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The Huron Expositor, 1994-12-14, Page 28Christmas tree has German origin Perhaps you have already gone out to select your Christmas tree. You may be interested in knowing that the tradition of the Christmas tree comes from Germany. According to Christmas expert Lillie Patterson, the idea came to the United States from American soldiers at the time of the Revol- utionary War but didn't, at first, take hold in America. Two teachers from Germany helped to popularize the custom in North America. They were Charles Follen, who taught in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Charles Minnegerode, who taught in Williamsburg, Virginia. In the 1800's Follen trimmed trees for his young son and Minnegerode taught children how to string popcorn and add spherical balls of coloured nuts and bright, coloured paper. Candles were put on the tree with wires and a star was placed on top. Today, candles are recognized as a fire hazard and are replaced with approved electric lights. The safe, electric lights were first used in 1895. The Christmas tree tradition really began to take hold when an Ameri- can magazine printed a picture of the British Royal family, including German-born Prince Albert, around their first Christmas tree. You have almost certainly heard of the Yule log. Perhaps you did not know the word Yule may come from the German word for wheel (or turning point) hweol or the Old English word for feast, geola. Christmas trees, lights, gifts When you think of those things what do you think of? Jesus? God" Santa? Christmas trees mean Jesus is everlasting lights shines through darkness, gifts Jesus is our nicest gift. Suzanne Coleman Grade 4 Huron Centennial Old-fashioned Christmas Bells on Sleighs with horses pulling them through the bush hoping to find a decent Christmas tree. Mak- ing Christmas wreaths out of grape- vines and hanging them outside. Making presents and wrapping them in newspaper. Hiding cards in the Christmas tree and waiting for someone to find them. Putting cards on a string across a room. Putting popcorn strings and a big star on the Christmas tree is what I think of when someone mentions an old-fashioned Christmas. Denise Kreutzwiser Grade 5 St. James School Mistletoe, parties traditions in U.S. Mistletoe can be'found in England and America. It is known as the `kissing bough.' Large Christmas receptions became common when George Washington was President and the large parties were held by he and his wife Martha. That tradition carries on in the United States, and Canada, today. Merry Christmas once banned Did you know that a 'Merry Christmas' was once banned? If you lived in the early days of dew England you might have to elcbratc Christmas in secret if you vanted a fancy celebration. The Puritans passed strict laws, according to writer Lillie Patterson, iecause they feared the religious ncaning of Christmas was being rbscured by the lively festivals. Jona+ This Christmas tree is ably drawn by Jonathan Elston, a grade seven student at St. Patrick's School in Dublin. In English the word is known as Yule and in Scandinavia it is known as Joulu or Jul. The Jul feast changed from a pagan aestival to a Christian feast after the Christian faith reached Scandinavia about the ninth century. Christmas cards recent tradition, has grown Christmas cards are a relatively recent seasonal phenomenon, and probably originated with English practice of sending `schoolpieces' or `Christmas pieces', simple pen and ink drawings. Englishman J.C. Horsley supposedly designed the first formal Christmas card in 1843. They were lithographed on stiff, dark cardboard, were in colour, and depicted grown-ups and children toasting with glasses of wine with the greeting: "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you." One thousand were printed and one of the originals still exists. Today billions of cards are exchanged throughout the world during the season. Christmas is sharing CHRISTMAS IS: Christmas is decorated trees Christmas is sharing Christmas is about giving Christmas is thinking about others Christmas is FUN Christmas is about loving Christmas is Santa bringing toys Christmas is the day Jesus was born Christmas is dreaming about Santa coming Christmas is waiting for Christmas Eve to come Christmas is for you and me! by Mrs. Rock's Grade 1 Huron Centennial School With the arr•iral o1Clmistinas, our hearts herrn to all thnsr near and dear to us. To you, our gond li•iends and hrrtr'r1s, rr•c• n'isJJ abundant jov and peace. We thank you lire prnridiug us rrvth these blessings all year long! WHITNEY RIBEY FUNERAL HOME Page 7 - Merry Christmas December 21, 1994 Peace Be With You May harmony follow wherever you go. Nappy Holiday leCANADIAN TIRE MAIN ST. SEAFORTH 527-1350 To our customers and friends, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 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