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Christmas Traditions In Germany

Germany has numerous traditions that it shares with the 9 neighboring countries that abut it. They also have quite a few that they have started themselves.

In the United States children write their letters to Santa Claus and mail them to the North Pole with their respective wish lists. In some other countries the children will write their letters and throw them in the fire so that the smoke will take their lists to Santa at the the North Pole.

German children have a slightly different tradition though. They write their letters to the Christkind or Christ Child. They seal them in envelopes and decorate the envelope with sugar and glue to make them glitter in the moon light. They then place them on the windowsill where their parents usually pick them up to leave the appearance that the Christkind has stopped by to receive them.

Another tradition is for the children to fill their shoes with hay, straw and carrots and leave them out in front of the door. They are trying to tempt Saint Nicholas to stop and feed his white stallion. He will then repay them by refilling their shoes with candy and toys.

The tradition of the Christmas tree was started in Germany and Christmas trees are quite popular there. How the tradition of the Christmas tree started is a matter of much debate.

The first tale is of a wood cutter who encountered a lone hungry child while out cutting trees. He befriended and fed the child. After the meal the child continued on his way. The next day the child appeared to the wood cutter and his wife as a spirit and thanked him for his kindness. He then explained that he was the Christ Child, Christkind to the Germans.

He gave the wood cutter a sprig from an evergreen tree and explained that this tree would bear fruit year round. This lead to the German’s felling evergreen trees and decorating them with ribbons, candies, etc. to celebrate the Christkind.

The other tale of how the Christmas tree came about is attributed to Martin Luther. He supposedly brought in an evergreen tree one year from outside and decorated it with candles. The candles were to represent the light of Jesus Christ and the heavens according to tradition.

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About the Author:
Michael Paetzold is the webmaster of ChristmasAcrossTheGlobe.com where you can find more information on various traditions for the Christmas season from around the world along with a variety of Christmas tips from decorating to gift buying.

Article Resource: www.Articlebliss.com
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Dazzle Them with Odd Christmas Facts

You’re dashing with your kids, from store to store, madly trying to finish your Christmas shopping. You know that it’s only a matter of time before the clock runs out on your children’s patience, and they start to crash. They’re tired of the Christmas CD you’ve been playing in the car, and the games you’ve brought along have run their course. You’ve got three more malls to hit today, and your biggest fear is trying to shop with bored children.

Here’s one way to keep them entertained-dazzle them with your knowledge of odd little Christmas facts.

For instance: When you hear the Gene Autry classic “Here Comes Santa Claus”- for the fiftieth time, today-ask your kids if they’d like to visit the real Santa Claus Lane someday. That’ll make them think, at least for a minute. Though they may be disappointed at the lack of snow and ice, if they do visit Santa Claus Lane. See, every year since the 1930’s, Hollywood Boulevard has been officially re-named Santa Claus Lane, during Hollywood’s annual Christmas parade.

More semi-useless, but attention-grabbing facts:

What’s the most popular Christmas song of all time? Bing Crosby’s version of “White Christmas”. And “Silent Night”-arguably the most recognizable Christmas hymn-was written in 1818, by an Austrian pastor, Joseph Mohr. As Christmas Eve came, that year, the organ in his church was broken, so together with his friend, Franz Gruber, he wrote this new tune for the service that night, and played it on his guitar for his congregation. And “Jingle Bells” was originally written for a Thanksgiving celebration, in 1857.

As important as Christmas is to us, today, it’s only been in the past 150 years or so that the day has been an official holiday, in America. Thanksgiving was a much more important secular holiday to early Americans. In fact, Alabama was the first state in America to recognize Christmas as a holiday, officially, in 1836-and it wasn’t until 1905 that Christmas became officially recognized by Oklahoma.

Electric lights for Christmas trees were first invented by The Edison Company in 1882. Up until then, if trees were lit, candles were used-and then, usually only on Christmas Eve night.

The Christmas abbreviation-Xmas-is thought by some to be sacreligious, but in fact the first letter of the Greek word for Christ is chi, which is X. Before the invention of the printing press, “Xmas” was often used, in print, to save time and ink.

We get our custom of hanging stockings by the mantle from the Dutch, though their custom is to leave wooden shoes by the fireplace-they fill the shoes with fruits for the donkey St. Nicholas uses to carry his gifts for children.

