When it comes to the traditions of Christmas, it's easy to assume that just because you celebrate things a certain way, other people do, too. That's not necessarily true even within your own culture, much less out in the wider world.

In fact, one of the traditions of Christmas that most Americans take for granted is that the day itself falls on December 25. Not necessarily so. The Eastern Orthodox, even here in the States, often celebrate Christmas on January 6. Some people even celebrate on January 7.

Continue reading "Weird and Wonderful Traditions of Christmas" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Like most things Italian, Christmas traditions in Italy tend to be both passionate and food-oriented. It's hard to find fault with that, especially since Christmas in Italy hasn't yet descended into that relentless commercialism that plagues the American holiday.

The traditions of Christmas in Italy aren't terribly different from our own, with many features we'd find quite familiar. For example, many Italians have taken to erecting and decorating a Christmas tree every year. But there are some notable differences to Italian Christmas tradition, so let's take an instructive look.

Continue reading "Christmas Traditions in Italy" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Ever dug into a fine, plummy Christmas pudding? Well... unless you're British, probably not. As much as we Americans owe the Brits for our general holiday traditions, Christmas puddings just didn't seem to transplant to these shores.

But if you're looking for an interesting culinary experience to add an Old World accent to your Christmas holiday, it's worth giving this fine old tradition a new try.

Continue reading "The Christmas Pudding Tradition" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

In this era of electric lighting, the classic Christmas candle has fallen out of use in many households. But it's a tradition worth resurrecting, because Christmas candles not only add beauty to the holiday, they offer deeper meaning that lends greater significance to the tradition.

Continue reading "Light a Christmas Candle This Year " »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

You might think that Victorian Christmas traditions are dead relics of a bygone era, considering that they originated at least a century and a half ago. But the truth is, most of the Christmas traditions we enjoy today are directly rooted in Victorian customs.

Let's take a look at a few.

Continue reading "Our Debt to Victorian Christmas Traditions " »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

While just about everyone follows the basic Yuletide customs inherit to our culture, most of us also embellish the holidays with unique family Christmas traditions. Maybe your gang reads Clement Moore's "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" together on Christmas Eve, or attends midnight Mass.

Special candies may also be traditional for you, or maybe your folks made sure at least one of the kids got the token lump of coal in their stocking. Here's a sweet one: some families stick a candle into an angelfood cake and sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus.

Continue reading "Fun Family Christmas Traditions" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Christmas remains a magical holiday, but German Christmas traditions make it even more so. We already thank Germans for the Christmas tree, of course, but on the enchanted German Christmas, water turns to wine, animals talk to humans, church bells ring from the bottom of the sea, and more.

Only the completely pure of heart experiences this type of Christmas magic, of course. Which leaves out most of us over the age of, oh, three or so. However, there are other traditional German Christmas events that any of us can enjoy.

Continue reading "Sehr Gut! Classic German Christmas Traditions to Enjoy" »

Posted by Jenny | Permalink

Why I launched this website about Christmas traditions... and what you'll discover here

Around Christmastime, I'm always telling stories about Christmas traditions around the world. My husband says I can't walk by a Christmas decoration without telling everyone the history, origin and cultural significance of it.

My friends love to hear about Christmas traditions and customs and I'm frequently asked to take the floor at a Christmas party to liven up the crowd with some tales of Christmas lore. At the prompting of my friends and family, I have launched this website that is filled with stories, tales and myths about Christmas and Christmas traditions.

If what all my friends, family, in-laws and acquaintances say about me is right, you'll find extremely interesting and entertaining stories about Christmas traditions right here on this website.

Here's what you'll find at Christmas Lore...

You'll learn the origin of many of the Christmas traditions we practice today, as well as the significance of the tradition. You'll even get some great ideas for making your very own family Christmas traditions that will make each and every Christmas fun, special, and most importantly, memorable!

Throughout Christmas Lore you'll find Fun Facts, Did You Know?, Factoids, and other interesting and enlightening tales about Christmas lore and Christmas traditions.

You'll also find occasional posts from my friend, Noel Jameson. Noel has her own blog called Christmas Rants (which is great!), and I've asked her to stop by here occasionally to share here Christmas wisdom as well. Enjoy!