Discover The Forgotten Old Christmas Day Tradition

Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and celebration with loved ones. While many of us are familiar with modern Christmas traditions such as decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and singing carols, there are several forgotten old Christmas day traditions that were once an integral part of the holiday season. In this article, we will delve into the history of Christmas and explore some of the forgotten old Christmas day traditions that are worth rediscovering.

The history of Christmas dates back to the 4th century when early Christians celebrated the Epiphany, which commemorated the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. Over time, Christmas evolved and incorporated various traditions and customs from different cultures. Many of these traditions have been lost over the centuries, but they are still worth remembering and rediscovering.

The Tradition of Mummers' Plays

One of the forgotten old Christmas day traditions is the Mummers' Play. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and involves a group of actors, known as mummers, who would perform a play on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The play typically featured a series of scenes, including a battle between good and evil, a doctor's visit, and a resurrection. The mummers would also go from door to door, performing the play and collecting money and food.

How to Revive the Mummers' Play Tradition

If you're interested in reviving the Mummers' Play tradition, here are a few steps you can take:

• Research the history of Mummers' Plays and their significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Gather a group of friends and family to form a mummers' troupe.
• Create a script for the play, incorporating traditional scenes and characters.
• Practice the play and perform it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
• Go from door to door, performing the play and collecting donations for a local charity.

The Tradition of Yule Logs

Another forgotten old Christmas day tradition is the Yule Log. This tradition dates back to pre-Christian times and involves burning a large log throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas. The log was believed to have magical powers and was thought to bring good luck and protection to the home.

How to Revive the Yule Log Tradition

If you're interested in reviving the Yule Log tradition, here are a few steps you can take:

• Research the history of Yule Logs and their significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Find a large log and decorate it with evergreen branches, holly, and ribbons.
• Burn the log throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas, starting on Christmas Eve.
• Invite friends and family to gather around the log and share stories and traditions.

The Tradition of Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert that dates back to the 16th century. This rich and fruity pudding was made with a mixture of dried fruits, suet, and spices, and was often served at Christmas dinner.

How to Make a Traditional Christmas Pudding

If you're interested in making a traditional Christmas pudding, here are a few steps you can take:

• Research the history of Christmas pudding and its significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Gather ingredients, including dried fruits, suet, and spices.
• Mix the ingredients together and steam the pudding for several hours.
• Serve the pudding at Christmas dinner, flamed with brandy.

The Tradition of Wassailing

Wassailing is an old Christmas tradition that involves singing and offering cups of wassail (a spiced apple cider) to the apple trees. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and was believed to ensure a good harvest.

How to Revive the Wassailing Tradition

If you're interested in reviving the Wassailing tradition, here are a few steps you can take:

• Research the history of Wassailing and its significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Gather a group of friends and family to form a wassailing party.
• Create a wassail recipe, using a mixture of apple cider, spices, and sugar.
• Visit the apple trees on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, singing and offering cups of wassail.

The Tradition of Christmas Eve Boxes

Christmas Eve boxes are a forgotten old Christmas day tradition that involves filling a box with small gifts, treats, and activities for the children to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

How to Revive the Christmas Eve Box Tradition

If you're interested in reviving the Christmas Eve box tradition, here are a few steps you can take:

• Research the history of Christmas Eve boxes and their significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Gather a box and fill it with small gifts, treats, and activities, such as puzzles, games, and books.
• Give the box to the children on Christmas Eve, along with a note explaining the tradition.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and celebration with loved ones. By rediscovering and reviving forgotten old Christmas day traditions, we can add depth and meaning to our holiday celebrations. Whether it's the Mummers' Play, Yule Logs, Christmas pudding, Wassailing, or Christmas Eve boxes, there are many traditions to explore and enjoy. So why not try something new this Christmas and revive a forgotten tradition?