See how easy it is? Just keep tossing out these little tidbits, one by one. Either your kids will marvel at your brilliance, or they’ll fall asleep in the car. Either way, they’re occupied. And you’re almost done; Christmas is almost here. Just keep talking.

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About the Author:
Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, focused on how families get by in this wonderful world of ours. To help create a special holiday tree for your home, visit Santa’s Official Ornament Shop, for the best selection of personalized Christmas ornaments.

Article Resource: www.Articlebliss.com
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Reasons Why You Should Shop Early for Stocking Stuffers

If you want to get the best deals and widest selections on stocking stuffers for this holiday season, start you shopping today. The earlier you shop for your stocking stuffers the better choices you have. The closer the holidays get, the fewer selections are left and it can be difficult to find the items you were hoping to buy.

There are many reasons why you should shop early for stocking stuffers. Not only will you have a better chance of finding all the items you are searching for, but you can also buy extra items for those unexpected needs that always seem to pop up during the Christmas holidays. It just makes good sense to have extra stocking stuffers on hand if at all possible.

When you start shopping for stocking stuffers early you are shopping out of season. This simply means that the demand for these items is less therefore, the price is cheaper and you can usually find a lot of sales.

When the holiday season arrives it brings a higher demand for the same thing and higher prices. If you want to save even more money, try shopping at the end of the season for the following year when everything is marked down as clearance items.

When you shop early for stocking stuffers, there are many great places for you to begin your search. You should start by making a general list of the people you need to buy stocking stuffers for. Then you will have an idea of what you are looking for. You can shop in local stores, shopping malls and specialty shops for great stocking stuffers.

Another advantage of shopping early for stocking stuffers is having time to use the internet to search for the perfect gifts. This is a great place to find stocking stuffers for people on your shopping list that are hard to buy for. However, if you wait to late in the season you won’t have time to use this option.

You can find some really great items on sites such as eBay and Amazon.com. Here you can find unique and obscure gifts that will simply amaze your family and friends. You can find all types of wonderful and unusual items that are great for collectors as well. It also gives you plenty of time to get any last minute stocking stuffers that you may have forgotten.

There are many advantages to shopping early for your stocking stuffers just like with other holiday gifts and ideas. This is a great way to make sure you have everything you need before the big time arrives and if you do forget something or have last minute needs, there will still be time to get it done since you have already covered the majority of your tasks.

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About the Author:
Mr. Miyagi, an Orange County Web Design Expert with interests including  Stocking Stuffer Ideas and Christmas Gifts.
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A Traditional English Christmas Dinner

A traditional English Christmas dinner consists of roast turkey and stuffing, roast potatoes and vegetables, bread sauce, cranberry sauce and gravy, followed by Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

For lots of people, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a turkey. But in fact, in this country the tradition of eating turkey at Christmas only dates from the 19th century, when it gradually began to replace goose as the Christmas meal. A Christmas tradition involving the turkey is to pull its wishbone. The person left with the larger piece of the bone makes a wish.

Nut roast has become the traditional Christmas dish for many vegetarians. For a festive twist, try adding cranberries (fresh or dried) or chestnuts.

Heaps of vegetables are another traditional part of Christmas lunch. Many people will eat more fruit and vegetables on Christmas day than on any other day of the year.

A vital part of the traditional Christmas is the roast potatoes. Cranberry sauce is great for adding flavour.

Another Christmas classic is the Christmas pudding, with its rich concoction of dried fruits such as raisins, currants and sultanas.

The Christmas pudding known today began life as Christmas porridge called Frumenty, a dish made of wheat or corn boiled up in milk. Now, a Christmas pudding is a brown pudding with raisins, nuts and cherries. It is served with custard or brandy butter. Often brandy is poured over the pudding, which is then set a light as it is carried to the table. The lights are turned off so people can see the flames.

Christmas table should be just as festive as the rest of the home. It can be use pine garland, candles, Christmas ornaments and other special touches to create a memorable holiday table.

When Queen Victoria came to the throne, the roast beef was the centrepiece of the Christmas feast in the North, while the goose was the traditional fare of the South.

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About the Author:
Virginia Hayward supplies a selection of Christmas hampers and gifts.

