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Merry Christmas from Our Web Home |
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| Merry Christmas from our home to yours!! We hope that you enjoy your stay here where it is always
Christmas!! As you view our page you will find graphics, history, stories, music lyrics and music itself for you
to sing along with. We wanted to bring a little of our Christmas to you - no matter where you are. Throughout
the page are some customs from countries around the world (courtesy of Bronner's of Frankenmuth, MI).
I've listed the ones that my ancestors came from (and of which I own Christmas ornments of). My
ancestors are basically all Scottish with an Englishman, Frenchman and Irishman (or woman) thrown in for
good measure. The dogs, being a Westie and a Cairn have all Scottish ancestors and kitties Michael & Padraig have been given
the Irish names since they were born around/on St. Patrick's Day!
So that you can listen to any of the carols we've made our starting song only a single play. To hear the others throughout the page
just click on their titles and the music will begin (all the song links are in gold
). Below you will find our Merry Christmas wishes in a variety of languages. Enjoy!
Happy Christmas Joyeux Noel Nollaig Shona Dhiut Feliz Navidad Frohliche Weihnachten Gledelig Jul Nadolig Llawen Hauskaa Joulua Sheng Tan Kuai Loh Bion Natale |
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| Christ (Greek christos, "anointed one") is the translation of the Hebrew word for messiah in the Septuagint version of the Bible. Ancient peoples considered anointing with oil a sign of being set apart for special honor or for an exalted office. In the Old Testament, the anointing of prophets and priests set them apart for their religious functions; the anointing of kings was a symbol of their power as representatives of God in a theocracy. The concept became especially associated with King David, and when the Hebrews looked for another "anointed one" to lead their nation, they at first conceived of him as a man from David's line. Later, some writers shifted their hope from a messianic figure to an age of peace inaugurated directly by God. In New Testament times, Christ became the surname of Jesus, reflecting the Christian belief that he is the anointed one of God. |
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The bells are gaily ringing. Ding dong happily reply The angels all are singing. Gloria, Hosannah in Excelsis.
Ding dong carol of the bells.
Ring out merry merry bells
Hark now happily we sing |
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"Merry Christmas" Although many of the varied customs were brought by immigrants, American innovations include popcorn garland, candy canes, colored electric lights, and a jolly bearded Santa Claus in a sleight with reindeer. Streets, parks and malls are decorated, and often include a nativity scene. The National Christmas tree is lit annually on the White House lawn, while decorated trees prevail in communities, homes, businesses and churches. Holiday activities include shopping, decorating, caroling, and concerts. Luminaires "light the way for the Christ Child." On December 24 and 25 families attend church, enjoy turkey dinners, and open gifts placed under the Christmas tree. |
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Angels from the realms of glory
Shepherds in the fields abiding |
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"Nollaig Chridheil" In Scotland religious services and quiet family gatheringsdominate the celebration of Christ's birth. Hogmanay, New Year's Eve, is a time for joyousrevelry. At midnight, church bells ring as people join hands and sing "Auld Lang Syne" in remembrance of friends past and present. The first person to cross the thresholdafter midnight is called the first-footer, and traditionally brings gifts of coal, bread, money, or salt to ensure warmth, food, and wealth for the coming year. The Scottish wisely believe that theyear is best begun this way; rise early, pay your debtsand borrow no more, dine well, and cheerfully resolve to work hard. |
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Dressed in holiday style In the air there's a feeling of Christmas Children laughing, people passing Meeting smile after smile And on every street corner you'll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
Streets of streetlights, see the stoplights
Silver bells, silver bells |
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Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25. Primitive
Christianity regarded the birth of Jesus as a significant moment, important for the understanding of his person.
This conviction was expressed in narrative form in the birth stories. Despite the beliefs about Christ that the
birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.
The date was chosen to counter the pagan festivities connected with the winter solstice; since 274, under the
emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25. In the Eastern Church,
January 6, a day also associated with the winter solstice, was initially preferred. In course of time, however, the
West added the Eastern date as the feast of the Epiphany, and the East added the Western date of Christmas.
Thus, the West subsequently divided the Christmas celebration between December 25 (the birth of Christ and
homage of the shepherds) and January 6 (the homage of the magi). In medieval Europe, folk customs connected
with the winter solstice were perpetuated together with the church celebration. The Puritans in England and in
New England tried to abolish Christmas, but that move was unpopular, and Christmas survived and has been
developed commercially since the Industrial Revolution. This has had the effect of pushing back the Christmas
festivities to the period before Christmas; in the traditional church calendar the pre-Christmas season of Advent
was one of quiet preparation, the festivities belonging to the Twelve Days (December 25-January 6).
