Boughs of Holly

 There are around 500 different species of holly, and fossils show us it's a very ancient plant. Most varieties are found in subtropical, tropical, or temperate climate zones throughout the world. However, the greatest diversity is found in America and Southeast Asia.

The Druids believed the leaves warded off evil spirits, and they often wore a sprig in their hair. However, Christians can also find symbolism in the plant. The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus had to wear, and the bright red berries symbolize the blood he shed as the ultimate sacrifice.

The fact that the holly is an evergreen that maintains its colors throughout the holiday season, has made it popular as a Christmas decoration. Not only do we see wreaths, Christmas trees, and mantle decorations of holly, but it also graces Christmas cards and other holiday illustrations. It's a cheerful decoration that usually brings a smile, so bring on the holly.

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The Wise Men

The second chapter of Matthew is the only biblical account of the wise men or magi, who came to visit Jesus. They had seen the strange star in the eastern sky and had come to investigate. The journey must have been a long one. Just who were these men who had come from the east? 

Although the Bible doesn't name the foreign visitors, legend and tradition give their names as Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior. Neither does the Bible tell us how many came, but, because the plural is used, we know there was more than one. We get the idea there were three, because they brought three gifts: frankincense, gold, and myrrh. These were gifts commonly given at the birth of a king.

These men were apparently of noble birth, well-educated, wealthy, and probably influential. Because of how they handled Herod, we can assume they were upright men of integrity. They had likely studied the Hebrew Scriptures and knew of the expected Messiah.

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel... (Numbers 24:17).

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2).

From Daniel, they may have surmised that the time for the Messiah was near. (See Daniel 9:25-26.) For whatever reasons, they decided to go and search for this Messiah, and the guiding star led them. People today would be wise to search for Him, too. The saying is so true. "Wise men still seek Him." If you don't know Him, look for Him today, and, if you do, share Him with someone else.

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A Cleared for Planting Christmas

In my first historical novel, Cleared for Planting, Edgar has been working at his uncle's grist mill, but he's supposed to be home for good by Christmas. Edgar's father goes to the Cagles' cabin to invite them to come to a Christmas party to celebrate Edgar's homecoming. Here's a snippet from the book:

"Edgar is due home sometime Friday," Mr. Moretz said. "The missus wants to give him a welcome-home Christmas party on Saturday, it being Christmas Eve and all. You’re the only others we’re inviting.”

“I don’t know,” Papa said thoughtfully. “Maybe we ought to stay here to protect our place, if the Cherokee are prowling around.”

“The weather’s also too unpredictable this time of year,” Uncle Roy added.

“The women are welcome to go, though,” Papa said.

Was Papa wanting a chance to do some partying of his own? The holidays were always the times he seemed to want his drink in the worst way.

“The girls can go,” Mama said, “but I’d rather stay here.”

Mama must be thinking along the same lines as Emma. Emma wanted to attend the party in the worst way. She should be at Edgar’s welcome-home party, but she’d worry about Mama.

“I can come get them,” Mr. Moretz offered.

“I don’t want you to have to come again so soon, just to turn around and go back,” Emma told him. “I can drive Christie and me in the wagon.”

“I don’t think that would be safe.”

“I’ll bring them up and come back and get them,” Uncle Roy said, and Emma could have hugged his neck. Apparently the un­predictability of the weather had just been an excuse.

 “Unless you have special plans for Christmas, why don’t you let them stay through Christmas, and Edgar or I will bring them back Monday?” Mr. Moretz asked.

“No special plans,” Papa said. “It’s just another day to me.”

Papa almost sounded angry. Emma could see he didn’t like the way things were working out.

“Well, it’s settled then,” Mr. Moretz took control, probably for Emma’s sake. “Roy, you can bring them up anytime Saturday, and we’ll get them home Monday.” He looked at Mama. “You know we’ll take good care of them, so don’t worry.” 

“Thank you,” Emma whispered to him, as she opened the door.

The Moretzes are of German decent, and Emma and Christie see their first Christmas tree. In fact, they get to open presents on Christmas Day for the first time ever. Their father didn't like to celebrate Christmas. 

If you haven't already, you may want to read the book to see how it all turns out. It and the second book, Sown in Dark Soil, also make great Christmas presents. (Remember all my profits go to  a sholarship fund for missionary children.) In any case, have a very merry Christmas and happy reading!