Article Resource: www.Articlebliss.com
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The Little Broken Angel

Ruth liked watching big storms. So when the rain was really pouring down that night, she sat in the front room with the lights off and watched it safely in her house. Suddenly she saw a small figure walking into their cul-de-sac. It was a girl. She had no coat on and the rain was soaking her hair and dress completely. It was clear she was crying.

“Mommy come quick”, Ruth cried out and when Mommy saw the poor girl, she rushed out onto the porch. Ruth came out with her and as she looked more closely, she suddenly recognized the girl. “Oh Mommy, its Shantel!”  Shantel was Ruth’s best friend ever and they had been like sisters since kindergarten.

“Go get her Ruth,” Mommy said wisely, knowing that if Shantel was upset, seeing her dear friend first would be the best thing. She watched her daughter rush to the street and embrace her friend and then lead her back to the porch. As the girls approached, Mommy went inside and got some blankets to dry Shantel.

“I ran away Ruth. I am so cold” Shantel said as Ruth brought her to the house.

“Come in. You will get sick out here.” Ruth was in tears – she was so afraid for her friend. Shantel came in and quickly Mommy and Daddy were there drying her hair and warming her. Mommy gave her some of Ruth’s warmest things to wear for a while and Daddy got some of the hot soup they had enjoyed at dinner and the whole family sat with her and made her feel safe and loved as she recovered. Shantel just looked at Ruth’s mom and dad in amazement as she sipped her soup and finally the shivering stopped.

“Why don’t you two girls go to Ruth’s room and play so you can settle down” Mommy said, noticing that Shantel wasn’t talking much with the adults around.

“Why did you run away?” Ruth asked right away when they were in her room.

“I was so afraid. My mom has a very expensive display of glass angel statues. Well, while they were out today, I took one down the play with it and I broke its wing. I think it was her favorite and I knew she would be so mad so I ran away. I was so upset, I didn’t know where else to go so I came to you.” Shantel started crying again.

“I am so glad you came here Shantel”, said Ruth, hugging her friend.

“Your parents are so amazing. They didn’t act mad that I messed up their carpet or anything.”

“Shantel, parents are like that. Your mom and dad are too. Sure, they correct us. We need that. But your mom and dad love you no matter what”, Ruth explained.

“Shantel, your mom is on the phone.” Ruth’s mom called up the stairs. Right away Shantel got scared. Then Ruth’s mom stepped into the room holding her hand over the speaker. “She is crying, Shantel. I told her you were safe but she wants to tell you how much she loves you.”

Ruth and her mom stepped out so Shantel could take the call in private. Finally, she came out, sniffling. She handed the phone to Ruth’s mom to talk to her parents and then turned to Ruth. “She said nothing in the world was more important than me and she wanted me home in my own room where I can be safe and with her and daddy.” Shantel was looking confused.

When Ruth’s mom finished on the phone she sat down with the girls and helped Shantel dry her tears. Ruth’s dad came in and sat down too. “I don’t understand why my mom isn’t really mad I broke her angel,” she told Ruth’s parents.

“Shantel, you have to understand something about parents.” Daddy said. “Your dad and mom love you no matter what. When they scold or try to teach you, that is part of love because they just want you to grow up to be all that God made you to be. But their love is unconditional. That means nothing you can do will make you deserve it and nothing bad you ever do will ever make them stop loving you.”

“But I don’t understand how they can do that” Shantel said, looking to Ruth’s dad for help.

“That’s easy Shantel”, Mommy interrupted. “It’s because that is how God loves us and how God loves you. God is your heavenly Father and He made moms and dad just like Him. In fact, God loved you and me so much, he was willing to let Jesus die on the cross so we can always be in heaven with him. Your mom and dad would die rather than see you hurt, sweetie. That is the nature of God in them.” She reached out to hold Shantel’s hand.

“But I love them so much. I don’t want them to die or sick or get old or even be sad,” Shantel said emotionally.

“Then let’s get you home to them and when you get there, you hug them and tell them how much you love them,” Daddy instructed her. “Then in the future if you do something wrong, you tell them right away and never ever run away again, ok?”

“I promise”, Shantel said and then Ruth and her parents drove her home.

As she ran up to the door and hugged her mom and dad, Ruth said, “It’s too bad about the broken angel.”

