Christmas customs - Sarah Coles

The Enchanting Tale of Mistletoe at Christmas

Why Do We Hang Mistletoe in Our Home at Christmas?

Every year as December rolls around, many of us joyfully deck our halls with boughs of holly, vibrant wreaths and that charming little sprig known as mistletoe. But have you ever paused to wonder why we hang mistletoe in our homes during the festive season?

❤️💚Mistletoe 💚❤️

Mistletoe is one of those classic Christmas symbols that comes with its own set of traditions, chief among them being the age-old custom of kissing underneath it. This simple yet enchanting ritual brings an air of romance and magic to our celebrations, making it a beloved part of holiday decor for home enthusiasts and Christmas lovers alike.

What is Mistletoe and Where Can You Find It?

Mistletoe isn’t just a decorative flourish; it’s a fascinating plant in its own right. Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of trees and shrubs. Its evergreen leaves and white berries make for a striking contrast against the stark winter landscape.

If you’re looking to source mistletoe for your own home, many local florists and garden centres carry fresh mistletoe during the festive season, and it’s often sold at Christmas markets as well.

Where Does the Custom Originate From? Why Do We Do It?

The tradition of hanging mistletoe during Christmas has deep roots that stretch back through history, interwoven with ancient myths and folklore.

The custom dates back to the time of the Druids, who saw mistletoe as a sacred plant possessing mystical properties. It was believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The Norse mythology surrounding mistletoe tells the tale of Baldur, the god of light, whose death was caused by a mistletoe spear. Fortunately, after his mother pleaded for his life, it was revived by her tears, which transformed into the plant’s iconic white berries. This myth gave rise to the notion of mistletoe as a symbol of love and rebirth.

However, it was the Victorians who truly cemented the association between mistletoe and romance, popularising the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. According to Victorian etiquette, a man could kiss any woman standing beneath a sprig of mistletoe and refusing was considered bad luck. Each kiss would result in the plucking of a berry, and when all the berries were gone, the kissing would cease.

Today, mistletoe continues to be cherished not only for its romantic connotations but also for the festive charm it adds to our homes. Whether you’re a home decor enthusiast looking to create the perfect Christmas ambience, or simply someone who loves the magic of the holiday season, mistletoe is sure to bring joy and wonder to your celebrations.

Next time you hang mistletoe in your home, remember the rich tapestry of history and tradition that accompanies that humble sprig. May it fill your home with love, luck, and a sprinkle of festive enchantment.

Further Reading: Stir-Up Sunday, How to Decorate your Christmas Tree

Stir-Up Sunday: The Delicious Kick-Off to the Festive Season

24th November 2024

If you’re a food enthusiast or someone who finds joy in the art of Sunday cooking, then Stir-Up Sunday might just be the festive tradition to add to your calendar. Not only does it mark the beginning of the Christmas season, but it also brings families together over the delightful task of preparing a Christmas pudding. Ready your spoons and aprons—it’s time to stir things up!

Stir Up Sunday

Delicious Kick Off to the Festive Season

What is Stir-Up Sunday?

Occurring on the last Sunday before Advent, Stir-Up Sunday is a much-loved custom in Britain. It’s a day when families come together to prepare their Christmas puddings, which are traditionally made with a mixture of suet, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, spices, dried fruit and brandy. So mark your calendars!

The name “Stir-Up Sunday” originates from the opening words of the Book of Common Prayer’s collection for the Sunday before Advent, which coincidentally encourages congregations to “stir up” the ingredients for their puddings.

Why is Stir-Up Sunday Important?

Stir-Up Sunday is more than just a day to prepare a sweet treat; it’s a cherished ritual that builds anticipation for Christmas day. The act of stirring the pudding together signifies unity and togetherness, with each family member taking a turn to stir the mixture while making a wish for the year ahead. It’s a day that connects us to our cultural heritage, keeps traditions alive and reminds us of the joy of communal cooking.

What Do You Do on Stir-Up Sunday?

On Stir-Up Sunday, families gather in the kitchen to mix and steam their Christmas puddings. Here’s a traditional sequence of events:

Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure you have everything ready, including dried fruits, spices, suet, bread crumbs and your choice of festive spirits.

