You may retrieve this article by:

Autoresponder: santamail@getresponse.com Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/santamail.txt

Words: 497 Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net ------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and decorating. Children love to write letters to Santa and get a reply with an envelope stamped "North Pole". But even more fascinating is the origins of many of our beloved Christmas traditions.

Exchanging Gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed that in order to have a prosperous year, one must not be selfish for to hoard what they already had would guarantee that they would never be blessed with more. This is why we exchange gifts today.

Tree decorating: In olden times trees represented life triumphant over death. The Romans trimmed trees with trinkets, candles, and toys. The Druids tied polished apples and other offerings on tree branches. In Munich, even trees in cemeteries were decked with holly and mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, which decorates our homes today, has come to signify the ever living Christ.

Yule Logs: The ancient Druids and other cultures believed that the sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, fireplaces with burning logs recapture this ancient custom with the belief that the firelight is symbolic of the

Border-State Gov. Napolitano Tapped For DHS
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is said to be President-elect Barack Obama's pick to be the next secretary of homeland security. In taking on the job, she would draw on her experience with immigration and border-state issues.

Judge Orders 5 Freed From Guantanamo
The judge said there was no evidence to justify the detention of the Algerians, who have spent seven years in detention. They could be sent to Bosnia, where they were arrested in connection with an alleged terrorist plot.

Candles: In England, large candles were burned in conjunction with the yule log. In America today, the candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.

Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the sun because it was always green. Today holly represents the ever living Christ. The white flowers, purity; the red berries, his blood; the leaves, his crown of thorns, and the bitter bark, his sorrow.

Mistletoe: Comes from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess, had arranged for her son to be protected from all earthly dangers. When he was shot with an arrow made from mistletoe, Freyja made mistletoe promise never to harm anyone ever again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. It's winter blossoms bring promise of bounty for the coming spring.

Caroling: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a party was given to the god Thor, represented by a goat. After much singing and dancing the goat would pretend to die and return to life. Today, carolers go from door to door singing and this represents the life of Christ.

Santa Claus: Santa actually started out as a version of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. Sailors feared him because he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe journeys. Because he could save them from angry waters, he became known as "giver of all good things". Due to the rise of Christianity, the old custom was changed to honor Nicholas of Myra, an Asian bishop. Nicholas wore red clothing, rode a white horse who could fly, and delivered gifts anonymously. Today, he is Santa with his flying reindeer!

For more information on getting a letter from Santa for a child close to you visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/christmas/santamail.htm
About the Author

Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net