The Colors of Christmas

There are several colors which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

Most the colors and their meanings come from the western/northern european traditions and customs, when Christmas is in the middle of winter and it's dark and cold.

Green

Evergreen plants, like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and that winter wouldn't last forever!

The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid winter festivals.

In many parts of Europe during the middle ages, Paradise plays were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. The 'Paradise Tree' in the garden of eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it.

Now the most common use of green at Christmas are Christmas Trees.

Red

As mentioned above, an early use of red at Christmas were the apples on the paradise tree. They represented the fall of Adam in the plays.

Red is also the color of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.

Red is also the color of Bishops robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas and then also became Santa's uniform!

Gold

Gold is the color of the Sun and light - both very important in the dark winter. And both red and gold are the colors of fire that you need to keep you warm.

Gold was also one of the presents brought to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men and traditionally it's the color used to show the star that the wise men followed.

Silver is sometimes used instead of (or with) gold. But gold is a 'warmer' color.

White

White is often associated with purity and peace in western cultures. The snow of winter is also very white!

White paper wafers were also sometimes used to decorate paradise trees. The wafers represented the bread eaten during Christian Communion or Mass, when Christians remember that Jesus died for them.

White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered with a white cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church Gold is used for Christmas).

Blue

The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In medieval times blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold! So it would only be worn by Royal families and very rich people. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show she was very important.

Blue can also represent the color of the sky and heaven.

During Advent, purple and sometimes blue is used in most churches fort he colour of the altar cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church red is used for advent).

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/colors-of-christmas.shtml

Santa Claus by Many Names

The jolly elf most Christian teens know as Santa Claus goes by many other names around the world. Like many Christmas symbols and traditions he has evolved from old stories and practices. 

St. Nicholas:

Once there was a monk known as St. Nicholas. He was born in Patara (near what we now know as Turkey) in 280 AD. He was known to be very kind, and that reputation led to many legends and stories. One story involved him giving away his inherited wealth while he helped those who were sick and poor around the country. Another story is that he saved three sisters from being sold into slavery. Eventually he became known as the protector of children and sailors. He died on December 6th, and so there is now a celebration of his life on that day.

Sinter Klass:

The Dutch maintained the celebration of St. Nicholas far more than other cultures, and brought that celebration to America. The Dutch gave St. Nicholas the nickname, "Sinter Klass", and by 1804 woodcuts of Sinter Klass came to define modern day images of Santa. Washington Irving popularized Sinter Klass in The History of New York by defining him as the patron saint of the city.

Christkind:

Christkind, which is German for "Christ Child," was considered something like an angel that went along with St.Nicholas on his missions. He would bring presents to good children in Switzerland and Germany. He is sprite-like, often drawn with blond hair and angel wings.

Kris Kringle:

There are two theories on the origin of Kris Kringle. One is that the name is simply a mispronunciation and misunderstanding of the Christkind tradition. The other is that Kris Kringle began as Belsnickle among the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1820s. He would ring his bell and give out cakes and nuts to small children, but if they misbehaved they would receive a spanking with his rod.

Father Christmas:

In England, Father Christmas comes down the chimney and visits homes on Christmas Eve. He leaves treats in children's stockings. He would traditionally leave small toys and presents. Children would leave out mince pies and milk or brandy for him.

Pere Noel:

Pere Noel puts treats in the shoes of well-behaved French children. He is joined in his travels by Pere Fouettard. Pere Fouettard is the one who provides the spankings to bad children. While wooden shoes were used historically, today chocolate wooden shoes are filled with candies to commemorate the holiday. Northern France celebrates St. Nicholas Eve on December 6th, so Pere Noel visits then and on Christmas Day.

Babouschka:

There are several stories about Babouschka in Russia. One is that she put off traveling with the Wise Men to see the Baby Jesus, instead opting to have a party, and regretted it afterward. So she set out every year to find the baby Jesus and give Him her gifts. Instead, she does not find him and gives the gifts to the children she finds along the way. Another story is that she purposefully misled the wisemen, and soon realized her sin. She places gifts at the bedsides of Russian children, hoping that one of them is the baby Jesus and that He will forgive her sins.

