Christmas Legends

I love this time of year. I was born into a family with a mother who created the most beautiful Christmas tree and holiday meals that should have been featured in Gourmet Magazine. My father was the storyteller, the one who delighted us at dinnertime with Christmas legends and stories from his past. Mother’s stories always held a life lesson, while Dad’s made us laugh as we lost ourselves in his imagination.

I’ve always enjoyed history and legends, and one of my favorites is the story of how St. Nicholas evolved in the 4^th century, when a bishop whose reputation for gift-giving inspired the legend of Santa Claus. My father’s humor would always rise during the holidays, particularly when Dad would become Santa and yell out to his reindeer, “Take me to the Schmitt House.” Schmitt is my maiden name, and it made us all laugh when Dad, an artist, held up a picture of the reindeer landing on top of an outhouse. Folklore featured elves as Santa’s helpers. They always reminded me of the leprechauns of Ireland. The legend of the Christmas tree is another favorite.

It tells of a monk named Wilfrid who struck an oak tree worshipped by pagans. Over time, a fir tree grew in its place, with its upward-pointed branches said to symbolize the heavens. What a beautiful thought when I look at my Christmas tree filled with a lifetime of memories. My grandson James is always anxious to find the pickle-shaped ornament because with that gem comes an extra gift. James loves the scary folklore, such as the half-goat, half-demon Krampus, who punishes misbehaving children in Central Europe, and the Greek Kallikantzaros goblins who, for twelve days, cause nothing but mischief. Another favorite of mine is kissing beneath the mistletoe.

It comes from the Goddess Frigga, who blessed the plant, but also believed that refusing a kiss would bring bad luck. Now I know where my bad luck comes from. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday, or just a special winter day that brings you comfort and peace.