Christmas Miscellany

• The Sunday before Advent used to be called ‘Stir-up Sunday’, because it was the day that people made Christmas puddings. Everyone took a turn in stirring the pudding and making a wish.

• For Christians, Advent Sunday marks the start of the new Church Year.

• The Christmas Wreath is traditionally made from evergreens to symbolize God’s everlasting love for us. (Make your own - go to page 18).

• The Candy Cane tree decoration is shaped like a shepherd’s crook. The shepherd uses this to guide his sheep. Jesus is our Good Shepherd who looks after us.

• Mistletoe was first used by the Celts over 2,000 years ago. They thought that it was a magical plant of love, which may have led to the tradition of kissing under it.

• The first Christmas card was sent in 1843.

• Every year a giant tree shines in Trafalgar Square. This is a gift from Norway.

• St Francis set up the first Christmas crib in a Cave near a village called Greccio in 1223.

• In Germany, Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) are set up so that people can buy decorations and gifts.

• Children in Holland open their presents on December 6th, St Nicholas’s Day.

• Scandinavian and German children open their gifts on Christmas Eve so that they are free on Christmas morning to go to Church.

Lynn Winter