The practice of giving gifts on Christmas comes from an older, more magical tradition. From "The Magikal Year" (ISBN: 0877288828), in the pagan world, the person who did not give generously during this time of year would not have good luck in the coming new year. (Could this be the true origin of, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" and other seasonal aphorisms?). Later, Christians adopted the practice in order to remember and honor "God's great gift to mankind" or something like that.
For some more informative Christmas and pre-Christmas links, check out the Wikipedia'sChristmas entry.
Merry Holy Days to my fellow/.ers!! May Health, wealth, Peace, Goodwill, and lots of nifty gadgets be yours now and always;).
George C. Scott also did the best portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge since Alister Sinn. It was made for TV several years ago, but it is also available on video.
I am shocked by the departure of this great craftsman. We were just talking about him in my community theater group, relishing memories of his superb performances.:::sigh::: I feel as though my own grandfather has died.
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The practice of giving gifts on Christmas comes from an older, more magical tradition. From "The Magikal Year" (ISBN: 0877288828), in the pagan world, the person who did not give generously during this time of year would not have good luck in the coming new year. (Could this be the true origin of, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" and other seasonal aphorisms?). Later, Christians adopted the practice in order to remember and honor "God's great gift to mankind" or something like that.
/.ers!! May Health, wealth, Peace, Goodwill, and lots of nifty gadgets be yours now and always ;).
For some more informative Christmas and pre-Christmas links, check out the Wikipedia's Christmas entry.
Merry Holy Days to my fellow
Yup, it was Clarke in the Rama books. It is the third of Clarke's Three Laws that makes the Indistinguishable From Magic statement.
Of course, there have been more than a few variations on that theme.
George C. Scott also did the best portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge since Alister Sinn. It was made for TV several years ago, but it is also available on video.
:::sigh::: I feel as though my own grandfather has died.
I am shocked by the departure of this great craftsman. We were just talking about him in my community theater group, relishing memories of his superb performances.