It only takes Santa’s elves a month or so to make all the toys. The rest of the year they go from attic to attic and closet to closet, tangling up the strings if lights.
Truth is, the so-called xmas tree is a misnomer; the tradition began with Northern Germanic Druids burning a log to symbolise the coming of the Winter solstice (sometimes called a “yule log” < Now made as a chocolate cake), later, some tribes began to burn the entire tree; eventually, burning trees were replaced by trees with candles on them, and from which hung gifts such as apples and oranges.It was this tree that came over from Germany, to the English speaking World, with Prince Albert, when he married Queen Victoria, and it became the new “xmas” tradition. Today, of course, the candles have been replaced with lights and the oranges with large coloured balls, but, it all began with a “pagan” ceremony by ancient German Druids. (So, the next time someone complains about the “PC crowd” calling the “burning” tree in your living room a “Holiday tree” , laugh and say, yes, it is!)
Where I live the tree’s end up building sand dunes which is great, especially after a hurricane. So Christmas for us is a bit differerent. We look forwad to the after christmast time of putting the tree’s out for trash pick up.
Still trying to decide. Do I put decorations and a tree up this year or not? After all, it’s just me living here. If I do, then I need to buy new ones. Decisions, decisions.
better yet, don’t get a tree or trim the tree. get one of those modern art sculptures by one of those industrial welding artist. it will provide needed income to those starving artists, and they do the “trimming” for you.
Never mind the chipmunks. I got tired of hearing Alvin say “OH -KAY!” when I was little. But now we have new carols, such as Madonna singing “Santa Baby,” and Boris Karloff (RIP) singing “Mr. Grinch.” The latter I can actually like somewhat.
Donny is referring to mojitobaby. She is(was?) a poster that used logic and facts to back up her posts. She gave references and examples, much as you do. She was always on Donnie’s case, bringing him much grief. Oh, how I miss her.^^I didn’t know that logic and facts were taboo… oh well, you can look forward to more of it ;)
While Latin in the Catholic church stems from Catholics engaging in “paegan” worship with sex, decapitated bodies and Romans we put a star/angel or some kind of Christian symbol on top of our trees to symbolize that we are not worshipping some kind of false idol or like having orgies while burning babies.
^^Christians were not burning babies, that was part of the Roman anti-Christian “de-humanisation” propaganda, circulated as an excuse for committing genocide in the Roman Forum, much the way the Nazis de-humanised the Jewish people as a pretext to the Holocaust.
I planted my pine tree straight out from my patio doors when it was a wee thing (about 3’) and had to use mini decorations on it. After 13 years it is now over 2 stories (higher than my roof) so I don’t even try to decorate it, but the birds love to play in it and it is right next to my yellowbell for food (as well as my feeders).
Mojitobaby is a woman. Donny is referring to a man or does he just have his facts wrong. Also, when did she leave and do you remember Flying Airman. I really liked him.
While it’s true that both ancient Druids and medieval Germanic peoples both decorated with various evergreens, it’s a complete myth that there was any evolutionary societal connection. There wasn’t. It’s purely co-incidental and attributable to the natural deference that different peoples of varied culture have always held for evergreens in a world where most plants died off or went dormant in winter. The Germanic tradition, from which our modern Christmas tree developed, arose independently from the Druid tradition.^^I did my research before I wrote about this, but, since most of these events took place before written history, they can only be “educated guesses” and so, there’s room to doubt either viewpoint; let’s leave it at that.
What I mean is that I only sit still long enough to read and respond to all the posts in the Winter. It’s just now become cold during the day so since I’m a complete baby about it being ugly out, I like to read the posts and sometimes comment. I had many interesting “conversations” with Mojitobaby last Winter and enjoyed her dry wit. Donny’s posts are a little long for me and I tend to lose interest pretty fast but I figure he’s like a lot of us and just bored but possibly a tiny bit argumentative. Donny, please don’t take this as an opening to destroy me because I won’t get into it with you if you do, it is just a harmless observation.
The date of the birth of Christ is unknown so the celebration was just stuck on the time of other celebrations. One day’s as good as another when even “educated guesses” are indistinguishable from wild guesses. This made it easier for the Holy Roman Catholic Church to win nominal converts to Christianity since they didn’t have to give up their parties. (And we all like to party.)-Frank’ll get in the mood, just give him time.
