ARTIFICIAL TREES

 

As so many Christmas innovations artificial trees originated in Germany towards the end of the 1800’s.

The trees were formed from Metal wire and covered with feathers Goose, Turkey, Ostrich or Swan and the feathers would be died green to imitate pine needles.

Then In the 1930's, the Addis Brush Company in America created the first artificial-brush trees.

They used the same machinery as that used to make their toilet brushes.

It was in 1950 that The Addis 'Silver Pine' tree was patented.

 

The tree was designed to have a revolving light source under it which would shine through colored gels casting different shades of light as it revolved beneath the tree.

Not a million miles away from the fiber optic trees we have today.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (2013)

 

After being told by her boss that the company needs to attract more clients, Elizabeth (Melissa Sagemiller), a skilled executive, is also told she is to get unwanted help in the form of Robert (Brad Rowe), to grow the business.

Through the help of one of Santa’s helpers, Calvin the Elf (Martin Klebba), she is blessed with an extraordinary gift when she obtains a piece of jewelry that allows her to hear everyone’s unspoken thoughts.

It was intended to make her become more self-aware in order to find personal and professional fulfilment, but she uses it as a tool to gain new clients and get one up on Robert.

However, having first used her new-found power to get ahead at work, she soon learns to become a better person, and turns an office rivalry into romance while learning the true meaning of Christmas.

WASSAIL

 

Wassail, which was much liked by the English, accompanied hearty Christmas meals. 

The word 'wassail' dates back to the pre-Christian times and practices and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase waes hael which meant "be thou well" or "good health.

Originally, wassail was a beverage made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, nuts, eggs, and spices and it was served for the purpose of enhancing the general merriment of the season.

A toast was traditionally offered with a drink at regular intervals and normally with little or no reason.

It was important that after well-wishers had shared in the spirit of the toast and taken a sip that they top up the bowl.

The wassail bowl had to remain full of Christmas Eve to Twelfth Night

And much care was taken to ensure that it did in order to ensure the continuity of good cheer throughout this festive season.

The wassail bowl would be carried from room to room often accompanied by the singing of festive songs which is perhaps why the early practice of carol singing was referred to as ‘wassailing’.

Part of the Wassailing ritual was more concerned in seeing nature renew itself in the spring and the belief in its ability to magically bestow fertility on one and all.

HE STOOD IN THE COLD CRISP NIGHT

 

He stood in the cold crisp night

Beneath the moon and the stars

And looked at the majestic vista

Imagining such a perfect night sky

Two thousand years before

THE GRINCH AND THE ELF

 

When love was taken from him

He was left bereft, and his heart stopped

And his world was transformed

To a place of ice and snow

Where his cold heart,

Once overflowing with love,

Froze solid in his chest.

So, he came to like the winter

With its long cold nights

And short dismal days

He found comfort in the season

And its bitter unfriendly ways

Only Christmas spoiled it for him,

Disrupting his misery,

With its joyous music,

Gaily decorated shops,

And of course, its joviality

But then one day out of the blue

As he tried to avoid the jollity

It happened, his heart began to thaw

All because of an Elf

Or to be more precise

A girl in the green tights, pointy shoes,

Brightly coloured tunic and a cute hat

All it took was one smile

For the connection to be made

And she had him body and soul

Although he was unaware

It was a mutual attraction

Because she didn’t show her hand

And played hard to get

She wanted him, but she made him work 

To win her, to pursue her

To prove that he was worthy

So, it wasn’t until Christmas Eve

That the Elf yielded to the Grinch

And they kissed by the light of the moon

Before attending midnight mass

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – LOST AT CHRISTMAS (2007)

 

This film is based on a true story about an estranged couple who find themselves lost in the Idaho wilderness after in impromptu snowmobile outing.

It was just before Christmas and when the weather turns they are trapped in a blizzard and the snowfall is so great all the trails are hidden.

Lost and alone Suzanne and Jim Shemwell (Jami Gertz and Dylan Walsh) are forced to confront the reasons why they separated.

Meanwhile their family, when they are not looking for Suzanne and Jim, are looking inward at themselves and re-evaluate their lives and their relationships.

TURKEY

 

A stuffed turkey still occupies pride of place on many a traditional Christmas table.

The Turkey was first brought to Europe from Mexico by the Spanish in the 16th century.

It was very quickly domesticated in Spain, France and England and soon dislodged the goose as the traditional festive bird.