Our velvet Christmas stockings are 21 inches long including the hanger loop. The Christmas stocking is decorated with sequins and rocille beads. There is a 9.5 inch Christmas tree in the center of the stocking, represented by green sequins and edged with green beads, with a 2.5 inch star on top. The tree is decorated with a strand of multi colored Christmas lights also made from sequins and beads. Under the tree are a gift a drum and two ornaments. There are snowflakes made from gold beads around the tree. Select this link to view our Christmas stockings.
The Christmas tree: The Christmas tree is one of the most dominant symbols of the Christmas season all over the world. The decorated and fully lighted Christmas tree has an aura in itself. It fills the air with warmth, love and happiness that are symbolic of the holiday season.
In the Middle Ages, the Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope for the forthcoming spring. The modern Christmas tree evolved from these evergreen trees that were regarded as a symbol of life. The tradition then spread to other parts of Europe and the entire world.
According to a legend, the Christmas tree is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. It is believed that on the night of the birth of Christ, all kinds of living creatures came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree came along with its fruit and the palm with its date but the fir had nothing to gift the newborn king. So an angel, taking pity on the fir, commanded a cluster of stars to shine on its beautiful boughs. Baby Jesus smiled on seeing the lighted tree, and blessed it. Consequently, the fir tree is always lighted with many decorations on it, to please little children during Christmas.
Even the decorations on the Christmas trees draw their root in traditional values. The crystal balls symbolizes the fruit of redemption, the electric light or the candles are ancient symbols that stand for the triumph of spring over the darkness of winter. The light also symbolizes the light that Jesus Christ cast upon the lives of the people. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, while the bell symbolizes the joys of life. Select this link to view our Christmas tree skirt.
Santa Claus: Christmas would not be complete without Santa Claus. His laughter and gifts are an integral part of Christmas, more so for children. Children peer through the windows waiting for Santa’s arrival. He is believed to come riding through the snow in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, led by his favorite Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Santa is also accompanied by Elvin, the elf, who looks after Rudolph.
Children believe that Santa Claus makes gifts for them. Many children leave stockings so that Santa can put their gifts in them. Others even decorate their Christmas list and put it on the windowsill along with a little bit of sugar so that Father Christmas won’t miss them. They also leave pies or cookies and some kind of drink as a snack for Santa.
The custom of Santa Claus coming along with a sack of gifts is related to the life of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was a generous saint who lived in a town called Partara in the East. He was very fond of children and was kind to the poor and the downtrodden. For all the wonderful things he did, his life came to be symbolized in the legend of Santa Claus. Santa Claus is an integral part of the spirit of Christmas.
In 1881, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Clement Moore’s poem, “Twas the night before Christmas”, to create the image we have of Santa Claus today. His cartoon, which appeared in Harper's Weekly, depicted Santa as a round, cheerful man with a full, white beard, holding a sack full of toys. It was Thomas Nast who gave Santa Claus his bright red suit, trimmed with white fur, his sleigh with reindeer, the North Pole workshop, elves, and his wife, Mrs. Claus.
Christmas Traditions:
Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, who was believed to be the savior of mankind. Christmas has always been one of the favorite times of the year for everyone throughout the world. The magical traditions and customs of Christmas fill everyone’s heart with joy. The Christmas tree, the star, Santa Claus and the ginger bread man are some traditions that combine to form the spirit of Christmas.
An in-depth look into the traditions of Christmas and one is moved with all the sentiments, symbols and meaning associated with this most special season. Which combine to give a touch of liveliness and harmony to the season. No matter which part of the world you are in, the tradition of Christmas blossoms with fun and celebration and carries with it faith, hope and love.