Greg, you really messed up on this Sunday. I have been following Luann since she was freckle-faced 8 year old, and Mac computers came with colored shells. Today, you depict Luann’s mom and dad decorating the Christmas tree, and the father saying, “Know what I’d love right now? A big crackling Christmas fire.” He is pictured burning the stack of ornaments he’s encumbered with, including the nativity scene with an effigy of the baby Jesus! BURNING THE NATIVITY SCENE!? SERIOUSLY!? SHAME ON YOU GREG.
Nope, don’t like this one. Either be merry and enjoy the traditions of Christmas or change them to ones you do enjoy. It isn’t a time for grumbling in misery. If you don’t like putting up the tree then don’t.
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Just TOO funny!!! He sounds EXACTLY as my Dad does, every Xmas
legaleagle48 about 12 years ago
Well, what do you know — Scrooge lives. Bah, humbug, indeed!
DaJellyBelly about 12 years ago
And the stereo is playing, “Chipmunks Roasting On An Open Fire.” LOL
DaJellyBelly about 12 years ago
Does that S stand for Scrooge? ;-(
Ottodesu about 12 years ago
Hey, let’s not forget that it’s really nice artwork.
The Old Wolf about 12 years ago
It only takes Santa’s elves a month or so to make all the toys. The rest of the year they go from attic to attic and closet to closet, tangling up the strings if lights.
Ottodesu about 12 years ago
You left out singing songs to the dead tree: Oh Tannenbaum.
The Duke 1 about 12 years ago
Oh, go bah humbug yourself……
pseudomao about 12 years ago
Puddles has the right idea.
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Our tree is plastic… it will last forever, lol
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Truth is, the so-called xmas tree is a misnomer; the tradition began with Northern Germanic Druids burning a log to symbolise the coming of the Winter solstice (sometimes called a “yule log” < Now made as a chocolate cake), later, some tribes began to burn the entire tree; eventually, burning trees were replaced by trees with candles on them, and from which hung gifts such as apples and oranges.It was this tree that came over from Germany, to the English speaking World, with Prince Albert, when he married Queen Victoria, and it became the new “xmas” tradition. Today, of course, the candles have been replaced with lights and the oranges with large coloured balls, but, it all began with a “pagan” ceremony by ancient German Druids. (So, the next time someone complains about the “PC crowd” calling the “burning” tree in your living room a “Holiday tree” , laugh and say, yes, it is!)
Cofyjunky about 12 years ago
Congratulations Mr. Degroot: you’ve officially become the ‘crotchety old fart’. Merry Freakin’ Christmas.
Sisyphos about 12 years ago
Nancy has the fun part of the decorating; Frank does the scut-work. Let him enjoy his little fantasy, because that’s all it is.
littlesky about 12 years ago
Where I live the tree’s end up building sand dunes which is great, especially after a hurricane. So Christmas for us is a bit differerent. We look forwad to the after christmast time of putting the tree’s out for trash pick up.
Tog about 12 years ago
Still trying to decide. Do I put decorations and a tree up this year or not? After all, it’s just me living here. If I do, then I need to buy new ones. Decisions, decisions.
brick10 about 12 years ago
Only 23 more shopping days.
vwdualnomand about 12 years ago
better yet, don’t get a tree or trim the tree. get one of those modern art sculptures by one of those industrial welding artist. it will provide needed income to those starving artists, and they do the “trimming” for you.
sjsczurek about 12 years ago
Never mind the chipmunks. I got tired of hearing Alvin say “OH -KAY!” when I was little. But now we have new carols, such as Madonna singing “Santa Baby,” and Boris Karloff (RIP) singing “Mr. Grinch.” The latter I can actually like somewhat.
