What are some less - known historical Christmas stories?
Another less - known story is about the Yule Cat in Icelandic folklore. The Yule Cat was said to lurk around during Christmas time. If you were a lazy worker and didn't get your work done, like spinning wool, the Yule Cat would come and eat you. This story was used to encourage people to be industrious before the Christmas season. It's a rather strange but interesting part of Iceland's Christmas history.
In medieval Europe, there were Christmas plays called mystery plays. These were religious dramas that told the story of the Nativity. People from the town would act out the parts of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. These plays were an important part of Christmas celebrations as they helped to spread the religious story of Christmas throughout the community. They were often performed in the town square or outside the church.
There is a story about the Christmas pickle. In some German - American traditions, a pickle - shaped ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree. The first child to find it on Christmas morning gets an extra present or a special treat. Its origin is somewhat murky but it is thought to be related to an old German folk tale.
What are some well known Christmas stories?
The story of the Nativity is extremely well - known. It details the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph travel there for a census, and Jesus is born in a stable because there is no room at the inn. Angels announce His birth to the shepherds, and wise men follow a star to bring gifts. 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' is also a famous one. The Grinch, who hates Christmas, tries to steal all the Christmas - related things from the Whos in Whoville but eventually realizes the true meaning of Christmas and his heart grows three sizes.
What are other less - known aspects of the Christmas story?
A less - known aspect is that the word 'Christmas' comes from 'Christ's Mass'. Another fact is that the poinsettia, a common Christmas plant, has a legend associated with it. A poor Mexican girl had no gift to give on Christmas Eve and was inspired by an angel to pick some weeds. When she placed them in the church, they miraculously turned into bright red poinsettias. Also, in some European traditions, there's a character called Krampus, who is sort of the 'anti - Santa' and punishes naughty children.
What are some well - known historical fiction Christmas books for children?
A great one is 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King'. It has been around for a long time and the story is set in a historical context that kids find fascinating. There are beautiful illustrations in many versions which add to the charm. Another is 'The Polar Express'. It's a beloved children's book that takes kids on a magical adventure set in a time that feels both familiar and a bit old - fashioned. It has that Christmas magic that children love.
What are some less - known dark history stories?
The Irish Potato Famine has some dark aspects. While it was mainly a natural disaster, the British government's response was rather callous. They continued to export food from Ireland even as the Irish population was starving due to the potato blight. This led to mass starvation, disease, and a huge exodus of the Irish people, with many dying on the journey or in overcrowded ships.
What are some interesting little known Christmas stories?
The story of the Yule Cat in Icelandic folklore. It was a huge and rather terrifying cat that prowled around during Christmas time. People were afraid of it. If they didn't work hard and finish their wool work before Christmas, the Yule Cat would eat them. So it was a strange but effective way to encourage people to be productive before the holidays.
What are some well - known Biblical Christmas stories?
One of the main Biblical Christmas stories is about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Mary, a virgin, was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would give birth to the Son of God. Joseph, her betrothed, was also visited in a dream and guided to take Mary as his wife. They had to travel to Bethlehem for a census, and there, in a manger, Jesus was born because there was no room at the inn.
What are some well - known positive Christmas stories?
A classic positive Christmas story is 'The Gift of the Magi'. A young couple sacrifices their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. The wife cuts and sells her long hair to buy a chain for her husband's watch, while the husband sells his watch to buy combs for his wife's hair. It shows selfless love.
What are some well - known Christmas humour stories?
Another one is about the reindeer who thought he was a chicken. Rudolph was leading the sleigh one Christmas when one of the reindeer started clucking. The other reindeer were so confused but couldn't stop laughing. Santa had to give the reindeer some magic dust to make him remember he was a reindeer again.
What are Some Lesser - Known Christmas Animated Stories?
A lesser - known Christmas animated story is 'The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus' which delves deeper into the origin of Santa Claus. It shows his life from being a foundling to becoming the jolly gift - giver we know today. Another one is 'The Christmas Star'. It tells the story of a little star that wants to be part of the Christmas sky but faces many challenges along the way. There's also 'Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree' which is about a very tall Christmas tree that gets passed down from one creature to another, each taking a part of it to make their own Christmas special.
What are the origins of some little known Christmas stories?
The origin of the Christmas Pickle story is somewhat unclear. Some believe it was brought over by German immigrants to the United States. It might have started as a way to keep children interested in the Christmas tree and add an element of surprise. In Germany, pickles were a common food item, and it made sense to incorporate it into a Christmas tradition in a fun way.