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"Nollaig Shona Dhiut" On Christmas Eve, in honor of the infant Jesus, the youngest family member is chosen to light a candle in the window. The light is a welcome to any who, like Mary and Joseph, might be looking for shelter. The candle burns all night long, and wanderers who pass by are given food and money. After church services on Christmas Day, families distribute baked goods to friends and relatives. On December 26, St. Stephen's Day, children participate in a custom called "Feed the Wren." With a wren in a cage they proceed from door to door singing carols and collecting money for charity.The season ends on January 6, which is known as "Little Christmas." |
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Here comes Santa Claus Right down Santa Claus Lane Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer are pulling on the reins Bells are ringing, children singing All is merry and bright. Hang your stockings and say your prayers 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus |
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"Joyeux Noel" The chreche (manger) occupies a place of prominence in the French home. Terra cotta figures known as santons (little saints) represent the Holy Family. Area processions include a live lamb, the symbol of the Lamb of God. The Buche de Noel, a log-shaped cake, has become a favorite Christmas delicacy. Children leave their shoes by the fireside on Christmas Eve hoping Pere Noel (Father Christmas) or le Petite Noel (the Christ Child) will fill them with gifts before morning.Their parents attend Christmas masses at midnight and return to a late supper known as le Revelillon. On Epiphany eve, three figures are added to the creche in celebration of the visit of the Maji. |
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How steadfast are your branches Your boughs are green in summer's clime And through the snows of wintertime O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How steadfast are your branches
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree |
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The major decorative object in the celebration of Christmas in the Western world is the
Christmas tree, an evergreen, usually a Douglas fir or a balsam fir. The symbolic use of evergreens has its
roots in ancient times, especially in the Egyptian, Hebrew, and Chinese cultures, in which it signified eternal life.
During the Middle Ages, when Christianity became widespread in Europe, the pagan custom of tree worship
nevertheless lived on, especially in northern Europe. In Germany, a tree with apples hung on it was called a
paradise tree and was employed as a Garden of Eden symbol in a popular medieval drama about Adam and
Eve. Germans came to set up a paradise tree in their homes around Christmastime and decorated it with
wafers (emblematic of the Eucharist), and later cookies, candles, and other forms of decoration. By the 18th
century the custom of the Christmas tree was common in Germany, and in fact German settlers had introduced
the practice into North America as early as the 17th century. The tradition was brought to England in the early
19th century and popularized there in mid-century by the Prince Consort Albert, the German husband of Queen
Victoria. The tree's use as the decorative focal point of Christmas celebration has not waned. Electric lights,
candy canes, shiny ornaments, religious symbols, and other objects are hung on the trees annually, and this
decorating activity has spread to the lawns, trees, shrubs, and building exteriors of many suburban homes.
Cities and towns often exhibit large, spectacularly decorated trees and make a ceremony of the lighting of the
tree, as at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
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"Happy Christmas" The custom of sending Christmas cards originated in England, a nation rich in varied traditions. Window candles attract carolers, called waits, who fill the air with Christmas music. A yule log finds its place of tradition in the hearths of somehomes in England and Wales. Children hang their stockings by the chimney or their bed, hoping Father Christmas will bring them gifts. Before the use of the Christmas tree, the main decoration was the kissing bough, made of evergreens, holly and ivy. Christmas feasting includes the wassail bowl and flaming plum pudding. On Boxing Day, December 26 (St. Stephen's Day), gift boxes and alms are distributed to the needy. |
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happy soul. With a corn cob pipe, and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the Snowman is a fairy tale
There must have been some magic
Oh, Frosty the Snowman was alive
Frosty the Snowman knew the
Down to the village with a broomstick
He led them down the streets of town
For Frosty the Snowman had to hurry
Thumpty-thump-thump |
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The legend of Santa Claus originated with benevolent St. Nicholas, born in Asia Minor (A.D.300's), who
became Bishop of Myra. Europeans observe December 6 as S. Nicholas Day. In Germany children leave
him notes for the Christkindl (Christ Child). St. Nicholas has taken on forms such as Father Christmas (England),
Pere Noel (France), and Sinterklaus (Holland). Clement Moore's 1822 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas,"
portrays a jolly old man with sleigh and reindeer delivering gifts. Cartoonist Thomas Nast depicted Santa and
his North Pole toy shop. The selfless spirit of giving goes back to the devotion of St. Nicholas to God who
gave the greatest gift of all, the Christ Child.
A legendary figure who supposedly brings presents to children on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is an American adaptation of European traditions concerning Saint Nicholas. These were introduced into America by the Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam. The name Santa Claus is a contraction of the Dutch Sint Nikolaas (Sinter Klaas). In the United States, Saint Nicholas became associated with Christmas rather than December 6, his traditional feast day, and he developed into a purely secular figure. Most of the central features of the Santa Claus legend, such as his climb down the chimney and the switches he leaves for naughty children, are of Dutch origin. His red suit trimmed with white fur originated in the bishop's miter and cope worn by the Dutch saint. His association with reindeer and the North Pole, however, apparently came from Scandinavia. These and other attributes of Santa Claus were popularized during the 19th century through the stories of Washington Irving, the cartoons of Thomas Nast, and the famous 1822 poem by Clement Moore, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." Male and female European counterparts of Santa Claus include the English Father Christmas, the German Kris Kringle, the Italian Befana, and Russia's grandmotherly Babouschka. Many of them have been influenced by the American conception of the figure. |
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