Holly And Ivy

Holly and Ivy

Holly standeth in ye house

When that Noel draweth near;

Evermore at ye door

Standeth Ivy, shivering sore

In ye night wind bleak and drear;

And, as weary hours go by,

Doth ye one to other cry.

"Sister Holly," Ivy quoth,

"What is that within you see?

To and fro doth ye glow

Of ye yule-log flickering go;

Would its warmth did cherish me!

Where thou bidest is it warm;

I am shaken of ye storm."

"Sister Ivy," Holly quoth,

"Brightly burns the yule-log here,

And love brings beauteous things,

While a guardian angel sings

To the babes that slumber near;

But, O Ivy! tell me now,

What without there seest thou?"

"Sister Holly," Ivy quoth,

"With fair music comes ye Morn,

And afar burns ye Star

Where ye wondering shepherds are

And the Shepherd King is born;

'Peace on earth, good-will to men,'

Angels cry, and cry again."

Holly standeth in ye house

When that Noel draweth near;

Clambering o'er yonder door,

Ivy standeth evermore;

And to them that rightly hear

Each one speaketh of ye love

That outpoureth from Above.

by Eugene Field

Decorating For Christmas

I adore this tree; it is "Christmas overkill."

      The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria, and by 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

      Since the 19th century, the poinsettia, a native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

      In Australia, North and South America, the British Isles, and to a lesser extent continental Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.

      In the Western world, rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, wreaths, and angels.
      In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom.

      Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5 and the traditional colors of Christmas are pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red.

     
External Links:

Ideas for Decorating your home this Christmas:

1. A Robeson Design Christmas
2. 15 Modern Christmas Decorating Ideas
3. 40 Traditional Christmas Decorations 
4. Ornaments form the 50's
5. The inflatable Christmas
6. Guest Column: A Guide to Christmas Antiques and Vintage Christmas Decorations
7. I still like history, but Christmas trees are better.
8. Christmas decorating indoors from Better Homes and Gardens
9. 10 great vintage Christmas decorating ideas and collectibles
10. The Blue Dining Room Christmas
11. Demand grows for upside-down Christmas trees
12. Vintage Decorating and Entertaining Ideas For Christmas

Two golden and stripped Christmas bells sparkle.
Red holly berries and green leaves are tied together
with a red holiday ribbon.

Preparing for Advent

Advent candles and wreath.

      Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus; in other words, the period immediately before Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday. The Eastern churches begin the liturgical year on 1 September. The Eastern Christian equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast but it differs both in length and observances.

      The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25; in other words, the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive.
      Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure for the second coming of Christ.

Bouncing Advent candles.

CBN broadcasters and a planner by Lisa Robertson

External Links:

Talking About The Season of Advent: 

• The Advent Conspiracy
• Advent by Chuck Knows Church

Talking Advent for Kids: 

• What's Advent? from Lighthouse Kids
• Whirl Kids Celebrate Advent
• The Days of Advent Introduction by Brother Francis

Advent Calendars Crafted by Adults:

• Advent Stocking Calendar 
• Thinking Advent 
  
• Walnut Shell Advent Calendar
• Handmade Advent Calendar by Linaloo 
• 25 Best Advent & Christmas Countdown Ideas by Category by Rachel Norman

Advent and Doll Play:

• DIY Christingles for Your 18" Dolls and Friends 
• DIY 18" Doll Size Advent Calendar