The Nutcracker fable seems to have two different storylines.  We all know about the ballets that go on during Christmas.  But did you know that the story is slightly different from the children’s tale written by E.T.A. Hoffmann circa 1816.  In both cases, Herr Drosselmeyer appears as a toymaker full of tricks.

Who is Drosselmeyer?

Even in ballets, there are several versions of the Nutcracker.  Drosselmeyer plays essentially the same character in all of them.  He is a toymaker.  See his figurine?  He’s carrying a wee-nutcracker toy.

Drosselmeier gives the Nutcracker as a present to young Clara as a Christmas gift.  The Nutcracker comes to life at midnight to do battle against the Mouse King.  After the battle, he transforms into a prince.

In the children’s book (and some versions of ballet), the Nutcracker is Drosselmeyer’s nephew.  Drosselmeier also had a hand in death of the Mouse Queen’s children by building a trap for them.  It was the Mouse Queen who had cursed Drosselmeyer’s nephew into the Nutcracker.

Drosselmeyer is a key figure in the story.  But his character is not one of complexity.  He is, however, a worthy addition to many Nutcracker ornament collection.

O Christmas Tree originates from Germany as O Tannenbaum with German lyrics and has been handed down to us over the years to its present English form.  A quick search online does not yield an author’s name.  So I imagine that the song has been around for a long time.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Oh Christmas Tree was also played as background music in Charlie Brown’s Christmas movie.  The song gave a strong sense of purpose in Charlie’s determination to make Christmas work without commercialism and using the one real tree he picked out.  The only real tree available in the tree market.  It was all but rejected by everybody but him.

Yes, Charlie Brown’s preference for a real tree over an artificial Christmas tree is ironic considering this site’s theme.  But hey, this is still a cool song and a cool Charlie Brown movie.  Plus, when money is tight, an artificial unlit Christmas tree that you can use and decorate for years and years is still the way to go.

Oh Christmas Tree Lyrics and Midi

Finally, the lyrics.  You can listen to the Oh Christmas Tree midi as well for sing-a-long:

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide
Spreads hope and gladness far and wide
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Thou tree most fair and lovely!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour’s birth
Good will to men and peace on earth
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer’s glow
And do not fade in winter’s snow
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Your presence here enhances
Your silver star does glisten bright
Reflecting all the candlelight
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How laden are your branches

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Christmas Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety

From my previous post, Origin of the Christmas tree, we learned that St. Boniface is credited for the invention of the Christmas tree.  More importantly for this post, the first Christmas tree that he had invented (the word invent is used in broad terms) was a fir tree.

That fir tree had two key features that later symbolised the tradition of Chrismas trees that we know today.

From Athomeschool.com -

• The fir tree had a triangle shape. St. Boniface referred to the three points of the triangle as a sign of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
• The fir tree had evergreen leaves.  St. Boniface defined the color and it’s evergreen characteristic (leaves stay green throughout different seasons) as a symbol for eternal life.

Not surprisingly, among the faux trees, one of the more popular type is the fir artificial Christmas tree.  From within the fir tree type, there are subselections as well, such as Douglas, Fraser, Noble, Carolina, Sierra, Camdon, Virginia, Everbrite, Carolina, Bavarian, Montana, Alaskan, Spruce, Niko, and Pine Cone.  These trees are so realistic that they’re visually tough to distinguish from real trees.

I was intrigued by the royal design of the Mouse King Nutcracker ornament.  Perhaps it’s the dark lavender cape.  Or the richly designed coat.  Maybe it’s the sword.  Or could it be the crown?  A mouse with a crown.  Indeed only in fables that a mouse could be a king complete with a royal court.  Of course, that and Disney.

Different Adaptations of the Mouse King

In researching more on the Mouse King, it’s hard not to go back to the entire fable written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffmann.  In the story, the Mouse King is an evil mischievous character who seems to enjoy harming the Nutcracker.  His queen is equally deceptive with the power to lay curses on humans.

In the ballet, he plays a lesser role as the leader of a gang of mice who battles the toy soldiers led by the Nutcracker.  He is killed quickly in the ballet.  No longer appearing after Act I.

