The Christmas 2017 thread

[Shaker]

Didn't go in for pretending Santa Claus was real but explained it was a story that could be fun - also that Santa traditionally wore green!

That's Father Christmas, i.e. the real one, none of these garish imports from the colonies.

[Robbie]

 

They have a Fr Christmas on every street corner in shopping centres in the USA.  Pah!

[Owlswing]

It was a huge relief when the santa thing ended for us. One of my daughters got so scared of the thought of seeing him that she used to vomit all through Xmas Eve night, but also got distressed at the thought that he didn't exist. I ended up lying to my kid, something that I hated.

Just another aspect of the bollocks that is Christmas. Thankfully we don't need to bother with the fakery any more.

Thank the Goddess for Yule!

Absolutely no Santa bollocks to worry about.

My youngest loves it - none of the God botherers want to work Christmas Eve equals time and a half or double time for her - all same every other Christian Holy day - Easter etc.

She's making a fortune out of Christianity!

[Harrowby Hall]

Didn't go in for pretending Santa Claus was real but explained it was a story that could be fun - also that Santa traditionally wore green!  That was how I understood it when I was a kid,

I believe that there wasn't any particular colour that Santa Claus/Father Christmas had to be, and that it was CocaCola - in the early part of the last century - that standardised Father Christmas.

[Robbie]

According to Wiki, the first pictures of Santa Claus had him dressed in tan! Then green and later, as you say, red after Coca-Cola.  Well I've learned something today, always thought the tradition was green.

[Owlswing]

Thank the Goddess for Yule!

Absolutely no Santa bollocks to worry about.

My youngest loves it - none of the God bothers want to work Christmas Eve equals time and a half or double time for her - all same every other Christian Holy day - Easter etc.

She's making a fortune out of Christianity!

P S - my brother (another Pagan) has just informed me that he now has just landed a job, from Dec 1 - 23, as a store Santa!

He won't tell us which store so we can't arrive and throw snowballs at him!

[Maeght]

According to Wiki, the first pictures of Santa Claus had him dressed in tan! Then green and later, as you say, red after Coca-Cola.  Well I've learned something today, always thought the tradition was green.

Is that the St Nicholas image?

[Robbie]

Without checking again, I think I remember the article said the St Nicholas image was often religious gear.

Actually easier if I post link to article:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_suit

(I like the old pictures of Santa Claus in green and am disappointed  )

[Maeght]

Thanks. Seems a bit unclear what with the different stories - St Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus. I like the green robes myself.

[Robbie]

Yes it is unclear, Maeght. If we are confused imagine how it must be for some kids? I really think it's better to just tell them that there are lots of Christmassy stories.

Here's another effort from the BBC;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8394000/8394067.stm

[Rhiannon]

Yes it is unclear, Maeght. If we are confused imagine how it must be for some kids? I really think it's better to just tell them that there are lots of Christmassy stories.

Like the one about the Baby Jesus?

[Robbie]

I don't see why not.

[Rhiannon]

I don't see why not.

Neither do I. Midwinter is a good time for myths and folk stories of all kinds.

[Owlswing]

Neither do I. Midwinter is a good time for myths and folk stories of all kinds.

Like the fight between the Holly King and the Oak King

[Rhiannon]

Like the fight between the Holly King and the Oak King

https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/product/luna-moon-hare

Gorgeous book.

[Owlswing]

https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/product/luna-moon-hare

Gorgeous book.

Must get that as soon as the pension comes through.

[ekim]

Like the fight between the Holly King and the Oak King

or... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vScpHFKcTZs

[floo]

I have put our decorations up this morning, it took me about 15 minutes.

[Shaker]

I started yesterday and will finish today.

I'll be lighting up around 4:30pm. With any luck my mates Alexei and Vladimir will give the house a wave when the ISS passes overhead.

[Rhiannon]

I hate decorating the house. All that fakery. The earlier I do it the worse it gets as everything gathers dust. I'd rather not decorate at all but as I have to it'll just be greenery, candles and white lights.

I prefer to decorate the house when it isn't Xmas so we have twisted willow with lights and little sparkly things up all year round. I'd rather celebrate all year than one day when everyone witters on about 'proper family fun'. Some people use Christmas as a weapon and increasingly I'm coming to the position that our culture does as a whole.

[Walt Zingmatilder]

I started yesterday and will finish today.

I'll be lighting up around 4:30pm. With any luck my mates Alexei and Vladimir will give the house a wave when the ISS passes overhead.

Are they your Vladmates?.............Vladmates?................geddit?

[ekim]

I'd rather celebrate all year than one day when everyone witters on about 'proper family fun'.

Yes, celebrate each day as if it is the last day of your life.  Happy un-Christmas.

[Aruntraveller]

Are they your Vladmates?.............Vladmates?................geddit?

Oh dear - rather like your politics you do Labour a point....geddit? 

[Rhiannon]

Yes, celebrate each day as if it is the last day of your life.  Happy un-Christmas.

Thank you. Same to you. 

[Rhiannon]

The way to make December just fly by.

http://newsthump.com/2017/11/30/hard-drugs-advent-calendar-to-be-big-hit-this-christmas/