Christmas History and Traditions
Hans, Larry, Geoff & Rob in Christmas Mode
Last week Geoff Haworth, Larry Skiba, Rob Thomson, Arie Geerlofs and Rotary Youth Exchange Student Hans shared some interesting history and memories of Christmas.
Geoff gave us some interesting historical snippets. The history of celebrating Christmas has been quite rocky. While first observed in the 4th century, it took until the Middle Ages to become a popular festival.
The Puritans of 17th century England were self-appointed behaviour police and tried to ban it, objecting to the public drunkenness and bad behaviour they perceived it caused. Understandably, this was not a popular decision! Eventually the Puritans lost their punch and celebrations prevailed.
Today, Christmas traditions vary widely according to culture and historical beliefs, but millions of families worldwide celebrate Christmas as the season of love and kindness, getting together and sharing gifts and food.
Larry shared some childhood memories of Christmas in Alberta, Canada. He remembers ice skating, playing in the snow and making snow angels, and people in their neighbourhood decorated their houses with lights.
On Christmas Day, his family exchanged gifts around the tree and ate a sumptuous meal, entertained by the music of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and others on the gramophone. Larry’s favourite treats were chocolate milk and pumpkin pie, and his enduring memories are of love, warmth and family togetherness.
Rob reminisced about an Army Sergeant conducting exercises with his platoon at Christmas time. On this occasion a few things went awry, but the good Sergeant shrugged them off, saying ‘It’s Christmas; what’s not to love about Christmas?’
Rob has never forgotten this sentiment. Christmas is a special time, embedded in our culture, to celebrate whichever way is meaningful to us.
Hans talked about Christmas in his home country Denmark. Of course, it all happens in the middle of winter, with ice and snow everywhere. This may sound romantic, but the snow becomes icy, mushy and inconvenient, and he is looking forward to trying a Christmas without snow.
In Scandinavia and in most countries in Europe, celebrations take place on Christmas Eve. Hans’ and his family have lots of food, beer and fun. His favourite Christmas food is Risalamande, a special Danish rice pudding with chopped almonds. One almond is traditionally left whole and the lucky person who finds it on their plate gets a present.
Hans used to be a firm believer in Santa Claus, but one year his uncle (who unbeknown to Hans was their usual Santa) did not attend and his mother played the role instead! His belief in Santa was shattered.
Arie also shared that in his birthplace in Holland Black Peter gives children presents on the 5th and 6th of December. Traditional Christmas dinner happens in the afternoon, with a big family meal, drinking and singing. This can become quite raucous as festivities go on into the wee hours.