The holiday season is undoubtedly the most magical time of the year. Twinkle lights adorn every street corner, roaring fires keep us warm, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of holiday treats. But what truly makes this time of year special are the stories associated with it. From the beloved tale of Santa Claus to the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, these stories have become ingrained in our cultural consciousness. Here are some delightful and curious Christmas stories that will surely get you feeling the holiday spirit.
Story #1: The Legend of St. Nick
We all know Santa Claus as the jolly, rosy-cheeked fellow in a red suit who flies around the world delivering presents to all the good boys and girls. But what you may not know is the story of the man who inspired this classic character – St. Nicholas of Myra. St. Nick was a fourth-century bishop in modern-day Turkey who was known for his generosity and kindness. He became the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and his legend spread throughout Europe. In the 19th century, the story of St. Nick was adapted into the character we now know and love as Santa Claus.
Story #2: The Christmas Pickle
While the Christmas pickle is not as well-known as some other holiday traditions, it is still a beloved custom in many families. Legend has it that a pickle was hung on the Christmas tree by an American Civil War soldier who was captured and held prisoner in Germany. The soldier had no family, so the Germans he was imprisoned with took him in and shared their Christmas traditions with him. One of these traditions involved hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree, and whoever found it would receive good luck for the coming year. The soldier brought this tradition back to America with him, and it has since become a quirky holiday tradition in many households.
Story #3: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become a staple of Christmas and is a beloved character for many. But did you know that the story of Rudolph was actually created for a department store? In 1939, the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago asked one of their copywriters, Robert L. May, to come up with a Christmas Ad that would set their store apart. May created the character of Rudolph, the shy reindeer with a bright red nose, and the ad was a huge success. Soon after, May turned Rudolph’s story into a book, which was a best-seller, and the rest is history.
Story #4: The Origin of the Candy Cane
Candy canes are a beloved treat during the holidays, but few people know their origin story. Legend has it that the candy cane was created by a choirmaster in Cologne, Germany, as a way to keep children quiet during church services. He had the idea to create candy sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook to remind children of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus. The candy cane has since become a ubiquitous symbol of Christmas and is a popular decoration for trees and wreaths.
Conclusion
These Christmas stories are just a few of the many that make this time of year so special. While some are rooted in history and tradition, others have been created more recently for commercial purposes. Nonetheless, they all have a special place in our holiday celebrations and add to the magical spirit of this joyous season.