Christmas Past

Pfeffernusse Christmas Cookies

2008-12-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Pfeffernüsse (also spelled pfefferneuse in English, in Danish: pebernødder (plural) and pepernoten in Dutch; singular Pfeffernuss) are small, hard, round biscuits with ground nuts.

The name translates to pepper nuts in German, Danish and Dutch, describing their spicy taste as well as the fact that many recipes actually call for almonds or walnuts and a small amount of black pepper to be used.

Pepernoten are originally a Dutch treat[citation needed], baked during 'Sinterklaas', a feast on 5 December (6 December in Belgium) on which little children receive gifts from the holy St. Nicholas, the original of and the inspiration for Santa Claus. In Germany, Pfeffernüsse are traditionally made during the Christmas season.

Recipes often call for the dough to be rounded into a ball. Today they are often produced with a chocolate base.

Like most baked goods, there are many variations of pfeffernüsse. While most recipes call for cloves and cinnamon, some also use nutmeg or anise. A Danish recipe for pebernødder requires white pepper, while most international recipes call for black pepper. Some versions of pfeffernüsse contain pecans, ginger, or cardamom.

In Southern Germany, they are known as Eiweißgebäck. They are also known as "Pimpernüsse" in some places.

They are very popular at church concert receptions, especially around Christmas time.

German Pfeffernüsse are often confused with Russian tea cakes because they are a similar shape and are both generally covered in powdered sugar, but they are radically different internally.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup butter -- softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 large egg
powdered sugar

Lightly grease baking sheets and set aside. Place flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt, cloves, cardamom and pepper in large bowl; stir to combine. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy scraping down side of bowl once, beat in molasses and egg. Gradually add flour mixture. Beat at low speed until dough forms, scraping down side of bowl once. Form dough into a disc; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 30 minutes or up to 3 days. Preheat oven to 350°F Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies with spatula to wire racks; dust with sifted powdered sugar. Cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature or freeze up to 3 months.

Springerle Christmas Cookie Recipe

2008-12-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Springerle is a type of cookie from Baden-Württemberg, Germany with an embossed design made by pressing a mold onto rolled dough and allowing the impression to dry before cooking. The cookies are traditionally white and anise-flavored. They are also unusual in that they use hartshorn as a leavening agent. Molds are traditionally carved from wood, although plastic molds are also available. The name springerle means "little knights," and their origin can be traced back to the 14th century.

4 large eggs
3 cups flour
4 1/4 cups powdered sugar (1 pound)
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2-1 teaspoon anise extract

In large mixer bowl, beat eggs at high speed until thick & lemon colored. Continue beating while adding sugar slowly; add flour, baking powder, lemon peel & anise extract- beat together completely. On a well-floured board, roll out some of the dough with a plain rolling pin to about 1/2" thickness; lightly flour Springerle rolling pin & roll it firmly across dough to impress patterns (try to keep dough about 1/2" thick). Cut cookies apart between patterns. Place cookies 1/2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets, and allow them to dry uncovered overnight (12 hours).
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 250-300° & place cookies 1/2" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake 25-30 minutes until firm but still white. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store cookies in a tightly covered container with some anise seeds. Flavor develops fully after about 2 weeks.

Recipe submitted by Sheila B.

Moravian Christmas Cookie Recipe

2008-12-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

⅓ cup molasses
3 Tablespoons shortening
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon each cinnamon, ground ginger, baking soda, and salt
1¼ cup flour, more if needed

Procedure

In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, shortening, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
Add flour, a little at a time, to form dough.
Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Divide dough into 4 balls, and keep covered with a damp towel.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball, one at a time, to about ⅛-inch thick (very thin).
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or rim of a glass and place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake about 6 minutes, until lightly browned.

Makes about 24 cookies.

The food that is prepared for Easter dinner is usually taken to Mass on Easter Sunday, where it is placed on the altar and blessed by the priests. The blessed food is then taken home to be eaten. A traditional Easter dinner may include baked ham or lamb, polevka z jarnich bylinvelikonocni (Easter soup), made of different herbs and egg, and a loaf of sweet bread called mazanec, made with raisins and almonds.

Merry Santa Classic Victorian Print

2008-12-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Santa

This wonderful old-fashioned image would look perfect for your holiday themed decor! It is available as a reproduction Art Print

Angelic Girl with Decorated Moon for Christmas

2008-12-07T15:56:00.001-08:00

Girl Hanging on to Moon

Right down to her fuzzy bunny slippers, this little girl oozes charm. This art poster is perfect for a little girl's room.

Santas on a Ski Lift

2008-12-07T15:55:00.001-08:00

Skiers and Snowboarders Dressed as Santa Claus Ride up the Ski Lift
This festive image is available as an art print from: Christmas Photos

2008-12-07T15:54:00.001-08:00

Faith Snowman
Another stunning country-themed Christmas print. It is available from here: Country Christmas

Christmas Romance, on a Beach with a Lighthouse

2008-12-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Greetings, Couple on Beach

Forget the snow and head to the beach with this lovely, romantic vintage image. It is available as a high-quality reproduction Art Print
from here: Victorian Christmas Images

Child Catches Santa in the Act

2008-12-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Caught

A delightful vintage print in which a child wakes up just in time to catch Santa with some toys. It is available as an Christmas Art Print
from here: Santa Images

Country Snowman for Christmas, Let it Snow!

