Old Christmas Customs and a Giant Newcastle Pie Tale
The article recalls Christmas lore from 1827 and earlier, highlighting evergreen decorations, sub rosa rituals, and mistletoe origins. It retells a Newcastle Chronicle 1770 story of a massive Christmas pie prepared for Sir Henry Grey, weighing about 12 stones and measuring near 9 feet, prepared by Dorothy Patterson at Howick with many birds and meats.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charles II
Newcastle Chronicle
Howick
Berwick
London
Hen. Grey
Dorothy Patterson
Western Newspaper Union
A Christmas Song of Light and Wisdom
A Christmas poem celebrates mother love and morning joy The verses praise the Christ child and wisdom taught by ancient sages The speaker seeks light in darkness through Christ on the Cross and prayerful praise.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ On
A Christmas Prayer for the Birth of Jesus Christ
A devotional blessing recalls the yearly remembrance of Christ’s birth and asks God to grant belief in Him as Redeemer now and as judge at the end. The text closes with praise to the Trinity, one God forever.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jesus Christ
Christmas Greens Through the Roman Era
The use of evergreens at Christmas traces to Roman times when early Christians hid their celebrations by screening windows with evergreens, a tradition later tied to the holiest period of the year.
How to Have a Safe and Happy Christmas
A National Safety council guide urges careful toy selection and savvy tree safety. It warns against small swallowable parts, pins in dolls, and decorating materials that ignite. Use nonflammable decorations, electric lamps instead of candles, and a step ladder for trimming. Dispose of the dry tree before January 2 to prevent fires.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Safety Council
Poland’s Christmas Eve Feast’s Twelve Dishes Tradition
Poland marks Christmas Eve with a 12 dish feast symbolizing the twelve apostles. The dinner features varied foods and customs reflecting religious heritage and family gatherings nationwide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Poland
Progressive Santa Progresses Through The Ages
A Kansas Farmer poem recalls Santa as he shifts methods from chimney to door to sleigh to reindeer. The verse humorously tracks evolving transport from wheel and chauffeur to automobile and later airplane, musing that future gifts may arrive by radio.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Christmas Eve in Spain Mass of the Cock and Stable Sounds
The Christmas Eve mass in Spain is called the Mass of the Cock. In churches with an organ and steps, cocks are imitated and crow at midnight. Some churches imitate cattle sounds to recall Christ’s manger.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Spain
Christ
Christmas Feast Traditions Across Eastern Nations
In Armenia Syria and Greece roast lamb is the main Christmas dish. In Spain youths await a Christmas soup made of sweet almonds and cream.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Armenia
Syria
Greece
Spain
John Meets a Returning Stranger at the Wharf
On a wharf a scene unfolds as a frail boy named John greets a returning traveler who spots him among passengers from a great steamer. The stranger offers Christmas charity and a future stay at his hotel, promising tales from distant lands.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ohn
John
jJohn
Santa Claus
America
Western Newspo
Union
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Merry Christmas