But Mommy just smiled and hugged Ruth as she watched. “It looks to me like the real little angel isn’t broken any more and will never get broken again.”

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A Poem For Christmas

We remember the birth of a babe this day,
born in a stable, his bed filled with hay,
heralded by angels and searched for by kings
but whose life would be full of much simpler things.

His mother, Mary, a woman of faith and trust,
His father, Joseph, a carpenter, honest and just –
for although nigh to Mary he had not been
God told him to take her to wife, in a dream.

And so they were wed and began their life,
Joseph – the carpenter – and Mary, his wife.
And came the time close when her confinement would be
and out of Judaea there came a decree.

A census was ordered, taxation was due,
families must, to the towns, of their births, return to,
and so to unto Bethlehem Joseph did start,
with Mary, a donkey, and his own heavy heart.

The town was so full with those who had returned
refreshment flowed heavy and the lighted lamps burned,
yet despite diligent searching, Joseph found not a bed
for Mary, his wife, and his heart filled with dread.

A lowly innkeeper took pity on the pair
although he had no room that they might share,
but showing a stable said it was all that he had
and for that they were thankful and exceedingly glad.

And that night was the night our Lord was born,
under twinkling stars before the dawn,
in a lowly stable in Bethlehem
he came to save the world of men.

In fields, the shepherds a vision saw,
angels sent them to see the babe in straw,
and three kings travelled from far away,
to worship their new born king that day.

And from that first Christmas, stemmed love divine
a love so pure to last all time,
for God’s only son was born you see
To die for the sins of you and me.

God’s greatest gift, his only son,
as seers had foretold, to this world did come.
and so we remember the birth of a babe this day
born in a stable, his bed filled with hay,
heralded by angels and searched for by kings
but whose life would be full of much simpler things.

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About the Author:
Rose Dempsey has been writing poetry most of her life and has been published in various anthologies, Poetry Now magazine, church bulletins and newspapers. She lives in SC with her husband and a menagerie of goats, chickens, cats, dogs, guinea fowl and a house full of foster kittens

Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=12103&ca=Poetry=============================================

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Fun Facts About Christmas In France

The Christmas season is a special time I look forward to throughout the year. I enjoy learning about traditions and beliefs from other countries. Every country has unique Christmas customs and beliefs. Let’s take a look at how the French celebrate Christmas.

Church

In France, Christmas is known as Noel, which comes from the French expression “les bonnes nouvelles” which means “the good news” and denotes The Gospel. One very important part of Christmas for many French families is attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It is followed by a huge feast, called le Reveillon (which comes from the verb reveiller – to wake up), which is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth. Many families go so far as to leave a candle burning in a window in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

Gifts

Christmas is primarily seen as a children’s holiday, and they open small gifts on Christmas Eve. The remaining main gifts and cards are exchanged on new Year’s Day. Adults can open their gifts on Christmas Day. Children place their shoes in front of the fireplace in the hope that Pere Noel will fill them with gifts. Just like children around the world, French children like to send gift requests to Santa. And they are sure to get a postcard in reply! You see, a law was passed in 1962 that all letters written to Santa would receive a postcard in reply.

Food

French cooking has a prominant place at Christmastime. There are many traditional dishes to be found in many of the houses. Each region has its own traditional menu, with dishes such as goose, chicken, capon, and boudin blanc (which is similar to a white pudding). It is thought to be good luck to eat oysters, but the main course is almost always turkey stuffed with chestnuts.

Another tradition is that meat should not be eaten on Christmas Eve. And it is said to be good luck to have 13 desserts during the Christmas Eve festivities. Yummy! This number represents the 12 apostles and Jesus at the Last Supper. The traditional dessert dishes may include raisins, dates, oranges, dried figs, nuts, and the Buche de Noel (Yule log). The Buche de Noel is usually made from chocolate, rolled with a butter cream or whipped cream filling, then covered in a chocolate icing. Can you say delicious!?!

Some regions of France serve a Three Kings Cake. This is supposed to be in honour of the three kings who play such a significant role in the Christmas story. This cake has a bean hidden inside it. Whoever is the lucky one to find the bean in their slice of cake is made King or Queen for a day.

Decorations

The Christmas tree, if displayed, is put up just a few days before Christmas. Nearly every home has a Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, along with the three Kings, shepherds, and even other French figures, such as local dignitaries or characters.

