Christmas, Yuletide, Winter Solstice

The festival and customs of Christmas has its origins in many different cultures and religions. The festival of Saturnalia, which was the Roman celebration of the winter solstice, took place in mid December and lasted for one month. It was to celebrate the re-emergence of the Sun after the shortest day of the year. There was much feasting, gifts were exchanged and homes were decorated.

In the Christian religion Christmas the Christ Mass is part of the religious festival to celebrate the birth of the Messiah Jesus Christ. As Rome became more Christianised the two festivals of Saturnalia and Christmas merged. The exact birth date of Christ was unknown, therefore, it was decided in AD350 by the then Bishop of Rome Julius I to have the 25th December as the birth date of Christ. In western Europe Christmas was celebrated on the 25th December, but in eastern Europe it was celebrated on the 6th January.

Celtic Britain

During the Dark Ages in Britain Christmas festivities also centred around the Winter Solstice.

Traditions of this time are still celebrated today as part of our modern Christmas.

12 Days of Christmas

The 12 days of the Christmas festival traditionally start on the 24th December, Christmas Eve. For the Celts divination, looking into the future was practised on this day. January 6th is the 12th day and also Christmas Day in Eastern Europe. Again divination was practised on this day, games and festivities took place.

The Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe

Homes were decorated with Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe. The Holly and the Ivy represented the male and the female hence wreaths were made with both entwining as a symbol of family harmony in the home. Mistletoe was of great significance to the Celts as they believed it had magical qualities of fertility. From this belief the kissing under the Mistletoe tradition formed. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas all decorations were removed.

The Yule Log

The Yule log originates from the old Norse festival of Yule which once again started at the Winter Solstice, 21st December. Evergreens were used to symbolise eternal life and fires were lit in homage to Thor the Norse God.

The fire, the Yule Log, was kept alight throughout the festival to welcome the return of the sun. Yule cakes were eaten and much cider consumed. The remnants of the log were retained for the following Yuletide to symbolise the continued circle of life. The tradition of the Yule Log is still remembered today when chocolate Yule Logs are eaten at Christmas.

St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle

The character known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and many other pseudonyms has its origins in Saint Nicholas who was the Bishop of Myra in Turkey. He was renowned for his great kindness and came to be associated with children. Saint Nicholas died in AD340.

Children are encouraged by their parents to be good all year in anticipation of Father Christmas with the help of his Reindeers visiting every child in the world on Christmas Eve to deliver much wanted presents.

Take a look at our classy table linens to dress your Christmas table in style this year. For Celtic dining we recommend Celtic Christmas (shown top). We now have the table runner available in two sizes 54" and 72" as well as the mantle runner.

An addition to the Antique Damask range shown left, currently available in red table napkins, gold table napkins, gold tablecloth and red border table cloth, is the new red border table runner.

Our Magical Christmas candle holders make ideal gifts at only £6.00 each. They are all boxed and supplied with a tea light. Choose from Angel, Christmas Tree, Snowflake, Snowman and Star.

New for 2007

An addition to our popular embroidered Magical Christmas bags range is the Robin shown below. If you wish to purchase the full set of Christmas bags they are available at the special price of £10 for the set of 8.

For those of you searching for a highly personal gift visit our Jewellery section and choose from a fabulous range of gifts including bracelets and torcs, brooches, earrings and necklaces and pendants. We've added many new items from Sea Gems and St Justin for Christmas 2007.

Our other giftware section includes stunning personal pewter and silver giftware, embroidered personal gifts and stained glass items. Choose from clocks, compacts and perfume atomizers, flasks, paper knives and pens all designed in Cornwall, England. Again, we've added many new items from Sea Gems and St Justin for Christmas 2007, including a new range of keyrings and pocket watches.

For further gift ideas visit our Winged Heart stained glass gifts which include crystal window pendants, hanging roundels and square panels, mirror boxes, photoframes and tea light holders. Handcrafted greetings cards are available by Karen Millard as shown below and Winged Heart.

Our embroidered personal gifts which include cushions and cushion covers, coathangers, tissue box covers, laundry bags, personal handled bags, cosmetic and jewellery bags. The English Lavender range is featured above.

If you have any special orders or requests please e-mail Beverley@celticglassdesigns.co.uk and we will endeavour to meet your requirements. Please ensure that you order early for Christmas. The last date for placing orders for overseas delivery is the 8th December and noon on 21st December for deliveries within the UK.

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Celtic Glass Designs offer a range of stunning hand painted glassware and matching embroidered table linen for all occasions - Birthdays, Corporate and Special Events, Anniversaries, Weddings, Burns Night, Valentine's Day, St Davids Day, St Patricks Day, Mother's Day, Easter Sunday, May Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hogmanay.