Ancient Christmas Carols Span Centuries and Cultures
The article traces Christmas carols from early dance tunes around the crib to modern family fare. It notes St Francis of Assisi as an originator, links English carols to French noels and German Wiegenlieder, and cites Phillips Brooks and Charles Wesley as contributors to familiar tunes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Francis of
Assisi
France
Germany
Phillips Brooks
Bethlehem
Hark
Charles Wesley
John Reading
Legend of Xmas Bells in Lecen Town
In Lecen Holland two church bells were never baptized and vanished one night. On Christmas Eve at midnight bells rang from a nearby pond though the bells were never found. The tale spread as towns kept the midnight bell ringing tradition for Christmas holidays.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lecen
Holland
Lyco Plant Brings Profits to Phelps Township Pickers
A small wild lycopodium plant, known as Lyco, yields income for residents of Phelps township near North Bay Ontario. Pickers earn up to 200 dollars a year gathering it from woods in spring and fall. Processed by Ontario firms, the product ships worldwide, with locals saying abundant Lyco will last for years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Phelps Township
North Bay
Ont
Ontario
Loggerheads: from argument clash to sea turtle lore
A saying describes two people in constant dispute as at loggerheads, while loggerhead refers to the large marine sea turtle. The phrase links heated debate to a creature known for its sturdy shell and long migrations.
Fire safety tips for Christmas trees and lights
The guideline advises using a small tree outdoors until Christmas, placing it in a cool spot, and turning off nearby radiators. Use fireproof decorations and check wiring. avoid old frayed cords and keep a distant switch for lights. Remove wrapping materials after gifts and test costumes for flame resistance. Outdoor wiring should be weatherproof and never serviced with power on.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Board of Fire Underwriters
Cranberry Chiffon Pie Christmas Treat
A festive cranberry chiffon pie recipe fills a baked 9 inch shell with jellied cranberry sauce sugar and egg yolks heated into a custard. Gelatin salt and lemon juice join the mix before stiffly beaten egg whites folded in. The pie is chilled then topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and vanilla.
Cool Weather Alarm in Florida Citrus Color War
Florida citrus industry economists warn that Florida oranges may fail to color properly as cooler weather is needed for natural coloring. The public often misreads pale fruit as underripe, while the FDA has banned artificial food dyes used to color oranges.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Florida
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Christmas Gift Days in Yugoslavia Highlight Family Customs
The article describes Yugoslav Christmas traditions where mothers observe Mother’s Day the second Sunday before Christmas by pretending to sew while children capture their feet and reveal a box of gifts. On the following Sunday, Father’s Day, fathers give gifts to their families. The ritual blends festive joy with religious observance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yugoslavia
Legend of the candle welcomes Christ Child at Christmas
The candle in the window proclaims Christ is loved in this home and welcomes Him. The old tale says Christ returns each Christmas Eve in disguise, guiding hosts to receive any guest with care as a possible Christ Child.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ
Christ Child
Tantalize Christmas Appetites With Tidbits
Tidbit party ideas for holiday snacks include three no fuss canape options. Blue Cheese Clam Dip uses sour cream blue cheese minced clams and chives. Pickle Star Canapes arrange bologna and pickle with star cuts. Holiday Olive Canapes mix olive cream cheese pimento olives horseradish on buttered bread slices.
Old Fashioned Yuletide Cookies and Pies Favorites
A vintage recipe set outlines shortbread cookies with corn starch icing sugar and flour blended with butter, shaped baked at 300F for 20 25 minutes yielding 3 4 dozen. Variations add glace cherries or candied peel. Also a holiday pie with fruit, nuts, spices, and a pastry shell baked at 400F then 350F.
Decorating with gay greeting cards for Christmas
Plan a festive display using holiday cards as a tree on the den wall. Arrange cards in a tree shape, outline with early arrivals, fill centers as more arrive, and feature on shelves with greens in the background. Use rickrack strips to hold cards and top with Santa, greenery, and ornaments.
Germanys Christmas tree origin and decorating tips
The evergreen tree was first used as a Christmas symbol in Germany and spread through Central Europe. Decorations evolved from candy and tree garlands to angels stars bells and paper tassels. Children can craft garlands and place large ornaments in a straight line from top to bottom for a neat display.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Germany
Ripen Fruit Cakes and Puddings In Cool Storage
Fruit cakes and puddings improve in flavor and texture as they ripen in a cool storage place for several weeks. Ensure the natural moisture is sealed. Wrap securely in aluminum foil and store in a metal container with a lid. Ends should be sealed airtight with moisture proof film or foil.
Open House Christmas Tradition Began in Saxon England
Legend says open house at Christmas started in early Saxon England when lords opened great halls to all. Furnishings included the Yule log dragged into the hall and a wish made while seated on it. The log’s lighting with tinder from last year’s leg was believed to bring luck.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Frode
Floodlights reshape outdoor Christmas displays with new trends
The piece notes a shift from simple bulbs to floodlighting and spotlighting for homes. It mentions 150 watt weather proof lamps, mood filtering caps, a holiday rink bulb, and a move toward central themes and fewer colors. Caution is given to use weatherproof outdoor wiring and consult an electrician for safety.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yale
Origin of Xmas stocking and Saint Nicholas tale
The legend traces Xmas stockings to Holland where Saint Nicholas, aided by Black Peter, fills wooden shoes or stockings with gifts for dutiful Dutch children. Over time Dutch kids switched to stockings hung by the chimney with care, a custom spread worldwide while Ben Franklin founded the first circulating library in the United States.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Holland
Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas
Sleipner
Peter
St. Nicholas
Ben Franklin
United States
Also Mentioned on This Page
Gaiters
National Tuberculosis Association
Tuberculosis Association
Legend of the Candle
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