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Mikey J taking over the Baby role^^ wha???
thewizofaz about 12 years ago
Let’s just call them Druid trees, then. Settle the whole Christmas/Holiday tree thing.
sappha58 about 12 years ago
Here’s the tree for all of us: http://unusuallife.com/2006/12/08/godzilla-christmas/
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Save a dancing girl for me, lev
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
Donny is referring to mojitobaby. She is(was?) a poster that used logic and facts to back up her posts. She gave references and examples, much as you do. She was always on Donnie’s case, bringing him much grief. Oh, how I miss her.^^I didn’t know that logic and facts were taboo… oh well, you can look forward to more of it ;)
seyleigh about 12 years ago
I have a plastic tree :)
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
^^Christians were not burning babies, that was part of the Roman anti-Christian “de-humanisation” propaganda, circulated as an excuse for committing genocide in the Roman Forum, much the way the Nazis de-humanised the Jewish people as a pretext to the Holocaust.
jwbriggs about 12 years ago
Oh, brother! Your one of THOSE people !!!!!! Talk about a Scrooge, This is the REAL thing!!!
vldazzle about 12 years ago
@Mikey,Many Christian holidays are just reworked the same way from Pagan ones.
Simon_Jester about 12 years ago
You think THIS is a chore, Dad? Wait’ll it’s time to put up the outside lights.
vldazzle about 12 years ago
I planted my pine tree straight out from my patio doors when it was a wee thing (about 3’) and had to use mini decorations on it. After 13 years it is now over 2 stories (higher than my roof) so I don’t even try to decorate it, but the birds love to play in it and it is right next to my yellowbell for food (as well as my feeders).
CrimsonFoxx about 12 years ago
My dad always loved decorating the tree, he always put the huge bubble lights meant for outdoor decorations on the tree and went all out.
Vegasgirl about 12 years ago
Mojitobaby is a woman. Donny is referring to a man or does he just have his facts wrong. Also, when did she leave and do you remember Flying Airman. I really liked him.
Vegasgirl about 12 years ago
She used to work in a law firm. Do you know why she isn’t here anymore? i’m only here in the Winter. So do you remember Flying Airman?
Vegasgirl about 12 years ago
Also, who is The High Priest that Donny is referring to?
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
I was the one who wrote the story of Germanic druids, the burning babies thing wasn’t me, it was that Donny guy, all I did was refute what he said
Mikeyj about 12 years ago
While it’s true that both ancient Druids and medieval Germanic peoples both decorated with various evergreens, it’s a complete myth that there was any evolutionary societal connection. There wasn’t. It’s purely co-incidental and attributable to the natural deference that different peoples of varied culture have always held for evergreens in a world where most plants died off or went dormant in winter. The Germanic tradition, from which our modern Christmas tree developed, arose independently from the Druid tradition.^^I did my research before I wrote about this, but, since most of these events took place before written history, they can only be “educated guesses” and so, there’s room to doubt either viewpoint; let’s leave it at that.
Vegasgirl about 12 years ago
What I mean is that I only sit still long enough to read and respond to all the posts in the Winter. It’s just now become cold during the day so since I’m a complete baby about it being ugly out, I like to read the posts and sometimes comment. I had many interesting “conversations” with Mojitobaby last Winter and enjoyed her dry wit. Donny’s posts are a little long for me and I tend to lose interest pretty fast but I figure he’s like a lot of us and just bored but possibly a tiny bit argumentative. Donny, please don’t take this as an opening to destroy me because I won’t get into it with you if you do, it is just a harmless observation.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 12 years ago
The date of the birth of Christ is unknown so the celebration was just stuck on the time of other celebrations. One day’s as good as another when even “educated guesses” are indistinguishable from wild guesses. This made it easier for the Holy Roman Catholic Church to win nominal converts to Christianity since they didn’t have to give up their parties. (And we all like to party.)-Frank’ll get in the mood, just give him time.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 12 years ago
or Pomona
Sbmwsnwm1 about 12 years ago
Greg, you really messed up on this Sunday. I have been following Luann since she was freckle-faced 8 year old, and Mac computers came with colored shells. Today, you depict Luann’s mom and dad decorating the Christmas tree, and the father saying, “Know what I’d love right now? A big crackling Christmas fire.” He is pictured burning the stack of ornaments he’s encumbered with, including the nativity scene with an effigy of the baby Jesus! BURNING THE NATIVITY SCENE!? SERIOUSLY!? SHAME ON YOU GREG.
amp1276 about 12 years ago
Nope, don’t like this one. Either be merry and enjoy the traditions of Christmas or change them to ones you do enjoy. It isn’t a time for grumbling in misery. If you don’t like putting up the tree then don’t.
DevilDog2001 Premium Member almost 7 years ago
I have mixed feelings towards Xmas, too.