Our red and green holiday tree stockings are 21 inches long including the hanger loop. The body of the holiday tree stocking is red velvet with a striped pattern to it. There is a 4 inch cuff at the top of the holiday stocking. The cuff is a deep green velvet with a striped pattern to it. This holiday tree stocking matches our 56 inch red and green velvet luxurious Christmas tree skirts. Do not put this tree skirt in the washing machine. Select this link to view our Christmas tree skirt.
The Christmas card: The practice of sending Christmas greeting cards to friends was initiated by Sir Henry Cole in England, in 1843. The first card was designed by J.C.Horsley and 1000 copies were sold in London. An English artist, William Egley, produced a popular card in 1849. From the beginning the themes have been as varied as the Christmas customs worldwide.
The Christmas Crib: Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. In Catholic countries this fact is brought to mind with miniature replicas of the nativity scene. The manger, animals, miniatures of Jesus, Joseph, Maria, the shepherds and the Three Magi are part of this very popular symbol. It was started (says the legend) by St Franciscus of Assisi. The Pope has his own in Rome but nowadays the custom is followed in Protestant countries, too. Select this link to view our gold ornament and red Christmas ornaments.
Mistletoe: Sacred to ancient druids and a symbol of eternal life the same way as Christmas tree. The Romans valued it as a symbol of peace and this lead eventually its acceptance among Christmas props. Kissing under mistletoe was a Roman custom, too.
Christmas plays: Religious plays were part of the Medieval Christian tradition and many of them were connected with Christmas. The plays were often communal with pageants and general participation. A popular theme was the coming of the Magi, because the plot allowed lots of pomp and decorative props to please the audience. These plays live on in many places, such as Finland, in the form of the traditional Star Boys drama. Select this link to view our Christmas tree toppers.
Why does Santa live at the North Pole? Christmas was originally the festival of End of Darkness, the shortest day of the year, after which comes Spring and and then Summer. The more northern the country the more pronounced the contrast between winter and summer solstices. The length of December day in Helsinki is about 5 hours, the longest day in June is about 19 hours. The temperature in winter might be -30 degrees Celsius, while the temperature in Summer +30 degrees. These extremes set the span of the year in the northern hemisphere.
For people living in northern most climates Christmas is associated with winter ways, snow, cold, darkness illuminated by candles, sleighs drawn by horses and fur coats. Christmas things are in contrast with summer things. This contrast is most fascinating to people who live in southern climates, who do not have such pronounced climatic changes but who find the traditions of northern Christmas alluring.
Reindeer: The reindeer is an Arctic-dwelling deer (Rangifer tarandus), otherwise known as caribou. Economically important herds in the north of the Old World have become less important.
Popular Christmas myth has it that they are used by Santa Claus to move his sleigh around during his trip to distribute toys to children on the night before Christmas. Because of this, they are often associated with the holiday.
Tree Skirt History: Candles dripping wax onto the floor under the Christmas tree led to the invention and production of the Christmas tree carpet. Many families placed a sheet or fabric remnant under the tree to catch the wax, but by 1913 elaborately painted Christmas tree carpets were available to purchase. Select this link to view our unique angel gifts.