Is It Christmas Yet?

Product Information

Often leading a ghostly procession through the sky (the Wild Hunt), the long-bearded god Odin is referred to as "the Yule one" and "Yule father" in Old Norse texts, while other gods are referred to as "Yule beings". Some Christians and organizations such as Pat Robertson's American Center for Law and Justice cite alleged attacks on Christmas (dubbing them a "war on Christmas"). King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which 28 oxen and 300 sheep were eaten. The English term "Christmas" - a merger of Christ and mass - is of comparatively recent origin, dating from the time when it was celebrated with a mass in the Catholic Church.

Christmas - Wikipedia

In Old English, Gēola ( Yule) referred to the period corresponding to December and January, which was eventually equated with Christian Christmas.Its cult success also set the stage for other macabre animated children’s films like “Corpse Bride,” also by Burton, “Paranorman” and the Henry Selick-directed “Coraline” — proving, Selick said, that kids’ fare can be dark and age-appropriate. The wise men brought Jesus gifts of gold, as well frankincense and myrrh, which are types of perfume and oil. The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children.

Christmas Countdown – Countdown to Dec 25, 2023

Early Christians celebrated the life of Jesus on a date considered equivalent to 14 Nisan (Passover) on the local calendar. Superimposing his humanitarian vision of the holiday, in what has been termed "Carol Philosophy", [134] Dickens influenced many aspects of Christmas that are celebrated today in Western culture, such as family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games, and a festive generosity of spirit. The diary of James Woodforde, from the latter half of the 18th century, details the observance of Christmas and celebrations associated with the season over a number of years. The feast was introduced in Constantinople in 379, in Antioch by John Chrysostom towards the end of the fourth century, [45] probably in 388, and in Alexandria in the following century.In 1607, King James I insisted that a play be acted on Christmas night and that the court indulge in games. Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus and other gift bringers, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.