Santa Claus:

The story of Santa Claus originated in Europe during the fourth-century when a bishop named St. Nicholas of Myra spread goodwill and generosity throughout the land. He was known to go about on a white horse giving anonymous gifts by night. His traveling clothes were bishop red and he carried a staff. His unselfish acts of kindness spread throughout Europe and the children thought of him as a giver of all good things. When he died on December 6, his remains were taken to Italy and a church was erected in his honor. That day soon became a day of celebration, gift giving, and charity.

In the sixteenth century, the celebration of catholic saints was banned and St. Nicholas Day became merged with Christmas celebrations. Although the gift-giving Saint took on a non-religious form, the generous spirit still remained. Eventually, the image of the Saint became a sort of mystical being, known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

MistleToe:

There were many beliefs associated with the mistletoe. In ancient times, it was believed to be sacred, to have come from heaven, possessing mystic powers because it grew without roots and never touched the ground. It was also considered as a giver of life and protector against disease and poison. The plant was believed to encourage romance, to bring happiness and good luck, and to promote peace.

Despite all these positive beliefs, the English church banned the mistletoe around 1600 because of its pagan superstitions. Some Christians believed that the mistletoe was originally a tree whose wood was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. It then shrank from shame into a parasite bush. In the late eighteenth century, people in England began using the mistletoe in their home Christmas decorations. The pagan customs were forgotten and the plant was associated with happiness, peace, and good luck. It was hung in doorways where guests would walk under it providing an opportunity to kiss for no reason!

Holiday News:

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Christmas - News Image


'Christmas in July' raises more than double than expected, parade is on
Christmas in July, a grassroots fundraising effort spearheaded by local businesses to save the Festival of Lights Parade, collected more than double its goal, officials announced Wednesday.The Desert Sun - Jul 28 05:01pm

Christmas All Year
Christmas Tree Shops will soon offer year 'round bargains in Addison. Christmas - Holidays - Tree - Business and Economy - Decorations and PropsNBC Dallas Fort Worth - Jul 28 04:35am

Christmas In July Celebrated At Portland Hospital
Children at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland celebrated Christmas in July Thursday.WMTW Portland -

Get the latest Christmas updates on this topic page with:News Stories

Officials: 'Christmas' fundraising success
Christmas in July, a grassroots fundraising effort spearheaded by local businesses to save the annual Festival of Lights Parade, collected more than double its goal, officials announced Wednesday.The Desert Sun - Jul 29 01:19am

Christmas in July
Taylor Freer, 6, and her sister, Lilly Freer, 3, are already doing their parts for the Community Christmas campaign, even though it is the middle of summer.The Telegraph - Jul 28 10:03pm

Christmas in July Raises $20,000 Plus for PS Festival of Lights Parade
for Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade!The Desert Sun - Jul 30 01:29am

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