There is also a movie called Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986) that’s worth checking out.

Helpful websites on the Nutcracker

- The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
- The Story of the Nutcracker by the Pacific Northwest Ballet

Are you ever curious on how we come to celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree?  There seem to be plenty of references leading to Christmas and many aspects of its tradition such as gift giving, Santa Claus, and the wreaths as originating from pagan traditions preceding Christianity in the Old World.

I suppose that it makes sense that Christmas has roots from the beliefs of people that were previously non-Christian and after they’ve been converted, some of their practices and traditions were too strong to simply just let go.  Hence, these traditions have evolved as part of what we know as Christmas today.

Christmas Tree Invented by Saint Boniface

Within the tenets of Christianity, it seems that the Christmas tree originated from Saint Boniface, the patron saint of Germany.  The story goes that St. Bonaface felled the sacred Oak of Thor after which Thor was suppose to strike him down for his insolence.  He was not stricken down.  Instead, a young fir tree sprung from the fallen oak and St. Bonaface claimed it as the new holy tree for Christ.

From there, the Christmas tree became the symbol of Christ for the German tribes.  Over the years, it became a universal symbol for Christmas.  It is also the reason why fir Christmas trees remain the standard today.

The Ulbricht Mini Drummer Nutcracker figurine reminds me of the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” The one I recall in particular is sang by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. I see it every year on TV no matter what. I believe that in the past few years, PBS has had Christmas specials with the old school performers. Bing Crosby being one of them.

I suppose anything with the year 19xx on it is old school now. Nevertheless, this one is a classic. I found the Youtube video of it. Also, lyrics of “The Little Drummer Boy” is below the video if you want to sing along.

Classic Little Drummer Boy Duet Video and Lyrics

The Little Drummer Boy
lyrics by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum

A new born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,

When we come.

Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

That’s fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

Shall I play for you!
Pa rum pum pum

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum

I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum

Me and my drum.
On my drum.

A red artificial Christmas tree in your living room can bring glamour to your holiday celebration. But do you ever wonder why the color red is associated with Christmas?

We know that it’s Santa Claus‘s color. Poinsettias are red and they’re used widely as decoration during Christmas.

Known Uses of the Color Red

Red has always been billed as danger or cautionary (e.g. red stoplight). We use it as a warning that something up ahead is bad for you.

Red is also used in fashion. It tells the world that someone is daring or flirtatious. Red tells us that she’s anything but bland.

Use of the Color Red during Christmas

But why during a joyful spiritual celebration is the color red in ubiquity? A quick search online points to a Christian origin. In Christmas, red is used to remind us of Jesus Christ. Red is the color of his wounds that he suffered for us to redeem us from our sins.

Although used mainly in combination with green, Christmas red stands out for many of us.  Of course, retailers use that to their benefit by displaying ample red signs on “special deals” and “sales”.  It’s no wonder that Christmas is one of the best decorated holidays.

Below is an article that I’d like to share with you. It’s about the fun of Christmas with family.
_________________________

Decorating for Christmas: Why You Should Make it a Family Event

Do you plan on decorating your home for Christmas this holiday season? If so, do you plan on doing it by yourself? While decorating for Christmas by yourself makes it easier to get the decorating done in an effective and timely matter, you may want to think about turning your Christmas decorating into a family event. You will find that there are, literally, an unlimited number of benefits to doing so.

Perhaps, the biggest benefit of turning your Christmas decorating into a family event is the time that you and your family will be able to spend together, whether you have children or not. Family bonding is even better with children, but you and your romantic partner could also benefit from the time that you spend together, when decorating your home for Christmas. In addition to getting your home decorated for Christmas, your relationship, whether it be with your children or your spouse, may greatly benefit from the experience.

As previously mentioned, if you are a parent, you and your children could benefit from decorating your home for Christmas together. What is nice about decorating your home with your children is that they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if they are younger. Younger children tend to be more proud of their work or their accomplishments; therefore, they will likely be proud of the fact that you asked them for assistance, as well as how their decorations turned out. If you are really looking to make Christmas decorating a family fun event, you and your family could also make some of your own Christmas decorations. Since most children love crafts, it may add extra excitement to the whole decorating experience.

