Celebrating Festive HolidaysIt may not be a holiday right now, but before you know it they will be upon us again.So this corner of Grandma's site is dedicated to festive holidays that we look so forward to and celebrate. Hopefuly you will pick up a little more knowledge and add a few ideas for holiday planning. Learn a few facts that we take for granted. | ||||||
| Ringing in the Holiday Season Centuries ago many people, especially those of pagan origin, firmly believed by ringing bells they could ward off evil spirits. It was believed at that time that when winter came the evil spirits were very strong because it was so dark and cold, and would harm them and their families. People would have ceremonies and loudly ring bells to drive the bad spirits away while they waited for the warmer days of spring to arrive. They also rang bells to celebrate their bounty following a successful harvest or hunt. It was this tradition of celebration and giving thanks that bells also became known as a symbol for happier times. Many villages had a large central bell in the middle of town. When an important occasion arrived, such as Christmas, villagers would ring the bell. It became commonplace for children to ring bells in celebration of Christmas. Most families had bells back then, and since they were known to be a celebratory sound, most parents didn’t mind their children making a ruckus with their constant bell ringing during the holiday. Now, people hang bells on their front doors so they’ll ring out cheerfully to announce visiting guests, and children the world over know that Santa’s reindeer wear bells so he can locate them in bad weather or darkness of night. Many popular Christmas carols such as Jingle Bells are a staple song during the holiday season. We also traditionally ring in the New Year with bells as well. Today church bells ring throughout the world on Christmas Eve, not to drive off evil spirits, but to welcome in the spirit of Christmas with joyful noise. In Scandinavia, bells signal the end of work and the beginning of celebration. People in England recognize the tolling of the devil’s knell as the sound that welcomes the birth of Christ, where in Italy and Spain, it signals the beginning of Midnight Mass. | ||||||
| Holiday Traditions- Part 1 England / Germany / Mexico Holiday Traditions- Part 2 Jerusalem / Italy / France / India Holiday Traditions- Part 3 Africa- Kwanzaa / Holland / Ireland Holiday Traditions- Part 4 Canada- Boxing Day / Brazil / Australia / Greece Christmas Wreath Tradition Learn The Tradition of the Christmas Wreath, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias Eggnog / Fruitcakes / Candy Canes A little history involving eggnog, fruitcakes, and candy canes. Christmas Trees / Santa / Gift Giving / Yule Log Let's learn a little history about the Christmas tree, Santa Clause, The practise of giving gifts and burning of the yule log. Greeting Cards, Snowmen, Christmas Caroling, and Hanging Your Stocking Let's learn a few holiday traditions about greeting cards, snowmen, Christmas Caroling, and hanging your stocking by the chimney. Give Your Time / Curb Your Spending Shopping at the last minute can not only rob you of your energy and Christmas spirit, but it can zap your bank account in the process. Shop Smart Forget Holiday Stress Shopping can be a headache regardless of the time of year, but it can be a special nuisance around the holiday season if you don't plan properly. Tips for Trimming Your Christmas Tree Are you tired of decorating your Christmas tree the same way each and every year? Holiday Activities For Family and Friends It’s so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the holidays. Shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, and chauffeuring the kids everywhere they need to go. Affordable Christmas Treats and Decorations When you ask people what their favorite part of the holiday season is, often they answer enthusiastically it’s all the great food and the decorations. Christmas Party Decorating Keep It Simple Set a shining example of the perfectly set table and decorated home by following a few of these simple tips. Have Fun Making Christmas Tree Decorations One place that you can really save some money and let your personality and creativity shine is when trimming your tree. Why not make your own decorations? Host A Tree Trimming Party You can have a great time decorating your tree by inviting friends and family over to help. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the lighter side of the holiday. Start Preparing for the Holidays in November Early November might seem like a premature time to some to start getting ready for the holidays, Set up a Holiday Gift Wrapping Station Gift wrapping can be a great outlet for your creativity, if you have the materials and supplies you need to work your magic. Reduce Your Stress During the Holidays The holidays can be a stressful time of year for everyone. Luminarias Light Up your Holiday Décor A popular and simple way to bring a warm glow to the outside of your home during the holidays is to decorate using luminarias along the pathways, sidewalks and driveway of your home. Host a Christmas Goody Exchange Admit it. One of your favorite parts of the holidays is all the sweet treats! They’re available at your office, at your child’s holiday school party, and at the open houses and parties your neighbors and friends are hosting. Plan Ahead and Make your Guests Feel at Home Without some planning and forethought, having company during the holidays can be a very stressful and difficult time for all involved. Avoid Holiday Stress Get The Big Chores Done Early You know from previous holiday seasons that there is always a long list of things to get done in order to properly prepare for the holidays.
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