Mix It Up: Each family member should take turns stirring the mixture from east to west, in honour of the Three Wise Men. Remember to make a wish!

Add a Touch of Luck: It’s customary to add small silver coins or charms into the mix, which are thought to bring luck when found on Christmas Day.

Steam Away: Once mixed, the pudding is placed in a basin and steamed for several hours before being stored away to mature until Christmas.

Wrap and Store: After steaming, wrap the pudding in foil and keep it in a cool, dry place to enhance its flavours over the weeks leading up to Christmas.

How to Make the Best of Stir-Up Sunday

To truly enjoy Stir-Up Sunday, here are some tips to make the day extra special:

Make It a Family Affair: Invite family members of all ages to participate. It’s a wonderful way to pass down family recipes and create lasting memories.

Add Your Own Twist: While traditional recipes are treasured, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the pudding. Maybe use a different combination of fruits or experiment with spices.

Share the Love: Consider making extra puddings to give as gifts. A homemade Christmas pudding wrapped beautifully in cloth makes for a thoughtful present.

Celebrate with a Cup of Cheer: After all the stirring and steaming, relax with a cup of mulled wine or spiced apple cider, toasting the festive season ahead.

Why and How You Should Get Involved

Participating in Stir-Up Sunday is a delightful way to usher in the holiday spirit. Not only does it provide a sense of accomplishment, but it also offers a unique opportunity to bond with loved ones. You’ll not only rekindle the essence of traditional cooking, but also savour the satisfaction of serving a homemade pudding on Christmas Day.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, Stir-Up Sunday welcomes everyone. Dust off your pudding basin and wooden spoon, gather your ingredients, and join in this time-honoured tradition. After all, the heart of Christmas lies in these simple, joyous moments shared with family and friends.

Happy Stir-Up Sunday! 🎄

Further Reading: Unwrapping the Story of Fruit in the Christmas Stocking, How to make a classic Christmas Pudding

The Story Behind the Advent Calendar: A Timeless Tradition

The Christmas Season approaches and with it comes the age-old tradition of the advent calendar. You may know it as the cardboard box filled with chocolates or trinkets that you open each day leading up to Christmas, but did you know that the advent calendar has a rich history and cultural significance?

The advent calendar we know and love today has its roots in 19th-century Germany. Families would use chalk or chalkboard to count down the days leading up to Christmas, slowly filling in the days until December 24th. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the first printed advent calendars were produced, featuring colourful winter scenes and Bible verses. These early calendars were expensive and often used as a gift, but they quickly gained popularity thanks to their festive imagery and interactive features.

By the mid-20th century, advent calendars had made their way across Europe and beyond, with each country putting their unique spin on the tradition. In the UK, the calendars were often designed with glitter and foil to draw attention to the sweets inside. In Scandinavia, it was common to use small candles to mark the days to Christmas, while in the United States, advent calendars have historically been less focused on religious iconography and more on secular holiday symbols.

While the design and style of advent calendars have certainly evolved, the underlying message has remained the same: to bring a sense of anticipation and joy to the holiday season. This is why it’s no surprise that many families continue to pass down the advent calendar tradition from generation to generation, with some even making their own DIY calendars to mark the occasion.

In recent years, there has also been a rise in advent calendars that go beyond the traditional candy or trinkets. From wine and beer to beauty products and toys, companies have capitalised on this beloved tradition to offer consumers unique and exciting ways to count down to Christmas. While some purists may argue that these modern takes stray too far from the original meaning of the advent calendar, it’s clear that the tradition continues to evolve and thrive in new and exciting ways.

It is hard not to be fascinated by the rich history and enduring popularity of the advent calendar. From its humble beginnings in Germany to its global popularity today, the Advent calendar is a true testament to the power of tradition and community. Whether you choose to celebrate with a classic chocolate-filled calendar or a unique modern twist, the advent calendar is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of the season. So go ahead, start counting down the days to Christmas – the advent calendar has got you covered.

