Traditions stand the test of time. But this traditions is a parasite and dung. Not really words you would associate with the Christmas holiday but that is what mistletoe is.
Mistletoe is a parasite plant that grows in the top of oak trees and has roots that dig under the bark and slowly sap its nutrients and life. The plant has been spread by bird droppings, thus the term “dung .”
It is both a magical and mysterious plant thought to have the powers to be a bestower of life, a supporter of fertility, a guard against poison and an aphrodisiac. Mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. Kissing under the plant was once part of the marriage ceremony.
Mistletoe has been around since the days of the Vikings. That certainly qualifies it as having withstood the test of time.
The nutcracker is performed all over the word at Christmas time. It was first performed in 1892. Tchaikovsky wrote the music for the ballet to tell the story of Clara a young girl who received a nutcracker from her magical and mysterious uncle. When she falls asleep, she is awakened by the mouse king. Her nutcracker prince takes Clara to the magical land of the dolls. They travel through the land of the Snow Queen, snowflakes, and candy land. They are met by the sugarplum fairies and the beautiful waltzing flowers Clara doesn’t want to go home but wakes up on Christmas Day surrounded by her family.
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a famous Christmas hymn that began as a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1860. Bells were thought to frighten away the evil spirits. Christmas bells are remembered in holiday songs such as “Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells” and “Christmas Bells are Ringing.” Bells make a happy sound and they ring out the old and ring in the new.
You might have heard this saying “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Of course this comes from the movie: “It’s A Wonderful Life.” This too contributes to the Christmas traditions.
Many people watch this movie every year at Christmas time along with other traditional Christmas movies: “White Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol,” and a “Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Doesn’t it seem strange that every time you watch these movies they take on a different meaning depending on where you are in your own personal life? That’s what celebration with traditions does for all of us.
Establishing your own Christmas events whether it be singing Christmas carols, watching Christmas movies, reading “A Visit From St. Nick” or enjoying the day with your family and friends, cherish these moments and savor those happy memories. They will survive the test of time.
Have a safe and happy holiday.