Christmas Stories

 

Ok how about we take a look at some Christmas stories that are well known when you think of Christmas stories what comes to mind?

Over time and across generations and cultures, some Christmas stories have become beloved classics, read and cherished every festive season.  Here are few that popped into my head while thinking about this topic.

The first one being a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is transformed by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Dickens’ tale is not only a critique of Victorian society but also a powerful reminder of the joy that generosity and compassion can bring.

The one I would read to my daughter’s every Christmas was The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, this story is also known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and this classic poem paints a vivid picture of a visit from St. Nicholas.

Another book liked by many is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss but I am not one of them, in fact I am not a fan of Dr. Seuss. This playful and rhyming tale follows the Grinch, a green and grouchy creature who attempts to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. With its message that the true meaning of Christmas lies in togetherness rather than presents, this story remains a festive favourite for children and adults alike.

I like the movie Polar Express but didn’t realise it was a book by Chris Van Allsburg, it is a beautifully illustrated story, The Polar Express tells of a young boy's magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This tale of belief and wonder captures the imagination and the spirit of Christmas in a profoundly touching way.

There are some popular Australian stories because in Australia, Christmas falls in the summer, so there are some unique festive stories that reflect our local culture and traditions. Popular tales include 'Wombat Divine' by Mem Fox, which follows a lovable wombat who wants to be part of the nativity play, and 'An Aussie Night Before Christmas' by Yvonne Morrison, a humorous reimagining of the classic poem featuring kangaroos and utes instead of reindeer and sleighs.

 

USA and Christmas

 

When it comes to Christmas, Germany may be considered one of the main countries associated with it but there is no denying that the USA has played a big role in turning it into what it is today.

It was the USA in that popularised the image of Santa that we all know and love, through Coca-Cola ads in the 20th century. Then there are the Hollywood movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Mircale on 34^th Street, The Santa Clause and many others.

There are also some great Christmas songs such as White Christmas, Last Christmas and of course All I Want For Christmas.

Christmas in the U.S. blends traditions from immigrant communities, making it a cultural melting pot.

Then there are the United Kingdom’s Contributions, such as Christmas crackers which were invented in the UK, these festive table novelties are now a staple in many countries.

Also, Charles Dickens was British, and most people have heard of A Christmas Carol which shaped the modern spirit of Christmas, emphasizing generosity and goodwill.

Did you know that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped popularize the Christmas tree in Britain, spreading it across the English-speaking world.

How about that the Philippines have the world’s longest Christmas season, starting in September. Or that Nordic countries are linked to Yule traditions, which predate Christian Christmas.

 

 

Week 49 of 2025

 

Good morning, all I have been up since 4.40am, why? Well, I had a headache, and it woke me up and I was unable to settle so I got up to take something for it and decided to stay up.

Tim and I went to the plaza to do some shopping, and I had to remove my shoes as I felt unstable walking was so much easier barefoot.

It has been a very warm day, but I haven’t had the air con on. I have had a much better day then yesterday.

Steps: 8,623 = 4.4klms or 2.7 miles

Good morning, it is the first of December and officially the start of summer. I slept well getting just over 8hrs of sleep. At 5.30am it is 14C or 57F, by midday it was 23C or 73.4F.

I sorted out some photos and put them into a photo album, also wrote a couple of letters and fed the birds.

I have noticed a small cut to my right index finger, and I have no idea how it happened, but it is sore.

I have asked Sue if she will take me to the post office on Thursday, she said she was about to ask me if I would like to go shopping with her on Thursday.

By 5pm I am struggling to stay awake.

By 6.30 I was feeling less tired and will stay up later then I thought I would.

Steps: 11,195 = 5.7klm’s or 3.6 miles

I was up at 4.50am again as from 4am when I got up to pee, I had trouble going back to sleep only dozing on and off, so I just got up. I had a good night’s sleep getting 9hrs & 45 mins of sleep.

It is only 12C or 53.6F at 5.30 and my BGL is 6.0.

I decided to sort out the Christmas gifts in have but only got half done as it took too much out of me. I ended up getting Sam to clean off my bed putting the stuff in bags for me to sort out tomorrow. Sue said she would come over tomorrow and help me with the task.

It has been a warm day.

Steps: 11,142 = 5.7K’s or 3.5 miles

 

I had a rough start to the night but ended up getting around 6hrs & 25mins of sleep. It is 13C or 55.4F at 5am and it is supposed to be another warm day.

After reading some blog posts and having breakie I find myself just sitting doing nothing, well I did do some work on Christmas cards, but I am kinda not all here.

The temp at 9am is 20C or 68F

Sue came over she helped me with the Christmas presents and I sent an email to the iris photo place about the photo for Kirsty. I was hoping it would be easier to get the voucher online for it but couldn’t work it out.

It did warm up to 26C or 78.8.