Although mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season, it is more related to the New Year. It is thought to bring good fortune throughout the coming year. You might be lucky and receive a kiss. The French kiss under the mistletoe and offer their best wishes for the coming year as they hear the bells toll signaling the start of the New Year.

Some families burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day in the belief that if they do, they will have an abundant harvest the following year.

These are just some fun facts about Christmas customs in another part of the world. We at GlobalChristmas.com wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

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The Right Attitude Toward Christmas

Let me paint you a picture. There is a Bible laying on a table in the corner, a Nativity standing in another corner, and Silent Night is softly playing on the stereo. It is December 24th and the Jordan-St. Clair family is setting around the fireplace. The children, Karen, Keith, and Kelly, are talking about what they think they’re getting for Christmas. Mom is humming to herself while playing a game on the computer, and Dad is reading while quietly watching the children, chuckling to himself. Let’s go in closer and listen to this family’s conversations.

“I know what Kelly got you for Christmas, Keith, but I’m not gonna tell you! Ha! Ha! Ha!” says Karen.  “Aw, come on, Karen. Tell me!”  “Karen, don’t you dare tell him or I won’t take you shopping with me ever again” says Kelly. “Kelly, you know I promised not to tell, and you know I keep my promises. I’m not gonna tell.”

“Is it something I can wear, or is it something I can play with?” “I’m not gonna tell you, so you might as well stop asking.” “That’s alright – I know what I’m getting anyway. So there… you don’t have to tell me. And I know what Karen is getting too!”

Karen looks up and says, “Oooh! Tell me!” “I ain’t – unless you tell me what Kelly got me” “Don’t you…” “Don’t worry, I won’t. Keith, you’re just gonna have to wait until tomorrow to find out.”

“Alright kids,” says Dad. “That’s enough. Let’s sing a Christmas carol and have our Christmas Bible lesson. Now what do you want to sing? Karen?” “Aw Dad,” says Keith, “she always gets to pick what we sing.” “Well, Keith, what do you want to sing?” “I don’t know”, answers Keith, with a grimace and a shrug. Everyone laughs. “Well, since you don’t know, I guess Karen has the best choice. What do you want to sing this time, Karen?” “Let’s sing “O come All Ye Faithful.” “Mom, start us off.”

“O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

“Dad,” says Mom, “instead of having our usual Bible reading, why don’t we each tell what Christmas means to us? Keith, why don’t we start with you?” Keith responds, “Well, it means a vacation from school and new games and lots of football on TV and lots of food.” “It means I get lots of toys to play with”, says Karen. “I get to sleep late and get new clothes”, says Kelly.

“Mom, your turn.” “Well, kids, Christmas means more than a lot of toys and gifts. Christmas is the time when people should be remembering that it is the time when the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, came into the world as a baby. Dad, why don’t you read that passage in Luke 2?”

“That’s a good idea. Hand me my tablet. This year, I’m going to read from the Message version.” Keith jumps up and gets Dad’s tablet and hands it to him. Dad quickly flips to Luke 2, and clears his throat.

“About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.”

“Hmmm,” says Karen, “then, we should not consider ourselves but think of Jesus Christ.” “That’s right”, says Keith. “I’m gonna try and remember that from now on” Kelly chimes in, “Me too. Im gonna tell all my friends about it too so they will know.”

I think that each of us should consider and remember the message that the Jordan-St. Clair family learned today and apply it to ourselves.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

 

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Ancient Celebrations of the Christmas Holiday

Before Christmas was celebrated, people were finding time to celebrate in Europe during the winter holiday before the birth of Jesus Christ ever even occurred! 

The Winter Solstice has always been a time to celebrate and rejoice; it is celebrated on December 21 in the northern hemisphere and it was after the Winter Solstice that the worst part of the year was behind them. 

It was at that point during the year that the days began to get longer, giving the people more time to spend outside on their crops and tending to their animals. 

In Scandinavia during the Winter Solstice, men and their sons used to go in to the woods to cut a tree down. After the tree had been felled, a nicely sized log was cut out of it, and the men would carry the log back to the home. This log was dubbed a Yule Log, and the Yule log was burned in the fireplace. The entire time the Yule log burned, the family would feast. 