2008-12-07T15:50:00.001-08:00

Let It Snow
is available as an Art Print
from here:
snowman posters

Christmas Cat

2008-12-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Greetings, Cat with Balloon

Caption: Take this wish today from me,
Merry may your Christmas Be

This image is available as an Art Print
from Holiday Posters

Christmas Morning

2008-11-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

is available as a 25 in. x 31.625 in. art print from:

here

Bringing Home Firewood for the Christmas Fire

2008-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Two Children Bring Home a Barrow-Load of Firewood for the Christmas Fire

by Blume, E.

is available as an 18 in. x 24 in.

Barrow-Load of Firewood for the Christmas Fire

Concert of Angels

2008-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

This detail of a painting by Gaudenzio Ferrari is available as an art print from: Concert of Angels.

Gaudenzio was born at Valduggia in the Valsesia in the Duchy of Milan. He is said to have first learned the art of painting at Vercelli from Girolamo Giovenone. He subsequently studied in Milan, in the school of the Cathedral artisan Stefano Scotto, and perhaps also in that of Bernardino Luini; towards 1504 he proceeded to Florence. It was once thought that he later moved to Rome. He died in Milan.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

2008-07-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

According to a custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss. The custom is Scandinavian in origin.

The custom has been incorporated into various holiday songs. The 1943 song I'll Be Home for Christmas tells the story of a lonely traveler looking forward to coming home and seeing, among other things, mistletoe. The Mistletoe is mentioned in the song "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" ("The Christmas Song"), made famous by Nat King Cole, and written by Mel Torme. The song "A Holly Jolly Christmas" sung by Burl Ives, and used for the TV special "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", features the line, "Ho Ho, the Mistletoe", and the line, "Kiss her once for me". In 1961 singer Aretha Franklin released a Christmas song called Kissin' by the Mistletoe. In 1971 singer Lynn Anderson recorded the song Mr. Mistletoe on her holiday album The Christmas Album. The song talks about an elf who hangs mistletoe in homes so that people can "steal a kiss from someone that they know". In 2001 Barbra Streisand released the song It Must Have Been the Mistletoe. Rocking around the Christmas Tree also refers to "mistletoe hung where you can see, every couple tries to stop". A popular child's Christmas song's first line is, "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus, underneath the mistletoe last night."

Flapper Girls Decorating Christmas Tree

2008-07-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

How elegant! This vintage image is available from here: Flapper Girls at Christmas.

Christmas Angel Carrying Foliage

2008-07-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

This lovely Christmas angel is available as a poster. Click here for availability.

A Jar of Christmas

2008-01-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.

—Harlan Miller

Bing Crosby and Davie Bowie Duet

2008-01-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

I was eight or so when this was originally broadcast on Bing Crosby's Christmas special. I look forward to hearing it every year.

History of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

2007-12-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

The poem, now known as "The Night Before Christmas," was first published anonymously in a small newspaper in Upstate New York in 1823, and its original title was "Account of a Visit From St. Nicholas." It was a huge success, and it has been published in book form so many times that it now exists in more editions than any other Christmas book ever printed.

Fourteen years after its first publication, an editor attributed the poem to a wealthy professor of classical literature named Clement Clarke Moore. At first, Moore dismissed the poem as a trifle, but he eventually included it in a volume of his collected Poems (1844). A legend grew that Moore had been inspired to write the poem for his children during a sleigh ride home on Christmas Eve in 1822, and that he had based his version of Saint Nicholas on his Dutch chauffeur.

For complete article, go to SAWorship.com

The Christmas Tree Ships

2007-12-22T23:39:00.000-08:00

Top: Portrait of Elsie Schuenemann at the wheel of the Christmas Tree Ship, near the Clark Street Bridge on the Chicago River in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois. The boat carried Christmas trees to Chicago from Michigan. Her father, Captain H. Schuenemann, died when the Rouse Simmons, a ship carrying Christmas trees, sank in 1912. Middle: Captain H. Schuenemann (center), 1909.

I'm debating about whether or not to get a Christmas tree this year. My fiance and I rented out our condo and, along with my mother, purchased a brick two-flat. My possessions are currently scattered across the City of Chicago and several suburbs, all of it slowly making its way to the new place. For the moment, we're all living like gypsies. The thought of decorating for Christmas is exhausting as we continue to pack and box up our stuff. And which house should we celebrate at? We won't be fully moved until next month. Maybe I'll just get one of those tree-shaped rosemary bushes I saw at Home Depot. They smell terrific and they're portable, too.