Steps: 7,975

I slept well in fact I think I was asleep minutes after going or bed and didn’t wake till 3am when I got up to pee.

I did a load of washing and hung it out to dry before I go out with Sue.

BGL:7.1 at 5.30am

Sue and I went to Kmart Sue wanted to buy some clothes, I also bought a few things, including a new Christmas dress which is a bit tight so may see if Sue can exchange it for the larger size, it looked ok on but was difficult to get on and off.

I was having a nap in my recliner when Sandy walked in, she at last came to get stuff I printer for her.

It is another stinking hot day; I have sorted out most of the Christmas presents still have to do a few more.

It reached 31C here or 87.8F had the air con on all day well from 11am.

I got the clothes inside and folded them but left the basket on Tim’s chair and of course he made some silly comment that annoyed me as he is just as able as me to move it.

Steps:14,523 = 7k’s or 4miles

A nice cool morning it is 18C or 64F at 5.30am. I slept well got around 9hrs of sleep.

Tim doesn’t need to get up till 6.30 he has a short day today; said he will be home around 4pm this afternoon.

Sue and I went to exchange our dresses I was able to get a size 18 but there was no size 18 in the one Sue wanted.

I uploaded the payslips for my DSP claim.

Had a long video call with Kathy this afternoon she told me about her trip to Bali, which made me laugh.

This afternoon there was a text fight between Sue and Tasha about my care Tasha got very angry and because she was drunk Sue was also very angry. Tasha put be in the middle of it which also really pissed off Sue. As Sue said it was about me and not with me.

Steps: 9,075 = 4.6k’s or 3miles

I had a good night, got 9hrs of sleep, it is only 23C or 73F and it is going to be another stinking hot day. My BGL is 5.5 at 5.30am

Jessica bought me breakie.

Tasha came down and she was furious her anger is over the top; she and Sue got into a text fight over Tasha’s care of me. This fight got out of hand and Tasha thought I was defending Sue and not her. However, both Tim and I thought she was the one in the wrong.

Kathy heard about some of the events and sided with her mum and aunty.

By midday it is 35C or 95.9F.

Tim is working this afternoon he should be home by midnight.

Tasha came down to let me know she wasn’t angry with me and all is well between us.

I also saw Blain and Jonathon this afternoon.

Steps: 13,703 = 6.9l’s or 4.3 miles

I WILL END THIS BY LETTING EVERYONE KNOW I AM OFF FOR A FEW DAYS AWAY SO I WILL NOT BE VISITING BLOGS  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post with links to other posts

Time to post links to the new posts over at Random Stuff

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/getting-to-know-you.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/seasons-greatings-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/tuesday-four.html

  

True meaning of Christmas

 

Hi all I am late getting around to writing this well started it yesterday but didn’t get around to finishing it as I was just so exhausted most of the day.

Christmas is an important day for Christians but also for other people now days. Celebrated on 25 December each year, is a cherished holiday around the world.

Its origins may come from the Christian tradition of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the true meaning of Christmas extends beyond religious observance. It encompasses a spirit of generosity, kindness, togetherness, and hope that resonates with people of all backgrounds.

Churches hold special services, nativity plays are performed, and carols are sung, all of which focus on the message of peace and goodwill.

I feel Christmas is a period of joy and hope as well as an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, express gratitude for what we have, and look forward to new beginnings. The festive lights, decorations, and cheerful music all contribute to an atmosphere of happiness and optimism, reminding us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

While Christmas has religious roots, its meaning has broadened over time. Many Australians, regardless of faith, embrace the holiday’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and unity. Schools and workplaces often host end-of-year celebrations, and communities come together for public events like carols by candlelight. These traditions foster inclusivity and encourage everyone to participate in the festive cheer.

 

Christmas and reindeers

 

Ok this week’s animal is the reindeer as it is one of the most iconic animals when we think of Christmas.

It was in 1821 that the reindeer was first mentioned, this was in the booklet The Children’s Friend introduced reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.

Then is 1823 Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as The Night Before Christmas which cemented the image of eight flying reindeer, named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, and Blixem (later Donner and Blitzen).

Santa’s most famous reindeer was introduced in 1839 in Robert L. May’s story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a misfit whose glowing nose saves Christmas. It was a 110 years later that Gene Autry recorded the song that turned Rudolph into a global sensation, adding him as the ninth reindeer.

Can you imagine any other animal pulling Santa’s sleigh while he travels around the world delivering gifts to children. Even though there is a song here in Australian about Santa’s sleigh being pulled by kangaroos but it’s just a song no one here things that happens. Many Aussie kids leave carrots out for the reindeer along with a piece of fruit cake and a beer for Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany and Christmas

 

Today is the first of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.

This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.

Are you asking why Germany?

Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.

The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.

Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.

We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involve four candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.

On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.

Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.

Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).

Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.