How Yule Pagan Traditions Shaped Modern Christmas

While Christmas is often associated with Christian traditions celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. You may not know that many of its popular customs and symbols have ancient roots in Pagan Yule celebrations. 

Yule, or Winter Solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a turning point where the days gradually grow longer. It was celebrated by various ancient cultures, and over time, many Yule customs were incorporated into Christmas festivities. So let's explore some of these traditions and their origins.

 

Yule Log

The burning of the Yule log was an integral part of solstice celebrations in various European cultures. It symbolises the return of the sun as the days begin to lengthen. Families would select a large log, often oak or ash, and burn it to bring luck and protection.

 

Today, the Yule log persists, especially in Europe. Some still burn logs ceremonially, while others enjoy a culinary version, a delicious rolled chocolate cake called "Bûche de Noël".  A chocolate Yule log is something we personally choose to have most Christmases.

 

Evergreen Decorations

This Yule Pagan tradition involves Druids, Celts, and Romans adorning their homes with evergreen boughs, holly, and mistletoe. These plants, which remained green even in the depth of winter, symbolised everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

 

These days, Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands owe their popularity to these ancient customs. Mistletoe also retains its place in holiday celebrations, famously known as a spot for sharing a festive kiss.

 

Feasting and Gift Giving

The Yule period was a time of celebration and feasting. As most agricultural work was halted, it was an opportune time for communities to come together. The act of gift-giving during Yule was to ensure good fortune for the upcoming year.

Why bingo could be the game for you

*This is a collaborative post 

Are you looking for a new game to play alone or with friends? Bingo could be the answer! Discover why this iconic activity has been a national favourite for 100 years.

1. Straightforward gameplay

One of the main reasons bingo spread like wildfire through the UK during the 20th century is it’s easy to pick up and play, making it widely accessible. No skills or tactics are required – it’s a classic game of chance where everyone is on an even footing whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned player.

90 numbered balls are kept in a cage and drawn out one by one by a caller. Players have unique 9x3 grids with 15 numbers and 12 spaces and must mark off these numbers as they’re called. The first to reach a full horizontal line gets a prize and the first to a full house wins the game.

2. A great social experience

Another reason why bingo was so popular is that it’s a great social experience. It took over working men’s clubs in the 1920s and community halls in the ‘50s after WWII. Following the introduction of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act in 1963, at its peak popularity in the ‘60s and ‘70s dedicated halls were built just to host bingo sessions. These venues were considered central to the community and are still a great way to make friends with locals.

Unboxing the History: The Origin of Boxing Day

 

Once the twinkling lights of Christmas Day have dimmed, but just when you think the festive spirit is drawing to a close, along comes Boxing Day with its own share of merriment and traditions. This uniquely British holiday, celebrated on the 26th of December, has piqued curiosity for its name and traditions. Let's dive deep into its history to demystify this special day.

 

Origin of Boxing Day - Servants' Day Off

 

One of the earliest origins of Boxing Day dates back to the Middle Ages. Where it was traditionally the day when landowners would give their servants a day off. After working tirelessly on Christmas Day, to ensure that the lord of the manor and his family enjoyed their festivities, servants were allowed the following day off to visit their families. They were often sent on their way with a ‘Christmas Box’ – a gift of appreciation, which leads us to the next origin.

 

The Christmas Box Tradition

 

The term 'Boxing Day' is believed to have been derived from the custom of giving and receiving Christmas boxes. But what were these boxes? In the late 17th century, it became a tradition for tradespeople to collect “Christmas boxes” of money or presents as thanks for good service throughout the year. This was not limited to just the household staff but also extended to mailmen, milkmen, and other service providers. The box was a token of appreciation for their year-long service.

 

Alms Boxes in Churches

 

A more religious origin of Boxing Day relates to the alms boxes that are placed in churches during the Advent season for the collection of donations to the poor. On the day after Christmas, these boxes were ceremoniously opened, and the contents were distributed among the needy, ensuring they too had reason to celebrate during this festive season.

 

Origin of Boxing Day - The Feast of St. Stephen

 

Boxing Day also coincides with the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, known for his charitable acts. The carol "Good King Wenceslas" highlights this connection, describing how Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century, ventured out in harsh winter to provide alms to the poor on the Feast of St. Stephen.