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Christmas Cards

First commercially produced Christmas card - 1843

Christmas cards may be newer than you'd guess. Although I've found mention of a large amount of Christmas cards sent out by wealthy families in colonial times, research shows that the first Christmas card came in London in 1843. They were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horseley. 2,050 cards were made in two printings and sold for a shilling each. Cole had helped introduce the penny post in 1840, and he hoped the Christmas cards would encourage its use.

1950's Christmas card

Christmas cards began selling in America in 1874. By 1880, one card manufacturer was producing over five million cards a year. Through most of the 1900's, production and sales continued to climb. However, toward the end of the century and into the 21st, the popularity of cards started to decline. Even with this decline, about 1.9 billion Christmas cards were sent in 2005.

WW II Christmas card

Today, however, most people have quit sending Christmas cards. Are you one of them? I'm sure, you, like me, have probably seen a big slow down in the number of Christmas cards you receive, especially through the regular mail. Yet, there are those who collect Christmas cards, and some of their collections are huge and worth a lot of money, especially if they include some of the older or rare cards. Queen Mary was a collector, and her collection is housed in the British Museum. I have plans to clean out the attic at my mother's house this summer, and I wouldn't be surprised to find her cards from the 40's on. It will be like a treasure hunt.

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National Bake Cookies Day

December 17th is National Bake Cookies Day, so what better time to get out the cookie sheet and bake some holiday treats. Historically, it's believed the first cookies were actually small test cakes to see if the batter was right. Persia, one of the first countries to have sugar, is believed to have developed these cakes in the 7th century, A.D. With the Crusades, this cooking technique was brought back and spread throughout Europe. A 1596 English cookbook gives a recipe for tiny cakes that hold quite a resemblance to cookies.

English, Scotch, and Dutch immigrants brought cookie recipes to the United States. In fact, the word, "cookie," likely comes from the Dutch word, "koekje," meaning "little cake." Although in America, cookies were called by that name, they weren't given a separate section in cookbooks at first. Instead, they were still included in the cake section.

Today, there are hundreds and hundreds of different cookie recipes. The chocolate chip has remained a favorite, since it's conception in 1937. In 1996, it became the official state cookie of Pennsylvania. (Who knew there was such a thing?) So, in celebration of the day, pull out your favorite cookie recipe and get to baking. Here's one of mine:

Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 1/2 sticks margarine or butter softened (or 1 1/4 cups)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar                                      

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup cropped pecans or walnuts
3 cups rolled oats (oatmeal)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Blend margarine and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour and spices. Add oats and stir well. Fold in raisins and nuts. Spoon dough onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake 8 minutes for a chewy cookie and 12 minutes for a crisper cooker. Cool for a minute before removing from cookie sheet. Makes about 3 dozen.

A Rocking Horse for Christmas

My mother tended to hold on to things longer than many families did. There's a bad and good side to this. It can present storage problems and create clutter, but memories are saved, and I have many of my early toys and hobbies. Perhaps the oldest object saved from my childhood is my rocking horse.

I was so young when Santa Claus brought the rocking horse that I don't really remember getting it. I must have been around two at the time. Or perhaps I had just turned three, because my birthday is near Christmas. I vaguely remember riding it some, however. I even have a black and white photograph somewhere that mother took of me clowning around on it.

The horse is made of wood, painted white, and accented in dark blue, red, black, and brown. To be as old as it is and used as much as it was, it's still in good shape. It was likely bought in 1949 or 1950. My children and grandchildren also used it some, and, thanks to Mom, I still have it.

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An Irish Christmas

Although Christmas in Ireland resembles that in England or the United States, there are some traditional differences. In the past, December 8th has been viewed as the start of the Christmas season, and many put up their decorations on that day. Like in many other countries, the Christmas tree is an important part of decorating. Even graves may be decorated with wreaths of holly and ivy. This is also a big shopping day. 

In Ireland, people usually attend church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Almost everyone gets off work by noon on Christmas Eve and some even a few days earlier. Christianity has long been an important part of their history, and manger scenes are common during the holiday. It's tradition to place a single, chunky candle in the largest window after sundown on Christmas Eve to symbolize welcoming Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. On Christmas Day, some charities raise money from people jumping in the cold ocean for a Christmas Day swim.

The traditional Christmas dinner includes foods like turkey or goose and ham, roast potatoes, and a variety of other vegetables. In the Cork area, spiced roast beef might be substituted. There's round cake with caraway seeds, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, and mince pies. If some of these aren't rich enough for desserts,  a brandy or brandy and butter sauce might be added. And, of course with the Irish, there's always jokes and laughter and fun. Celebrating often continues until Epiphany on January 6, the traditional time for putting everything away.

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