Santa Claus:

Christmas shopping has been a tradition since the early 19th century. By 1820 stores advertised Christmas shopping, and by 1840 there were already separate holiday ads that featured Santa. In 1890 the Salvation Army began dressing up unemployed workers as Santa and having them solicit donations throughout New York. You can still see those Santas outside stores and on street corners today.

Yet it was Clement Clarke Moore, and Episcopal Minister, and Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, that brought us the epitome of our modern day Santa. In 1822 he wrote a long poem titled, An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas. It is what we now know as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and it gave us many of the modern day characteristics of Santa such as his sleigh, laughter, and ability to fly up a chimney. It was Nast that drew the cartoon of Santa in 1881 that depicted him with a round belly, white beard, large smile, and carrying a sack of toys. He gave Santa the red and white suit that we know so well today. He also provided Santa with his North Pole workshop, elves, and Mrs. Claus.

By Kelli Mahoney,

http://christianteens.about.com/od/christianholidays/p/WhoIsSanta.htm

The Origins of Santa Claus!!

Early Christian Influence:

Although Santa Claus is originally based upon St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Lycia (now in Turkey), the figure is also strongly influenced by early Norse religion. Saint Nicholas was known for giving gifts to the poor. In one notable story, he met a pious but impoverished man who had three daughters. He presented the with dowries to save them from a life of prostitution. In most European countries, St. Nicholas is still portrayed as a bearded bishop, wearing clerical robes. He became a patron saint of many groups, particularly children, the poor, and prostitutes.

Odin and His Mighty Horse:

Among early Germanic tribes, one of the major deities was Odin, the ruler of Asgard. A number of similarities exist between some of Odin's escapades and those of the figure who would become Santa Claus. Odin was often depicted as leading a hunting party through the skies, during which he rode his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. In the 13th-century Poetic Edda, Sleipnir is described as being able to leap great distances, which some scholars have compared to the legends of Santa's reindeer. Odin was typically portrayed as an old man with a long, white beard -- much like St. Nicholas himself.

Treats for the Tots:

During the winter, children placed their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots or straw as a gift for Sleipnir. When Odin flew by, he rewarded the little ones by leaving gifts in their boots. In several Germanic countries, this practice survived despite the adoption of Christianity. As a result, the gift-giving became associated with St. Nicholas -- only nowadays, we hang stockings rather than leaving boots by the chimney!

Santa Comes to the New World:

When Dutch settlers arrived in New Amsterdam, they brought with them their practice of leaving shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with gifts. They also brought the name Sinterklaas, which later morphed into Santa Claus. Although a the Dutch version of St. Nicholas was written about by author Washington Irving around 1809, it was about 15 years later that the figure of Santa as we know it today was introduced. This came in the form of a narrative poem by a man named Clement C. Moore.

The Night Before Christmas:

Moore's poem, originally titled A Visit from St. Nicholas is commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas. Moore went as far as to elaborate on the names of Santa's reindeer, and provide a rather Americanized, secular description of the "jolly old elf."

By Patti Wigington

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/p/Santa_Claus.htm

Santa Claus. I do believe history tells us he was a Christian.

His name, “Santa Claus” is an Anglicized form of the Dutch Sinter Klaas, which in turn means “Saint Nicholas.” Nicholas was a Christian bishop in the fourth century who apparently attended the Council of Nicea and supported the doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son and the Holy Ghost)

The tradition that he was especially kind toward children, even giving them gifts, is very likely based on fact. Thus Christians might justifiably look to the real Saint Nicholas as a hero of the Christian faith.

Merry Christmas Word Race Game!!

Easy Christmas Party Game

Supplies Needed:

Piece of Paper for Each Player

Pen or Pencil for Each Player

How to Play the Game:

Give each party goer a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. You can have the words "Merry Christmas" printed at the top of each page or you can have each player write it on top of their paper. Set a time limit of 3 to 5 minutes and see how many words, at least 3 letters long, can be made using only the letters from "Merry Christmas".

