Solstice ~

"Literally 'sun standing still,' when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon.  At the winter solstice, December 22, the sun is directly overhead at noon along the Tropic of Capricorn and the day is shortest in the northern hemisphere.  This has traditionally been a time of celebrations involving light, greenery, fire, and the return of the sun.  Such midwinter festivities have left their mark on the ways Christmas has been observed."

~ Spirit of Christmas Past

Tomorrow:  CANDLES, GREENERY, and PAGANISM.

Illustration from Tasha Tutor [Dear friend, Sharon, thank you for your most welcome call today.  Tasha has nothing over you!]

"When the first Christmas card appeared in 1843 it was denounced by some because the design, showing a Victorian family party drinking to the health of an absent friend, was thought to encourage drunkenness and alcoholism.  Yet now, for many of us, the season of goodwill really starts when the first card drops through the letter-box.  It signals not only that Christmas is really upon us ~ and we still haven't done a thing! ~ but that we are remembered by far-flung relatives, old and dear friends and new acquaintances."

~  The Spirit of Christmas Past - Evocative Memories of Years Gone By, Linda Clements.  Todtri Productions Limited. 1996.

[Post card JEWalker Collection]