According to my researches the holiday season was based upon the old Norse Yule feast and the Roman Saturnalia. It extended from Advent at 30th November to Candlemas, 2nd February. Because of its close proximity to the Solstice all the elements, including Christianity, combined to provide the basis of the Christian festival.

During Saturnalia, gifts were given from the rich to the poor and the rich changed places with the poor for a day. It was a wild debauch in celebration of liberty which Saturn ruled. We can certainly see the Christian hand in ending that! Another celebration was the Midwinter Feast, the Feast of Foods, and another wild party time. However eventually the Christian Church absorbed all the traditions into their own celebration. Even the Christmas Tree which was a German tradition among the Celts was included. This brought another theory that Martin Luther, in the 16th century, introduced the idea of Christmas. It is well known that Jesus was not born on 25th December, but the holiday had to encompass all the pagan festivals as people would not let them die out. They were too much fun I suspect. So if you can’t beat them, join them.

The greeting card was introduced in 1844 in the United States and then found it way to England where it was adopted. Americans adopted the greenery and lights. The festival of lights was an old symbol representing the returning Sun for the new year. Winter was dark and the Sun light was essential for the spring crops. It was the returning Sun (Son).

St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus and Father Time come from old traditions. Even the Eskimos have an old man who appears through the snow, bringing gifts. In some traditions, she is a female! The returning Son brings gifts!

Whatever your take on the holiday period, remember in the Fall, you should celebrates the fruits of your labors. Your harvest is in and you can relax and celebrate. Light your fires to illuminate your way. Share the bounty with others, dance drink and be merry. Know that the Sun will return to bring spring gifts and a new celebration for the sampling of wine, planting crops and loving your loved ones.

Happy Holidays everyone - find the joy, grace and beauty around you. I want to quote George Carlin -
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away!"