This series of photos depicts the old Chicago tradition of the Christmas Tree Ships. In the late 19th and early 2oth century, Christmas tree-laden ships would arrive each year from Michigan--a much anticipated event.

This bit comes from Wikipedia: The Rouse Simmons was a three-masted schooner famous for having disappeared in 1912 with a cargo of Christmas trees bound for Chicago. The ship was sailing on Lake Michigan in a violent storm when it sank off the coast of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, killing all on board. The legacy of the schooner lives on in the area, with frequent ghost sightings and tourist attractions whereby its final route is traced. It was known as "The Christmas Tree Ship" and was one of many schooners to transport Christmas trees across the lake. However, with railroads, highways, and tree farms proving much more economical, the tree-shipping industry was on a steep decline and they had stopped sailing by 1920."

Here are a few links for more information:

Christmas Tree Ships
Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships

The Christmas Tree Ship: The Story of Captain Santa

Christmas at Arlington

2007-12-17T11:15:00.001-08:00

A lovely photograph of Arlington National Cemetery sent by my aunt. Some 5,000 wreaths have been donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington , Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. Most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out.

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1916

2007-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1916, The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1920

2007-12-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1920, The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1922

2007-12-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1922, The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1926

2007-12-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1926, The Saturday Evening Post.

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1939

2007-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Norman Rockwell Santa, 1936, The Saturday Evening Post.

Christmas at Union Station, 1944

2007-12-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Union Station, Chicago, 1944. Norman Rockwell.

Kindly Santa

2007-11-12T21:04:00.001-08:00

A Jolly Good Christmas

2007-11-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

Seeing an elf dance with a doll always cracks Santa up.

Santa's Pack

2007-11-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

Santa asked me
what to bring
In his pack for you.
I said, "Oh, just everything."
And I hope he does it, too!

St. Nicolas

2007-11-02T11:09:00.001-07:00

Santa the Matchmaker

2007-10-27T14:48:00.001-07:00

May Your Christmas Be Bright and Merry!

2007-10-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

May Your Christmas Be Bright and Merry!

A Happy Christmas Time

2007-10-21T16:01:00.001-07:00

Phonograph Christmas Wishes

2007-10-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

Blue Cherub Christmas Postcard

2007-10-13T18:30:00.001-07:00

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Christmas in My Heart

2007-10-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

—Charles Dickens

A Visit from St. Nicholas, 1862.

2007-10-07T02:02:00.000-07:00

Here are the illustrations for the 1862 edition of Clement Moore's A Visit from St. Nicholas. To see them in more detail, click on each illustration to enlarge.

A Visit From Saint Nicholas
by Clement Moore
Illustrated by F.O.C. Darley.
NEW YORK: JAMES G. GREGORY, PUBLISHER, 1862.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap—

When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter,
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blitzen—
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So, up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas too.
And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little month was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf;
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Angelic Choir

2007-10-06T20:36:00.001-07:00

Scottie Dog for Christmas

2007-10-06T20:35:00.001-07:00

Girl with Pointsettias

2007-10-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

Girl Against a Christmas Tree

2007-10-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

Christmas Greeting

2007-10-06T20:30:00.001-07:00

Just a wish for Christmas tender,
kind and true.
Bearing friendship's greeting
from my heart to you.

Christmas Anniversaries

2007-10-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

There has been only one Christmas—the rest are anniversaries.

—W.J. Cameron

Santa at the Window

2007-10-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

This good little girl is off to bed, candle in hand and favorite toys tucked under her arm. If only she'd look behind her, she'd catch a glimpse of Santa!

Windswept Traveler, Peggy Abrams

2007-10-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Windswept Traveler by Peggy Abrams is available as a mini print. I really like the old-world feel of this artist's work.

Familiar Carols Play

2007-10-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Purple Santa

2007-10-01T18:39:00.001-07:00

Tweeting a Merry Christmas

2007-10-01T18:38:00.001-07:00

A Joyful Christmas

2007-10-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

A Tipsy Snowman

2007-10-01T18:36:00.001-07:00

Blue Santa

2007-10-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

While Stars of Christmas

2007-10-01T18:34:00.001-07:00

While stars of Christmas shine
Lighting the skies
Let only happy looks
Beam from your eyes!

Twine Mistletoe and Holly

2007-09-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sing hey! Sing hey!
For Christmas Day;
Twine mistletoe and holly.
For a friendship glows
In winter snows,
And so let's all be jolly!

—Author Unknown

Puzzles Till His Puzzler Was Sore

2007-09-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

—Dr. Seuss

Christmas Pudding

2007-09-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

"A Merry Christmas" by Frances Brundage features a delicious-looking Christmas pudding.

Everything We Have Ever Loved

2007-09-25T23:32:00.001-07:00

Christmas—that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance—a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

—Augusta E. Rundel

Christmas in His Heart

2007-09-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.

—Roy L. Smith

Be Good, for Goodness Sake

2007-09-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

What did these children do that was so naughty? They seem a bit afraid of Santa.

Santa Rides a White Horse

2007-09-25T11:24:00.001-07:00