 

COSY UP WITH AN ADORABLE UNICORN SCARF FROM WICKED UNCLE

 The temperature has definitely dropped recently and so this adorable and magically soft unicorn scarf, is perfect for keeping cosy. Unicorns are definitely popular amongst children and so this is the perfect accessory that doesn't just keep your child warm and cosy but is also stylish.

The unicorn scarf from Wicked Uncle is a stylish accessory that features an adorablely cute unicorn with a light pink maine and sparkly silver horn. It is made from 100% Polyester and at 90cm long will wrap snuggly around your child's neck keeping them toasty.

With it's incredibly soft texture being a stand out feature the unicorn scarf brings an extra layer of warmth when heading out into the cold. The fun design is also practical due to it's handy velcro loop which helps to keep the scarf in place no matter how active your child is. 

Classic British Christmas Food: A Culinary Trip Down Memory Lane

The festive season in the UK is as much a feast for the taste buds as it is for the eyes and ears. Come Christmas, British households light up not just with twinkling lights but also with the delightful aromas of traditional foods and drinks. Let’s take a  journey to explore some of the quintessential British Christmas treats.

 

Classic British Christmas Food - Mince Pies

Mince pies, despite their name, have evolved significantly over the years and no longer contain minced meat. In the past, these pies did indeed feature a mixture of meat (often mutton) and sweet spices in their fillings. However, as time went on, the inclusion of meat gradually faded away, ultimately resulting in the delicious sweet filling that we know today.

 

In the modern culinary world, mince pies are typically filled with a mixture known as mincemeat. This mincemeat is a delightful blend of dried fruits, aromatic spices, and occasionally a dash of spirits such as brandy for added flavor. Encased within a layer of delicious buttery pastry, these bite-sized treats have become a beloved dessert, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth to savour.

 

Mulled Wine

The tradition of enjoying spiced and heated wine can be traced back to ancient Roman times, and it was introduced to Britain when the Romans invaded the region. However, the practice of mulling wine gained significant popularity during the Victorian era in England.

 

Now, the preparation of this delightful drink involves gently simmering red wine with a blend of aromatic spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Additionally, oranges, lemons, and sugar are frequently incorporated to enhance the flavor profile. The end result is a comforting and fragrant beverage that is particularly well-suited for warming up on cold winter evenings.

 

 

British Christmas Food - Christmas Pudding

This classic British Christmas food’s origins trace back to the Middle Ages as a porridge-like dish called 'frumenty', containing beef, mutton, raisins, currants, wines, and spices. By Victorian times, it had evolved into the sweet, dense dessert we recognise today.

 

This rich pudding is made with suet, flour, breadcrumbs, and a medley of dried fruits. Traditionally, it's steamed for hours, then aged for weeks (sometimes even a year!) and is flambeed before serving. It's a spectacular end to the Christmas meal. There is also the tradition of lucky silver coins being added, promising wealth to whoever discovers them.

Roast Turkey

Though us Brits have been enjoying Christmas feasts for centuries, turkey has only became a popular choice for the main course  in the last few centuries. Before that, goose, boar, or even peacock graced tables instead. 

 

LIGHTING UP YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Ad – review. I was sent the string lights  in return for featuring however all thoughts are my own.

So December is officially here and our Christmas decorations are up. I absolutely love the magic of all the Christmas lights this time of year, as does B. This year we have changed up the lighting on our Christmas tree thanks to Avoalre over on Amazon.  

We were sent some warm white LED lights that are suitable for both indoor/outdoor use. These Christmas string lights are 40 meters long and have 300 lights! They don't have to be just used on your Christmas tree either. They can be used in a variety of places in and outside your home. 

The LED lights are IP44 waterproof rated (protected against water spray from all directions). The outer protective layer of the light cord is made of a high quality PVC that can be bent to shape around trees, signs, furniture etc. They maybe small lights however they emit a soft and warm lighting to help you relax come the end of the day.  

BEING THRIFTY NOVEMBER 2024

Bring thrifty this month has included a few freebies, some charity shop bargains, making money selling some bits we don't use on Vinted and more. So read on to find out what we've managed to do this month.

Vinted selling

I've managed to make over £100 on Vinted this month selling bits we no longer need such as clothing B has out grown, toys and bits that will make great Christmas gifts which we have no use for.

Vinted buying

I used some of my vinted funds on a few bits as well. These prices all include the postage costs.

