All things Christmas

There are many symbols of Christmas and whatever their significance, the message of the festival clearly supersedes the symbols; it is a time for hope, joy, peace and giving "Marylou Andrew"

Ask a person on the street what Christmas is all about, and in all probability the reply will have something to do with presents, Christmas trees, decorations, Santa Claus and shopping. While Christmas is extremely significant on a religious level, its meaning is often lost in the paraphernalia and fanfare that comes with it. However, some of the symbols that we take for granted at Christmas time are steeped in tradition and significance. And it is worth getting to know what they're all about, such as, how a candy cane came to be associated with the birthday of Jesus?

The first reminders of the holiday season are the beautiful wreaths that adorn the front doors of people's homes. Where, you may well ask did the wreath come from? The word 'wreathe' comes from an old English word 'writhen', which means to writhe or twist. Wreaths were first made in ancient Greece and Rome when evergreen leaves were twisted into a circle and given as prizes to kings, athletes and military heroes.

Victorian England saw the use of evergreen plants such as holly, ivy, yew and bay being twisted into lavish circular arrangements to decorate houses at Christmas time. In the 20th century, as evergreen plants became less abundant, plastic was used in order to make wreaths, and in the 1960s, the invention of vinyl added a rather realistic look to these synthetic creations. While wreaths are generally used for decorative purposes, they do have symbolic meaning.

The circle represents eternity, the evergreen leaves and branches symbolise everlasting life and the green stands for the hope of a new life, all of which are important themes of the Christmas season. The Advent wreath (a wreath with four candles) has even deeper significance. Starting in the first week of December, churches or families light one candle each week in order to signify that as Christmas approaches, their hope grows brighter. Some people also light a fifth candle in the centre of the wreath on Christmas Day to signify Christ's birth.

For many people the Christmas tree is an essential part of the season. A Christmas tree all decked up in lights, glass balls, tiny figures, candies, gifts and bells, and that absolutely adorable-looking angel or a shining star on the top is one tradition that we are all familiar with.The basis of this tradition lies in 16th century Germany, where fir trees were decorated with apples, roses, coloured paper and gilded candies. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert who was a native German, brought this to England and a picture of their family gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle (1848), popularised it throughout the Victorian England. By the late 19th century, the traditional tree came to America.

Christmas will sure be quite dull without all its traditional decorations, red and green being the main colours. Green signifies the continuance of life through winter and red is for the blood that Jesus shed at crucifixion. The decorations are made of coloured paper or foil and are traditionally hung on the eve of Christmas.

Santa Claus or Father Christmas is another much-loved Christmas tradition. He is a jolly old man with white hair, a beard and a moustache. He wears a red suit outlined in white. Stories tell us that his home is in the North Pole where elves make all the toys for Christmas. Children write letters to Santa with a list of toys that they want for Christmas.

The story of Santa Claus begins in the fourth century with Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (an area in present day Turkey), who was an extremely generous man and especially devoted to children.

Surprisingly, the red coat image of Santa is quite recent. The red colour became popular in 1930s. Prior to that Santa was seen in a green dress.

The story behind the traditional Christmas stocking is related to St. Nicholas, who was a shy man and did not wish the people to know who was helping them. It is said that one day he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney, which landed in a stocking that was put to dry by the fire!

Christmas crackers are very traditional items to have at Christmas. A cracker is a cardboard tube wrapped in gaudy paper, like a bon-bon and contains a small toy, a joke or a quote and a paper crown. The best part is that it is to be pulled open/popped by two people.

The history of crackers is quite interesting. Thomas Smith invented them in 1846, styled on the look of the French bon-bon, a sugar almond candy. In 1860 came the 'banger', two strips chemically impregnated paper that made a loud noise when pulled apart.

The Christmas Dinner is not just another meal, it's an event. Christmas is a magical time when friends and family get together to share Christmas cookies, the tree trimming, and a richly laden table. A carefully thought out Christmas dinner is one of the most important gifts you can give, and will be remembered for years to come. A lot of kitchens are busy days in advance of Christmas preparing for that one special day of the year. Planning your perfect Christmas menu can be the hardest part of the preparations. Having a great selection of recipes, like those in The Ultimate Christmas Recipe Collection is essential.

Christmas cakes are made many different ways, but generally they are variations on classic fruitcake. They can be light, dark, moist, dry, heavy, spongy, leavened, unleavened, etc. They are made in many different shapes, with frosting, glazing, a dusting of confectioner's sugar or plain.

The Cake

Ingredients

10 oz plain flour
Pinch salt
½ baking powder
½ tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs cocoa powder
1 lb mixed fruit
½ lb glace cherries
½ lb currants
12 oz sultanas
4 oz chopped almonds
½ lb softened butter
½ lb soft dark sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 lemon (juice and grated rind)
1 tbs black treacle
3 tbs brandy
A little milk (if necessary)

Method

* Sift the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl
* Stir in the baking powder, cocoa, cinnamon and mixed spice.
* Add the dried fruit, currants, sultanas, glace cherries and nuts.
* In another mixing bowl cream the sugar and butter together until fluffy.
* Beat in the eggs, a little at a time.
* Fold in half the flour & fruit mixture a bit at a time.
* Mix in the lemon rind and juice, treacle and brandy.
* Stir all together until well-mixed.
* Add a wee bit milk if it seems too dry.
* Spoon the mixture into a deep tin (about 8" or 9" round or square) which has been been double-lined with well-greased greaseproof paper.
* Make a slight indentation in the centre of the mixture.
* Bake in a cook oven (150°C/300°F/Gas 2) for 1 hour.
* Reduce heat to 140°F/275°C/Gas 1) and continue baking fora further 3 - 3½ hrs.
* Test if cake is cooked by gently inserting a thin skewer in the centre - if it comes out 'clean' - then it is cooked.
* Cover the top of the cake with greaseproof paper if it becomes too brown during baking.
* When cooked, remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin before turning out onto a wire tray.
* Carefully peel off paper.

The Marzipan (Almond Paste)

Ingredients

½ lb ground almonds
½ lb sifted icing sugar
½ lb castor sugar
1 beaten egg
2 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp vanilla essence
¼ tsp almond essence
4 tbs sieved apricot jam

Method

* Thoroughly mix together the almonds, icing sugar, castor sugar.
* Beat in the egg, lemon juice, vanilla and almond essences until the paste is soft but not sticky
* Turn on to a board sprinkled with icing sugar and knead the paste lightly until smooth.
* Use immediately or wrap in clingfilm until ready for use.
* Divide the paste into 2.
* Roll out 1 half into 8" or 9" round or square to match the cake.
* Brush the top of the cake with the sieved jam.
* Place the cake upside down on the marzipan round or square and press down firmly.
* Roll the remaining marzipan in a strip wide enough to go round the sides of the cake.
* Cut in half for a round cake, divide into 4 for a square one.
* Brush the sides of the cake with the jam.
* Press the marzipan into the cake ensuring each piece joins with the other neatly.
* Leave to dry for 2 - 3 days.

The Icing

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1 lb sifted icing sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp glycerine (optional - this creates a 'softer' icing if preferred)

Method

* Beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until frothy.
* Gradually beat in the icing sugar until it is completely mixed and the icing is stiff, standing in peaks.
* Beat thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
* Beat in the lemon juice and glycerine (if using).
* Use immediately or cover with polythene (or damp cloth)

Christmas wises tried and true

I'm sending now, just for you

a little love, a little cheer,

and wishes for a great New Year!

Hope Santa brings you gifts galore

with more surprises still in store.

May all your Christmas dreams come true

and may God's blessings be yours too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!