Christmas tree

1001 Drawings #349, Must Be Santa

| Whitt’s End Art

While the current reflection we have of Santa Claus started as a marketing gimmick there actually was a Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. According to WhyChristmas.Com St. Nicholas, who was a very rich man, “was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century in a place called Myra in Asia Minor (now called Turkey).” He was a kind soul who liked to help the poor and give out secret gifts to those who needed the most help. If you would like to read more about the true Saint Nicholas click here. While God is the true gift giver it is up to us to be like the true Saint Nicholas and give back to others not only this time of year but throughout the whole year.

 

1001 Drawings #343, What’s Up With The Mistletoe 

| Whitt’s End Art

Mistletoe, what is it and where did it come from? Each year we hang mistletoe so we can catch a kiss from some unsuspecting soul who happens to stand under the plant but does anyone know where the tradition comes from? Mistletoe is a parasitic plant which owes it’s life to the whichever trees it attaches itself. The tradition of stealing a kiss under the mistletoe dates back to old Nordic traditions. From there it gained it’s way to the United States from the 18th Century British servants who carried it across the ocean. Now loves blossoms under the mistletoe.

I think it as a Christian it is important for us to know where the traditions we have at Christmas time started. God us wants us to be in the world but not of the world so we have to be careful how and what we choose to use in our homes when we decorate.

1001 Drawings #336, Homage To The Christmas Tree

| Whitt’s End Art

Ever since I can remember my home has been decorated with lights and has had a Christmas tree. The origin of the Christmas tree as it now stands is tied in part to some Non-Christian traditions and has gone through many incarnations over the years. If you would like to read more about those traditions in order to make up your own mind about the Christmas tree check out this article on History.com. While the Christmas tree may be to some not a true representation of the spirit of this season and the birth of Jesus it is still a part of many a Christian’s home.