Whom ever makes the most words wins.

By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/miscchristmas/a/Merry-Christmas-Word-Race-Game.htm

How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Japanese?

There is no Japanese word for "Merry Christmas." People just say it as an English word with Japanese pronunciation: "Merii Kurisumasu 

When saying "Happy Birthday" or "Happy New Year," "omedetou （おめでとう）" is used for "Happy ~." The Japanese have adapted many western customs, however phrases like "Happy Valentines," "Happy Easter," "Happy Halloween," or "Happy Holidays" are not widely used. 

http://japanese.about.com/library/blqow33.htm

5 Tips to Reduce Employee Holiday Party Expenses !!

Some colleagues think that the company event planner has the most fun job in the company: planning the big employee holiday party. This is not always the case, especially when the planner is directed behind closed doors to save money on the event.
So what can he or she present to do to reduce costs? Many options do exist, but when employees have grown accustomed to certain expectations, changes in the employee holiday party will have pros and cons. Consider the following ideas:

1. Schedule the Party During the Day.
As a general budgeting rule for business meals: lunch menus are always more cost effective than dinner menus from restaurants, hotel banquets or independent caterers.
For those organizations that typically hold employee holiday parties in the evening, changing to an afternoon event is one of the most cost effective ways to manage expenses. Estimated Savings: 15-20%.

Pros:
Eliminates the need to use personal time for a company event.
Increases the number of venue options available to consider.
Reminds everyone that they are at a company event, not a personal party.

Cons:
Reduced attendance because many functions cannot fully shut down.
Noticeable change that tells employees the organization is cutting costs.



2. Control Decorating Expenses.
Hotels and other venues are usually already be decorated in neutral holiday themes. Still, some expenses are difficult to avoid: centerpieces, linen rentals, etc.
Planners must still incorporate decorations that are sensitive to the all guests. Try to save money by using complimentary linens, and opt to replace flower centerpieces with colorful candles and bowls of candy when possible. Estimated Savings: 10%.

Pros:
Subtle changes often go unrecognized by guests.
Holiday patterned linen rentals can be reduced using plain colors.
Planner may incorporate company themes to decorations.

Cons:
The wrong selection of linens may be viewed critically by guests.
Decoration expenses may be necessary to expand celebration themes.

3. Eliminate Employee Gifts at the Party.
Remember, the holiday party is considered the employee gift, so it is not necessary to include party favors and other small appreciation gifts.
Some organizations feel it is necessary to give each employee some small gift for attending the event because they feel it is an important element of the event. If the business insists on gifts, opt to raffle a few larger prizes or the centerpieces. Estimated Savings: $10 per person.

Pros:
This change often goes unnoticed.
Reduces set-up time needed to showcase presents.
Allows the planner to avoid other cost reductions (e.g., catering).

Cons:
Employees who cannot attend (e.g., due to work) will feel they received nothing.
Employee gifts can be perceived as another form of award.

4. Manage Catering Choices.
Small changes in the catering selections may be made that can result in measurable savings.
Examples: Plated vs. buffet style. Seven course meals may become five. Six passed canopies may be reduced to five, with a small decrease in total pieces. Filet mignon may be replaced with lamb chops. Crab legs are more cost effective than lobster tail. Three dessert choices may be reduced to two. Bar selections may be predetermined in advance. Estimated Savings: 5-10%.

Pros:
It is relatively easy to manage costs at the point of selecting catering.
Venues and caterers usually have packaged options based on price.

Cons:
Risk not pleasing everyone's taste preferences.

5. Hire a DJ Instead of a Band.
Band members typically get paid a minimum of $1200-1600 for a three hours, four performers. On the other hand, a DJ charges about half that price. Estimated Savings: 50%.

Pros:
Increased variety of music.
Reduced expense associated with entertainment.

Cons:
Risks allowing employees to request inappropriate music.
Risks associated with creating too much of a casual party atmosphere.

From Rob Hard,

http://eventplanning.about.com/od/eventplanningbasics/tp/reduce_holiday_party_expenses.htm