Christmas History

Each Christmas season, a familiar story resurfaces: Coca-Cola invented the modern Santa Claus. The image of a cheerful, red-suited, white-bearded Santa has become synonymous with the company's advertising. Yet, contrary to popular belief, Coca-Cola merely popularized an image already well established in folklore, literature, and art. Saint Nicholas: Historical Origins Most agree, that Santa Claus traces his roots back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey). Revered

Early Life and a Santa in the Making Charles W. Howard was born in 1896 and raised on a farm in the small town of Albion, New York en.wikipedia.org. From a young age, Howard showed a knack for creativity – at age seven, armed with a simple coping saw from his aunt, he was building handmade toy wagons and doll furniture for friends and neighbors en.wikipedia.org. As a child he was even outfitted in a Santa Claus suit sewn by his mother (he was a “short, fat boy,” he later joked) en.wikipedia

Reindeer and caribou, though they share the same scientific name, Rangifer tarandus, exhibit notable differences in their physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats. These distinctions arise from adaptations to their respective environments and human influences, particularly domestication. This article delves into these differences, exploring how one species can manifest in such diverse ways. Geographical Distribution and Habitat Reindeer are predominantly found in northern Europ

Throughout history, symbols have served as carriers of meaning, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. One such enduring symbol is the three gold balls, a motif commonly linked with pawn shops. The story behind this emblem, however, traces its origins back to St. Nicholas of Myra. Delving into the intertwined stories of St. Nicholas and pawnbrokers sheds light on the profound legacy of the three gold balls. The Legend of St. Nicholas of Myra St. Nicholas was born in the late th

10 Fun Facts About Sleigh Bells The ringing sound of sleigh bells is all too familiar around this time of the year. It’s the official siren signaling in the winter season. While a well-known signature staple on sleighs, Santa suits and reindeer, jingle bells haven’t always been associated with Christmas. They do much more than just ring in holiday cheer.   1. Sleigh bells or jingles bells are a type of bell that produces a distinctive jingle sound. They are in the percussion fa

Reindeer - Rangifer Taranadus Taranadus (R.T. Taranadus) They are cervids from the root group Rangifer Taranadus that included ten species of Reindeer and Caribou. Two of these species are extinct and several of the Caribou such as the North American Woodland Caribou are currently on the watch list for species at risk. REINDEER ARE NOT CARIBOU! although they are cousins. Of the ten species of Rangifer Taranadus, generally three types inhabit continental North America. Two of these are

Thomas Nast at Maculloch Hall Historical Museum By Black River Santa Where can you find Santa Claus, the GOP Elephant, the Tammany Tiger, Uncle Sam, Ulysses S Grant, and a host of other historical and political icons all under one roof? The Thomas Nast Collection at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum. My wife and I were taken on a festive private tour of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, in Morristown, NJ, this past Christmas season. This gorgeous federal, Georgian style mansion w

The German Nussknacker (Nutcracker) is a timeless symbol of the Christmas season. Originating near the Erzebirge regions of Germany, decorative Nutcrackers in the form soldiers, knights, and kings have existed since the late 17th century. A close cousin to the Nutcracker is the Räuchermänner. Commonly known as “Smokers” or “Smoking Men”, Räuchermänner are similar to Nutcrackers in that they are both colorful, carved wooden figures and both originate from Erzegebirge. However, instead of cra

Born in 1908, James (Jim) D. Rielly was a lifelong resident of Bristol Rhode Island whose love for his country and his community was immediately evident when you met him. In many ways, he was Bristol’s unofficial Ambassador. To paraphrase Yeats: There were no strangers to Jim Rielly; only friends he had not yet met. Jim Rielly was well known throughout New England for his kindness, generosity, and countless charitable acts. He was featured in the New York Times on multiple occasions and in

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789, a national day of Thanksgiving. In it, Washington called upon all Americans to express their gratitude for a happy conclusion to the nation's war of independence and the successful ratification of the United States Constitution. Especially this year, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we should reflect on the full meaning of the day. Let’s strive to be truly thankful in our hearts this

For many, decorating the Christmas Tree with a pickle ornament is a beloved holiday tradition; however the origin of the Christmas Pickle remains somewhat of a mystery. Details vary, but the most common explanation is that the Christmas Pickle or Die Weihnachtsgurke is a centuries old German tradition where the last decoration hung on the Christmas Tree was an ornamental pickle; hidden deep within the branches of the Tannenbaum. And the first person to find the briny bauble on Christmas mor

As traditional Christmas carols go, the song Good King Wenceslas is unusual in a number of ways. The song has been used throughout popular culture in countless Christmas related films and television programs. Yet the lyrics make no reference to Christmas. In fact, the song has no connection to Christmas whatsoever. The story told in the carol actually takes place the day after Christmas on December 26, the Feast of St. Stephen. Written in 1853 by the Rev. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), the l