Traditions ~ The Christmas Tree

The origin of the Christmas tree is thought to be over 1000 years old and has strong affiliations with Christianity.  St Bonniface was instrumental in converting the German people to Christianity.  One day he was out walking when he came across a group of people worshipping an oak tree.  In anger he took an axe and cut down the tree.  Those watching were amazed when in the oak tree's place a beautiful spruce tree grew.
It was not however until the 16th Century that the tree was brought into the living space.

Christmas Traditions ~ The Snowmen

I was mooching around the Craft Forum yesterday when I discovered this heart warming story.
These cute little fellas are the result of a plee for help a few weeks ago:
right I know you will probably all think I'm completely mad but I need something made for next christmas !!!
I'm doing it now as I'm at that time of life when if I don't do it when I think of it then I will never get round to it
basically years and years ago ( although it doesn't actually seem that long ago ) my mother in law bought at a bazaar - three snowmen and a father christmas - they were crocheted round a toilet roll if that makes sense
when me and my hubby got our own place we inherited the father christmas and one snowman and I started the tradition of putting chocolates in them
when we had our two children we then inherited the other two snowmen and Father christmas started to put chocolates in them on christmas eve.
they have always been part of our christmas but things are now changing
my 'children ' are now 18 and 21 and my son the eldest is talking about moving out next year with his girlfriend ( which I'm trying hard not to think about , whilst I love his girlfriend I will miss my son terribly ) but here comes the dilemma , next year I can't not put my sons snowman under the tree as it wouldn't feel right ( even though as you can imagine he probably wouldn't care less lol ) but if I do then I wouldn't want to leave his girlfriend out , and if I manage to find one for his girlfriend then I can't leave my daughters boyfriend out
as you can imagine my 'children' and partners really won't care less but its always been a tradition and its one I want to carry one and eventually include our grandchildren
so I'm after anyone who can make me some more snowmen - obviously I will pay you and its not until next year but if anyone can help me then let me know

Anyway, Pepsi (whose work has been featured several times on this blog) rose to the challenge and in double quick time there were the required additions to the family.(those sporting pink and  blue hats!)

I know its sad but its such a tradition and is a part of christmas that I didn't want to give up.
I was telling my mother in law who bought the original ones and she was really pleased and thought it was lovely and my 18 year old daughter who I thought might just give me one of those 'whatever ' looks said they're really cool and she has said it more than once , she even texted her boyfriend at work to tell him he is part of the 'snowman ' family
I'm probably making my family sound even more geeky now lol

Isn't that a lovely story!!

Christms Traditions ~ Opening the gifts

Here is Petes thoughts, .....
"Having six kids our finances have always been limited and so we started right at the beginning with the tradition of waiting until everyone was up and gathered together before opening the presents. The kids took it in turns, one each year, of handing the presents out and we waited until it had been opened until the next one was handed out. It meant we all shared the excitement of all the presents and it prolonged the present opening. Our kids have taken it into their on families and do the same with the grandkids.

The kids developed their own tradition, instigated by the older two, of opening their stockings (handmade out of old clothes of course with their names on them and yes, parents had them as well) on our bed, waking us up at some ridiculous hour in the morning. They gathered the younger ones up and brought them in. It took several days before we got all the bits of peel, paper etc out of our bed clothes LOL"

Christmas Traditions ~ Mulled wine on Christmas Eve

I've been asking friends to share with me their Christmas "Traditions" and this one is from Lisa ...

On Christmas Eve, "I have to make my own mulled wine and all of us have a glass before the kids go to bed. When the kids are in bed we put out the pressies and polish off the rest of the mulled wine!!!"

That sounds lovely!

Christmas Traditions ~ 124 year old tree

This tree has been in use every year since 1886 when it was purchased for sixpence by the current owners great great Aunt.

The tree is made from Rafia and has a base with ornate design featuring Mary and Jesus.   The tree is only small and is made from rafia.  It's still stored in it's original box.