While the majority of the benefits, to having your whole family help you decorate your home for Christmas is centered on family, there is another benefit that isn?t really. By having your whole family assist you with decorating your home for Christmas, you could save yourself a fairly large amount of time. The time saved will all depend on how much decorating you plan on doing. Having your family assist you means that Christmas decorating could take a lot less time. This is a great way to get your Christmas decorating done, especially if you find yourself pressed for time. The more people you have helping you decorate for Christmas, the shorter the whole process will take.

As previously mentioned, you can add extra excitement to this family fun event by having your children or other family members help you make homemade Christmas decorations. Even if you do not wish to make your own Christmas decorations, it may be a good idea to let the rest of your family help you pick out the Christmas decorations. This would really turn Christmas decorating into a family fun event. Even if you are low on cash, you could still allow your children to pick out a few low-cost Christmas decorations. You will find that many dollars stores carry a fairly large selection of Christmas decorations; decorations that many kids find attractive.

The above mentioned reasons and benefits, to why you should turn your Christmas decorating into a fun filled family event, are just a few of the many benefits that exist. Since Christmas is all about family, you should let your family help you prepare for and celebrate the upcoming holiday.

–
John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your ezines as long as you have a link back to http://www.quickregister.net/partners/

For more information on Christmas shopping see the Shopping section section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at: http://www.quickregister.net/partners/

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Yet another way to make a lasting and memorable holiday without crimping your pocket too much — Artificial Christmas Wreaths!

Wreaths have been part of the Christmas traditions for hundreds of years.  The wreath is so ingrained in our culture that it is seen everywhere each Christmas time.

Examples of different artificial Christmas wreaths

If you’re more traditional, there are the faux garland and scotch pine wreaths to consider.  Nowadays, these are so realistic that no one would really notice that they’re not real.

Lifelike Artificial Christmas Wreath Scotch Pine Wreath

But there are more modern types to consider that really spices up a living room.  Check out the Santa Mickey Wreath for example.  If you’re a Disney family, your kids will really love that.

Artificial Christmas Wreath Santa Mickey Mouse Wreath

There are also the unique look of angel feather wreaths.  These come in all kinds of colors.

Artificial Christmas Wreaths Angel Feather Wreaths

When looking to stretch that dollar, it’s a good idea to consider artificial Christmas wreaths.  It’s guaranteed to save money year after year.

Below is an article for fun tidbits on the superstitions behind Christmas wreaths.  It’s a good read…
______________________

Christmas Eve superstisions by michal costaminnego

Haven’t you ever wondered what to do to have a whole year full of happiness and wealth? There might be some suggestions that will help you achieve that. There are believes and superstitions handed down from ages that might be helpful. With a little bit of good wiliness, laugh and hope we can predict our next year in old year. It’s time to begin Christmas superstitions telling!

Many centuries ago people believed that some things done at the Christmas Eve may bring them all the best next year. Those superstitions are very old, so old that they might not have anything real in them and not a bit of truth. If you are not superstitious and don’t believe in such ‘stories’ you can just read it for fun and while Christmas Eve act like you would believe it.

1.The whole day we have to be smiled. Happy from the moment we open our eyes at the morning. But we have to also smile to all the people we see and meet this day. It’s not easy cause the Christmas preparations can make us nervous but if we try to be nice for our family and friends all Christmas Eve our good relations with family will stay for the next year.

2.We can’t fix anything. It is forbidden to sew, repair or fix. If we do so we will be fixing the whole next year. So try not to sew socks, fix the tap or repair the washing machine and you will be all right from January till December.

3.Very common is superstition that we have to eat all the dishes that are standing at the Christmas table. At least taste all of them ? if we don’t like eating something. This believe says that if we do so we will have everything we need next year.

4.As it comes to wealth ? if we want to be reach all the next twelve months we should put the coin under our plate. It will give us all the money that we want. To not to spend it to fast we should save a dried hull of the carp from Christmas Eve supper in our wallet and have it with us till next Christmas Eve.