Often times the Yule log might burn for a whole twelve days! Of course, as the Yule log burned it sent sparks out of the hearth and as the sparks flew out of the fire place, the family would count the sparks and each spark stood for a farm animal (a cow, a goat, a pig, etc) that would be born on their property that year. It is important to note that farm animals were signs of wealth back then. 

Saturnalia is a celebration of the Winter Solstice that occurred in ancient pagan Rome. Saturnalia was celebrated in honor of the god of agriculture, who was named Saturn. During the time of Saturnalia, the entire Roman empire is in a state of social disarray. Servants and peasants spend time with and celebrate the holiday with people of higher classes, which was a rarity back then. 

The Saturnalia festival in itself can last as long as an entire week in Rome. During that time, people rejoiced all over the country of Rome. The phrase ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ was played out to its fullest. Shops and businesses are closed during the Festival of fullest. Shops and businesses are closed during the Festival of Saturnalia. Following the first week of Saturnalia, the festival itself usually ends, but the Saturnalia period itself does not end. 

In addition to Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, the Romans also worshipped an infant type god named Methra, who was carved out of a rock. On Mithra’s birthday, people also rejoiced, just as they did during Saturnalia. The day of this rock god’s birthday was one of the most sacred days of the year for the Roman people. It was a time for celebration and togetherness, and for family. 

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About the Author:
More Christmas Nuggets Here! Jamie Snodgrass is an online promoter for such companies and sites as: Meaning Of Christmas, Article Search and Article Blogs

Article Resource: www.Articlebliss.com
Submitted with Article Distributor.
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The Story of Santa’s Helpers

We all know about Santa’s helpers today. They are the merry elves who work building the Jolly One’s toys for boys and girls around the globe. But did you know that these Christmas elves got their start in Scandinavia? If you didn’t know that, you’re in for one heck of a story.

This tale starts long ago in German folklore. These elves were pranksters that caused diseases and gave people nightmares. As the notion of elves spread across Europe, countries like Finland, Norway and Sweden believed every house in the neighborhood had tiny little elves, or gnomes, guarding them from evil spirits. These gnomes were generally very trustworthy and kind creatures, but beware if you ever mistreated one of them! These elves could act absolutely spiteful and teach you a lesson. Some stories indicate children in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark often gave the elves a bowel of porridge on Christmas Eve to stop their pranks.

When Christmas again became popular in Scandinavia in the middle of the 19th century, these gnomes got out of the house-protection business and found their way into Santa’s good graces. After all, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are a stones throw away from Santa’s home in the North Pole. In fact, the folks in Finland say that Santa and his elves even live in Lapland in the off season. People of Scandinavia began talking less about house gnomes and more about Santa’s elves. It is here that Elves transitioned into Santa’s helpers.

Some experts say that there are now 13 main elves that help Santa to make his toys, some say 6, and some take the middle road and say 9 elves help Santa at one time. While some of these elves help with the day to day duties in the toy shop, some other elves have very special jobs that Santa relies on. For instance, one elf is a well-known inventor who is credited with building Santa’s machines that construct many of the toys. Another elf is very handy with wood and tools, and built Santa’s sleigh. He continues to take care of it and does any necessary repairs to make sure Santa has no problems on Christmas Eve.

Another elf is Mrs. Claus’ personal helper, and also the head chef of the North Pole. She comes up with some of the cookie recipes and treats that we Christmas lovers enjoy every year. There are also the elves that are in charge of keeping the secret of where exactly Santa and his helpers live! These elves act like the mayor of the town, making sure the town stays clean and its streets are swept clear of the snow.

Last but not least, there is an elf that is personally in charge of the naughty and nice list. He is, perhaps, the most important elf of all. It is because of this elf and his list that Santa decides who has been naughty and who has been nice. So, this Christmas Eve, you may decide to leave a bowl of porridge sitting out beside Santa’s cookies and milk.

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About the Author:
Randy Stocklin is the co-owner of Mail from Santa Claus. Mail from Santa Claus offers memorable letters from Santa Claus that help keep the Christmas spirit alive. For more information about Mail from Santa Claus and to purchase letters from santa please visit http://www.mailfromsantaclaus.com/.

Article Resource: www.Articlebliss.com
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