- Spotty Dress - £7.04 

- book bundle- £15 for 6 books I've been wanting

- Presents for Stuart for Christmas - £14

- Fleece Minecraft pj's for B - £8.19

Donations

As well as selling things on vinted as we've been having our pre Christmas clear out we have also taken a fair few bags to a few local charity shops.

CHRISTMAS AT POLKERRAN POINT BY CASS GRAFTON

Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for Christmas at Polkerran Point. Cass began her writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen's help to time travel between then and the present day and is now happily ensconced in 21 st century Cornwall. Well, in her imagination and soul; her heart and physical presence reside in northern England with her ever patient husband and Tig and Tag, their cute but exceptionaly demanding moggies.

A bit of a nomad, Cass has called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but her aspiration is to one day reunite with her beloved West Country. In the meantime, she writes feel good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manages to live there vicariously through her characters and settings. An Ambassador for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, Cass is also a member of the Romantic Novelists ’ Association, the Jane Austen Society UK and the Society of Authors.

 Fate may have brought them together, but secrets seem destined to keep them apart...

An accident and a lost passport mean

Gemma's six month sabbatical to go travelling is not off to a strong start. She heads to Polkerran Point to stay at her aunt's while her new passport is processed.and to find temporary work in the meantime.

Enter musician Matt. Newly moved into a secluded, renovated mill complete with a recording studio. Matt is preparing for his band's big reunion tour. Focused on writing new music for the album, he needs a live-in housekeeper. Even as sparks fly, Gemma can sense Matt's keeping secrets and with her role ending once Christmas.is over, will there be anything to keep her in Polkerran?

A cosy, festive Cornish romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Cressida McLaughlin.

CREATE A DAZZLING CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY WITH WERCHRISTMAS

 Ad – review. I was sent the Merry Christmas rope light in return for featuring however all thoughts are my own.

Bringing the festive spirit to our home at the most magical time of the year with our decorations is one of our favourite things to do. Lights that can be used either indoors or outdoors are great way to enhance the atmosphere of your home this holiday season. 

When it comes to finding all your Christmas decorations and light needs in one place WeRChristmas is the online leading retailer to go to. WeRChristmas is a family oriented business with a passion for all things festive. Their wide range of decorations and lighting products will make your Christmas truly memorable.

We were recently sent the Animated Merry Christmas Rope Light from WeRChristmas. This captivating light measures 185cm in length and adorned with 756 multi-coloured LED lights, creating a dazzling display. 

Designed with an 8-speed memory controller, the lighting settings can be adjusted to suit your taste. Featuring a memory function that allows you to automatically select your preferred mode when it's switched on, so you'll only have to do it once!

British Christmas traditions

The mere thought of Christmas evokes images of magical twinkling lights, mulled wine, carollers wrapped in scarves, and perhaps a mince pie (or three). But have you ever stopped to wonder about the origins of these much-loved British Christmas traditions? Pour yourself a festive drink and let's journey back in time to unearth the roots of our cherished Yuletide traditions.

 

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Before the birth of Christ, ancient Celts and Druids used evergreen plants in winter solstice celebrations. They believed that these greens represented everlasting life. As Christianity spread, such customs were adapted and incorporated. Holly, Ivy, and mistletoe became synonymous with Christmas, with Holly often symbolising the crown of thorns that were worn by Jesus and the berries representing the drops of his blood.

 

British Christmas traditions - Mince Pies

The mince pie, is an absolute festive staple with a curious history. Originally, these pies were filled with actual meat (often mutton), fruits, and spices, symbolising the gifts the Magi (three kings/wise men) brought to baby Jesus. Over time, the meat was phased out, and the mince pies we know and love today are sweet, spiced, and utterly moreish. They aren't everyone's cup of tea but they are one of my favourite festive treats to enjoy.

 

Stir-Up Sunday and the Christmas Pudding

Dating back to Victorian times, the tradition of 'Stir-up Sunday' sees families gathering to mix and steam their Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas. While stirring the pudding, each member makes a wish. Lucky silver coins are added to the mix, promising wealth to whoever discovers them in their slice – so do be careful when eating yours.

 

British Christmas traditions - Hanging Stockings by the Fireplace

This tradition can be traced back to the legend of St. Nicholas, who was known for his generosity. It's believed that he once dropped gold coins down the chimney of a poor man's house, which landed in stockings hung up to dry. Today, British children hang stockings, hoping to find them filled with small presents on Christmas morning.