Further Reading: Unwrapping the Story of Fruit in your Stocking, The Church of England – Advent

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Unwrapping the Story of Fruit in Your Christmas Stocking

For many of us growing up, finding a piece of fruit at the bottom of our Christmas stocking was not exactly what we had hoped for. But have you ever stopped to wonder where this tradition comes from? The truth is, the story of the fruit in your stocking is just one of many festive customs with origins that can be traced back centuries. Through exploring these traditions, we can uncover the fascinating history of our festive celebrations.

It may come as a surprise to learn that the tradition of giving fruit at Christmas time dates back to medieval times. In the days before refrigeration, getting fresh fruit in the depths of winter was a real treat. In fact, it was so special that it was often given as a gift at Christmas time. Oranges and other citrus fruits were particularly prized, as they were thought to symbolize gold and represent prosperity for the new year.

During the 19th century, oranges and other fruits began to be imported to the UK in greater quantities as trading routes improved. This meant that they became more affordable and more widely available. As a result, the tradition of giving fruit at Christmas became even more widespread. There was also a belief that this tradition had originated from St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian saint known for his generosity and kindness to children. According to legend, St. Nicholas would toss gold coins through the window of a poor family so that they could afford to purchase fruit.

However, the tradition of placing fruits in stockings is most closely associated with the European Sinterklaas celebration. This is similar to the Santa Claus tradition that we have today. In Holland, Sinterklaas would traditionally fill children’s shoes with sweets and small treats on December 5th. The next day, the children would awaken to find that Sinterklaas had replaced their stockings with oranges, nuts, and other goodies.

In the UK, it became customary to hang stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Children would then awaken on Christmas morning to find them filled with small gifts and treats. For many, finding a piece of fruit among their gifts was a particular highlight. Over time, the tradition has evolved, and today it is not unusual to find all sorts of small gifts and treats in your stocking.

The story of the fruit in your Christmas stocking is just one example of the rich and varied customs and traditions associated with the festive season. It is amazing to think that something as simple as a piece of fresh fruit can have such cultural significance. So next time you tuck into a satsuma on Christmas morning, take a moment to appreciate the history and meaning behind this festive tradition. And who knows, maybe one day it will become a tradition that you pass down to your own children and grandchildren.

Further Reading: Unwrapping the Story of the Christmas Card, The Fascinating Story of the Holly and the Ivy

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Unwrapping the Story of the Christmas Card

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a season of joy and giving, of carols and tinsel and, of course, the humble but much-loved Christmas card. Have you ever wondered how this tradition came to be? The history of the Christmas card goes back to the early 19th century, and it’s a tale that’s as intriguing as it is heart-warming.

The first Christmas cards were not actually cards at all; they were painted on wood or printed on single sheets of paper. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a senior civil servant in London, commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design a card he could send to family and friends. The card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner, and it carried the now-familiar message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Cole had a thousand copies printed and sold them for a shilling each. The idea caught on, and by the end of the century, millions of Christmas cards were being sent every year.

In the early days, Christmas cards were expensive and thus, a luxury only the wealthy could afford. The cost of postage was also high, so cards were often hand-delivered. However, advancements in printing and transportation made it possible for cards to be mass-produced and sent through the post. This development made it possible for people across the country to connect and exchange messages of goodwill and holiday cheer.

Throughout the years, the style and design of Christmas cards have evolved to reflect changing trends and values. The Victorians favoured elaborate, ornate designs with sentimental messages, while the Edwardians preferred simpler, nature-inspired designs. During World War I, cards featuring patriotic themes and messages of support for the troops were widely popular. Today, Christmas cards come in a myriad of styles and designs, from traditional to humorous, religious to secular and everything in between.

Despite the rise of digital communication, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains an important part of UK culture. It’s still a way to keep in touch with loved ones and express gratitude and good wishes.

The story of the Christmas card is a reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring value of tradition. From its humble beginnings as a hand-painted greeting to its place in modern culture as a mass-produced form of communication, the Christmas card has come a long way. Even as we embrace digital technology and new forms of communication, there’s something special about taking the time to choose and send a physical card to someone. So this Christmas season, why not bring a smile to someone’s face by sending them a Christmas card? As the old saying goes, “A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”