Sorry for falling off the blog wagon, life has been busy. And when you don't have internet at home it takes scheduling to enjoy the world wide web. :)
Anywho, so my job at the before and after school program is one of the things taking up most of my time. I love, love, love working there. I have been busying planning out the next couple weeks, and our theme is "Christmas Around the World". First of all, I was quite shocked to learn that it is perfectly o.k. to say "Christmas" in a public school due to past political-correctness. In fact the tides have turned again as far as that goes. Remember when we were little and vacation time around Christmas was called "Christmas Break"? Then it turned into "Holiday Break". Now it is acceptable to say "Christmas Break" again. I am nobody important, but my opinion is that it is okay to say it either way. I am a Christian who tries to reflect on Christ's birth and death throughout the year, and also on December 25th. The fact is that there is more than one holiday celebrated this time of year (Christian or not), and I think it's okay to say "Happy Holidays".
Okay, so back to the original theme. Here are some interesting facts about the Christmas holiday that I've learned while reading up on how other cultures celebrate Christmas. If you are interested in this type of stuff, there is a whole lot of info out there on the origins of some of our Christmas traditions. Beware, you might not like what you read. :)
Fact #1: Poinsettias are native to Mexico. Who'd a thunk? It is believed that a young boy walking to the church to see the nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus had realized on the way that he had no gift to offer the Christ child so he gathered up some plain green branches as he walked in he was laughed at but upon placing the branches near the manger they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch.
Fact #2: The Christmas tree used to be oak, not fir. There are various legends regarding the origin of the Christmas tree, often relating to Saint Boniface. Thus, in one version, Boniface disrupted a pagan child sacrifice at an oak tree, flattening the oak with a blow of his fist. A small fir sprang up in place of the oak, which Boniface told the pagans represented Christ. In some accounts, Martin Luther is credited with coming up with the idea after seeing the night stars through the branches of a pine tree on a walk home, and decorated a tree with his family with candles and silver and gold tinsel.
Fact #3: Hoteiosho. In Japan most do not recognize Christmas as a religious holiday. It is very commericalized. (Hmmm...how is it any different here?) Their version of Santa is a Buddhist monk called "Hoteiosho". He has eye balls on the back of his head so he can always watch the children to see if they are behaving.
Fact# 4: The Advent Calendar came from Germany, and originally started out as lines of chalk on the door. Then children began hanging 24 pieces of paper in the home, each would open to reveal a drawing or phrase. Now the calendar comes in many forms to reveal artwork or candy.
These are just a few fun facts. A lot of these I already knew, but thought you might like to know them too! I looooove learning the origins of words and ideas. Did you know that sub sandwiches used to be called grinders? This is because the mechanics who worked on submarines made this type of sandwich popular.
As a Christian it is important for me to remember that Christmas should be an all-year event. Do I think it's wrong to decorate or throw parties this time of year? No. Because it's all about where your heart is. It is wonderful that we gather with friends and family to reflect on Christ's birth, and show love for one another. Just try to make it more than once a year.
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