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 7th January.

The Celtic Christmas design featured above is available on placemats and hand painted glassware.

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

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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.

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An ideal gift for Christmas is the Friendship Glass Globe Scent Diffuser. Each mouth-blown glass globe is individually made by an artisan glassblower which makes it unique. Available in a range of colours, and including a 200ml bottle of English-blended fragrance oil. Each globe colour has its very own fragrance oil, and scent refills are available to purchase separately. Tastefully packaged in a gift presentation box, they make the perfect stylish gift for Christmas.

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Introducing the Yuletide Favourites embroidered gift bags, in addition to our popular embroidered Magical Christmas bags. Featuring our popular Cats, Penguin, Unicorn and Westie designs. Great as Holiday gift bags filled with chocs or sweets!

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Best Sellers

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This Christmas dress your table with the red and green Argyll design which is derived from Scottish Tartan and is available in placemats, table napkins, table runners and table cloths. The range is ideal for those special celebrations and occasions.

The Mackintosh Rose and Lattice design is available in table runners, doilies, jewellery roll, jewellery purse, specs case and pocket tissue holder. This design has been produced to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, architect, designer and artist, who was one of Scotland's most influential creative figures. High quality products at affordable prices make these items a very popular choice with our customers.

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Introducing the Glencoe Thistle design in purple. Available in doilies, table runner, napkins, jewellery purse, jewellery roll, pill box purse, spectacles case and pocket tissue holder. This range can also be matched with the Hem Stitch table cloth.

Our embroidered giftware items are extremely popular with our customers. Gifts of high quality yet at a reasonable price. Just a small selection shown below. We have many designs available in cosmetic bag, jewellery purse, jewellery roll, pill box purse, pocket tissue holder and specs case.

This Christmas choose from our Kerzenfarm products which are all hand crafted in Germany by highly skilled craftsmen and women. The glowing glasses and lamps make superb festive gifts.

We have some gorgeous Cat design gifts for your Cat loving friends and family!

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In the UK the Robin is a traditional symbol associated with Christmas and is featured on numerous Christmas cards and decorations. Our Robin Red Breast design is available on a range of rrunners and doilies, perfect for the Christmas dining table. The tea towel, paperweight and window roundel also make great gifts for friends and family.

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This Christmas we have a number of our top selling quality table runners, table cloths, doilies and place mats on Special Offer. All beautifully embroidered and make a perfect Christmas gift.

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The Friendship Mini Globe Tea Lights make a thoughtful Christmas gift. The innovative design enables the Mini Globe to be used in 2 ways - with the tea light inside the globe or with the tea light placed on top of the globe as shown. Available in amethyst, blue, green and white as shown.

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For that special gift choose from our beautiful range of Friendship glassware items from D & J Glassware. Their Friendship gifts for the home and garden include Friendship Oil Lamps and Tree of Life Glass Friendship Balls. The quality is outstanding and the vibrant iridescent colours reflect the light and create more colour in the garden. These make perfect gifts for all garden lovers.

Decorative Stained Glass Mirrors in Mackintosh Rose designs. Celtic Glass Designs presents Winged Heart's stunning Slimline Gift Mirrors. These significant and expressive gifts are ideal for that special Christmas gift. Christmas wouldn't be the same without Angels! Winged Heart are the leading company in the UK producing handpainted stained glass gifts. Their Angel designs can be purchased in roundels and window clings.

Winged Heart roundels make superb gifts at Christmas time. Choose from a wide range of designs. All designed and hand painted in the UK. Personal message and gift wrap included free of charge with all orders.

Sea Gems pens are very popular with our customers at Christmastime. Visit our range of ladies and gents pens.

Our other giftware section includes stunning personal pewter, nickel plated and enamel giftware, jewellery, embroidered bags and stained glass items. Choose from compact mirrors, flasks, paper knives and pens all designed in Cornwall, England.

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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 9th December (14th December for delivery within Europe) and 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, St. Andrew's Day, Christmas and Hogmanay.