5.We shouldn’t lend anything to anyone at Christmas Eve. If we do so a person that will be given such help from us will suffer poorness. Of course, if we do it the other way and we will be the person that will borrow something we will be the one suffering financial problems.

6.If the first person who enters our home at Christmas day will be a man we can count on a good luck the next year. And opposite: when this person is a woman all our inmates will have a bad luck. (All the feminist that read it probably aren’t happy at all.)

7.Talking to much is not always practical and seen as something good in society. Too much talking is also not recommended at Christmas Eve and specially interrupting someone. When we do so at this one special day we will fight with everyone the whole year.

8.The last superstition is also about bad luck and it says that number of person that is sitting around the table must be even. If it’s not we will have bad luck all the next year. That’s why family was inviting strange person on their supper ? making this one person also small Christmas gifts and making gifts to their family by avoiding bad luck.

If you believe in those superstitions or act like you do you can be surprised what will happen next year. So good luck and Merry Christmas!

Read more about Christmas, Christmas decorations as Christmas door wreaths, unique gifts and Christmas gifts

Article Source: Christmas Eve superstisions

In admiring the Ulbricht Painted Snowman Nutcracker, I was blown away by the exquisite and painstaking details that went into accessorizing it.  It may not seem all that important, but I thought the twigs he’s holding is pretty cool.  Of course, much like any other Ulbricht Nutcracker, each one of these are handpainted.  So no two are alike.

Still, I realize that Nutcracker snowmen are not the most famous of snowmen.  We know that Frosty is the most famous and ubiquitously known.  But who else is out there?

List of Popular and Famous Snowman

I did a quick research on other famous snowmen and here’s a list, in no real particular order:

• Frosty the Snowman.  No real surprise here.  For many of us, Frosty IS the Snowman.  He has a song.  A movie (Frosty the Snowman 1969).  And years and years of recognition.
• The Abominable Snowman.  A mythical creature that’s not unlike Bigfoot, except the abominable snowman lives in snow covered mountains.  For many kids, our first encounter with the abominable snow man is the Matterhorn ride in Disneyland.
• Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman.  A character from a children’s book, The Snowman, written by author / illustrator Raymond Briggs, published in 1978.  Kinda like Frosty, but not really.
• Jeezy The Snowman.  A hip hop song by the artists Young Jeezy.

Do you celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree? We do.  And always have.  It is part of what we are as a family.

When we first came here from the Philippines, we had little money so my parents bought an artificial Christmas tree that lasted several years.  When times are tough, every little bit helps out.

Save Time and Money with Realistic-looking Artificial Christmas Trees

Is saving money important to you? The good thing about today’s artificial Christmas trees is that they’re so realistic that people will have to ask you if it’s real or fake.  It works well if you’re video camming online and whoever is watching will see a nice, decked out Christmas tree in the background.  Tell them it’s real!  Who cares.  As long as you are saving hundreds of dollars EACH YEAR on a Christmas tree, it’s better for your pocket.

If you’re a single mom, along with saving money, a faux tree is the best way to keep your family celebrating with no hassle to you.

Bring Snow Indoors Safely with Flocked Christmas Tree

Actually, while you’re at it, consider an artificial flocked Christmas tree.  What is a flocked Christmas tree?  It’s a Christmas tree with artificial snow built-in.  We all know that spraying artificial snow on trees will need a lot of cleanup afterwards.  And according to various experts, the spray can pose some environmental problems.

An artificially flocked Christmas tree is already designed with snow, so it won’t come of.  No need for clean up.  No harm to the environment.

And of course, it is for the kids.  Kids love snow during Christmas, even if they’re here in Southern California where snow is so rare that some children grow up without seeing real snow.

Decorate Your Christmas Tree Right Away

Just think.  After Thanksgiving, instead of worrying about how to bring a Christmas tree home from a tree lot, the only thing you have to do is pull out your artificial tree from storage, assemble it, and plug it in.  You can immediately start decorating.

Now that I’m grown-up, I don’t understand why people speak negatively about artificial Christmas trees.  We had it when we were kids.  I had it when I lived in an apartment.  And I have it now.  It is  working out well enough every year.  And saves me some money.

Here’s how to get started!