed! It was the morning. He pinched himself –then jumped out of bed, laughing and dancing around.

Scrooge: I’m alive! I’m alive! I must make amends.

Narrator: And so he did! He doubled Bob Cratchit’s salary and made sure that Tiny Tim did not die. He became a real uncle and friend to his nephew.

It was later said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.

May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed:

All: God Bless Us, Every One!

THE END.

The Miracle of the Poinsettia!

At Christmas in Mexico, most houses display the Poinsettia. Just as we have Holly, Misletoe and the Christmas Tree, the Mexicans have the poinsettia. They believe that the beautiful plant brings a blessing that will last all year. The tradition has existed since 1834 when a miracle occurred in a tiny village.

In those days it was customary for people in the villages to take gifts to the Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve. Little Maria, a poor peasant girl had no gift, but she did so want to enter the church and see the Baby Jesus in His crib.

She stood outside, watching others as they entered, carrying their gifts. Some took food, some took crochet and lacework. Others carried flowers. But little Maria had nothing. One lady passed her with a huge bundle of flowers in her arms. As she walked by, a leaf fell from the enormous bunch and landed at Maria’s feet. She picked it up and thought, “I will take this leaf”.

Others saw Maria pick up the leaf and smiled as she carefully wrapped it in her small handkerchief. And then, clutching her tiny gift, Maria entered the church. She took her place at the end of the line of people waiting to make their offerings. Then at last, it was Maria’s turn. She stretched out her arm and carefully opened her fingers to place the leaf on the altar in front of the crib.

There was a gasp from the adults who had seen Maria fold the leaf into her tiny handkerchief. For as her fingers separated, it was seen that the little peasant girl was now holding a beautiful flower. The miraculous bloom was formed like a star with brilliant scarlet leaves.

Word of the miracle spread quickly through the church and people fell to their knees. The gift of the Poinsettia came to be known as “The Flower of the Holy Night”.

A True Christmas Story

Robert May was a short man, barely five feet in height. He was born in the early part of the last century, that is to say, the nineteen hundreds.

Bullied at school, he was ridiculed and humiliated by other children because he was smaller than other boys of the same age. Even as he grew up, he was often mistaken for someone’s little brother.

When he left college he became employed as a copywriter with Montgomery Ward, the big Chicago mail order house. He married and in due course, his wife presented him with a daughter. Then when his little daughter was two years old, tragedy struck; his wife was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She became bedridden and remained so until she died. Nearly everything he earned went on medication and doctor’s bills. Money was short and life was hard.

One evening in early December of 1938 and two years into his wife’s illness, his four-year-old daughter climbed onto his knee and asked, “Daddy, why isn’t Mummy like everybody else’s mummy?” It was a simple question, asked with childlike curiosity. But it struck a personal chord with Robert May.

His mind flashed back to his own childhood. He had often posed a similar question, “Why can’t I be tall, like the other kids?” The stigma attached to those who are different is hard to bear. Groping for something to say to give comfort to his daughter, he began to tell her a story. It was about someone else who was different, ridiculed, humiliated and excluded because of the difference.

Bob told the story in a humorous way, making it up as he went along; in the way that many fathers often do. His daughter laughed, giggled and clapped her hands as the misfit finally triumphed at the end. She then made him start all over again from the beginning and every night after that he had to repeat the story before she would go to sleep.

Because he had no money for fancy presents, Robert decided that he would put the story into book form. He had some artistic talent and he created illustrations. This was to be his daughter’s Christmas present. The book of the story that she loved so much. He converted the story into a poem.

On the night before Christmas Eve, he was persuaded to attend his office Christmas Party. He took the poem along and showed it to a colleague. The colleague was impressed and insisted that Robert read his poem aloud to everyone else at the party. Somewhat embarrassed by the attention, he took the small hand written volume from his pocket and began to read. At first the noisy group listened in laughter and amusement. But then became silent and after he finished, they broke into spontaneous applause.

Later, and feeling quite pleased with himself, he went home, wrapped the book in Christmas wrapping and placed it under the modest Christmas tree. To say that his daughter was pleased with her present would be an understatement. She loved it!

When Robert returned to work after the Holiday, he was summoned to the office of his head of department. He wanted to talk to Bob about his poem. It seemed that word had got out about his reading at the Christmas party. The Head of Marketing was looking for a promotional tool and wondered if Robert would be interested in having his poem published.

The following year, 1939, printed copies of the book were given to every child who visited the department stores of Montgomery Ward and it eventually became an international best seller, making Robert a rich man. His wife had unfortunately died during this time, but he was able to move from the small apartment and buy a big house. He was at last able to provide handsomely for his growing daughter.

The story is not quite over. In 1947, songwriter Johnny Marks used the theme of Robert’s poem for a song. He showed the song to a famous film star of the day, Gene Autry, ‘The Singing Cowboy’. Autry recorded the song and it became a world-wide number one hit. You may just remember it. The first line goes....”Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose.....!”