A Blonde A Brunette and a Mic
Look forward to time with these two women who have life experience and something to say! Join us each week as we dive into topics that may be raw, unfiltered, funny and even a little controversial. Whatever we discuss will give you our perspective, get you thinking and will keep you coming back for more!
A Blonde A Brunette and a Mic
Season 2 Episode 98 Unwrapping Some Christmas Symbolism
Discover the enchanting backstories of Christmas traditions that have become an integral part of our holiday celebrations. Ever wondered how a humble evergreen from Germany transformed into the iconic Christmas tree, or what tales the twinkling Christmas star tells us from its place in the night sky? We'll explore these stories, weaving together pagan rituals and Christian symbolism to reveal the rich tapestry of customs that fill our yuletide season with wonder and meaning.
As we gear up for the holiday hustle, join us for a delightful exploration of the quirky and heartfelt practices that bring families together. From the whimsical tradition of hiding treats in shoes for St. Nick's Day to the symbolism behind festive ornaments like wreaths and candy canes, we'll offer insights and chuckles alike. With our own festive family gathering on the horizon, we share personal reflections on the joys of togetherness, suggesting that sometimes a heartfelt apology can be more precious than any gift. Embrace the true spirit of Christmas with us, and let's make this season one to remember!
Hey everybody. This is Michelle and this is Julie. Welcome to a blonde, a brunette and a mic podcast. What is our podcast all about, you ask?
Speaker 2:Well, we're 250-something women with life experience and oh bloody to say which is exactly what we're gonna do right now.
Speaker 1:Jingle bells, batman smells. Robin laid an egg.
Speaker 2:Batmobile lost his wheel and Robin had to pay.
Speaker 1:Hey, I've never heard that part.
Speaker 2:I just made that up.
Speaker 1:Because of Batmobile lost his wheel. I have heard that, but I heard the commissioner had to pay.
Speaker 2:Oh, I just made it up. Well, that's good. We've taken all those songs and butchered them over the years, I'm sure I know. Well, we are excited to talk to all of you guys today about some Christmas traditions that are out there and what the origins are, because nobody really talks about where things came from, just that they're there, and so Christmas, being a religious holiday, really is also taken on a lot of other connotations.
Speaker 1:No Bible thumping, Julie. Come on now.
Speaker 2:I'm not Bible thumping, but I'll sing Ave Maria for you. Just kidding, my mom would be so happy.
Speaker 2:By Celine Dion yeah no, definitely not trying to do that. Anyway, we wanted to chat about some of this stuff because I kind of thought it was interesting. I think a lot of people stay away from the holidays and some of these things because they're considered pagan or originating from pagan type holidays or celebrations, but nobody, like I said before, really knows where they came from. So we thought there's a few I think we've got like before really knows where they came from. So we thought there's a few I think we've got like five that we were going to talk about.
Speaker 1:Well, and there were a lot of. When you talk about the pagan holidays back in the day, whenever that was, they were geared around a lot of winter solstice celebrations, and that's how the date in December came about is because that's when the winter solstice is. And that's how the date in December came about is because that's when the winter solstice is. So and then Christians, kind of you know, tagged on to it, and so it evolved to what it is now.
Speaker 2:So Jesus' birthday is not really December 25th.
Speaker 1:No, it's not.
Speaker 2:Do we know what day it is?
Speaker 1:I mean, I heard April 6th, but who knows, do we know what day it is?
Speaker 2:I mean, I heard April 6th, but who knows? Yeah, yeah, it kind of makes sense that it's around the winter solstice. I guess Last year we celebrated the winter solstice. Well, I am having really a lot of problem with my words today.
Speaker 1:I like Winster.
Speaker 2:Winster solstice. We had a Yule log down on the beach in freaking December yeah, 20, whatever, 21st and we all had to write a note that we wished for the new year, I guess, or something that we wished for and then we all burned it in the fire with the Yule log.
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it was actually kind of a nice symbolism sort of thing. Haley Mary's daughter put it together, uh-huh.
Speaker 1:I went to that one where you walked in the endless circle thing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you had a candle. We're going to do that this year.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I know it's probably coming up pretty soon. Yeah, I imagine it is. We'll have to check it out.
Speaker 2:Let's start with the first one, the obvious one Christmas trees. Okay, so the origin of the Christmas tree was started in Germany and is also considered to be a pagan type of ritual, and the tree itself is evergreen and symbolizes eternal life. But that's what it's kind of evolved in into. It was later incorporated this way through Christianity and Christians in general, Because the needles point heavenward, Correct Also.
Speaker 1:And then the color. It's like the secondary color of Christmas red being the first. But yeah there's the evergreen.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but so people don't all use evergreen trees. I mean they have fake ones, like I do. They look like an evergreen tree but they are not real. They go in my garage.
Speaker 1:And hence, as we've moved through the, you know all the years of time and we got flocked trees and we have silver trees, and you know red trees and lit trees.
Speaker 2:So it's lit. Yeah, it's definitely something that signifies the holiday. Sure, because I know for me we only had four weeks this year, I think, so I put it up on Thanksgiving Day.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:The Christmas tree didn't take very long, so if it had been a bigger chore I probably wouldn't have even done it at all. But I do have the tree up. That's about all so far. The evergreen and eternal life and everything. But it did start out as a pagan ritual, so a lot of the Christmas stuff did. Well, christmas stuff, halloween, you name it. It all started out that way.
Speaker 1:And it's when Christianity inserted itself and, like I said, the evolution that's like the red is the first color of Christmas. That's what I've seen.
Speaker 2:Is that supposed to be like the blood of?
Speaker 1:Symbolizing the Savior's sacrifice, or Christ's sacrifice for all you know. Shed his blood, so the red is representative of that color. Yeah, yeah. And then the green is the everlasting life and the green is the everlasting life in the tree.
Speaker 2:What about the Christmas star?
Speaker 1:The star, of course, is deeply rooted in the biblical connotation and the Bible story of when. Christ was born, which is the reason for the season, people, right, it is the reason for the season. It's that heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ago, and and what it's representative of, though, with that, is the shining hope for all mankind yeah so the christmas star.
Speaker 2:I always had understood. The wise men followed the christmas star and that's how they found jesus. It was like they're guiding. It was north star, the Christmas star, and that's how they found Jesus. It was like their guiding it was. North Star or something guiding star, so that is how they got to him.
Speaker 1:But it shone brighter than any other star in the sky, much brighter than the North Star even.
Speaker 2:Did you know that? From heart, from your heart? Yeah, that's how it talks about in the Bible she almost sounds like she's reading it out of a book and she's not. At least this time she's not. So. So Christmas Star was first in the book of Matthew, where it was talked about was supposed to be the guiding star, like Michelle mentioned. Like Michelle mentioned, I had always understood kind of delving into the three wise men a little bit, because I'm kind of stuck on the three wise men. First of all, they had pretty sweet clothes.
Speaker 1:I have three statues there's no way they were herding sheep. You just like them because they were all tall, dark and handsome.
Speaker 2:Well, they were that too, but that's beside the point. They're holy people. They're not not gonna be. Yeah, yeah, but um, anyway, they brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby jesus in the manger but the drummer boy had nothing, he had he didn't have shit, he played for it. Pa rum, pa pum pum.
Speaker 1:Shall, I play for you Pa rum, pa pum pum. Oh, for God's sake.
Speaker 2:Anyways. So that's how I thought the origin of gifting came about. And so now you see that the holiday has turned into really a retail holiday in a lot of ways which it's been that way. But if you look back at earlier times, like earlier in the 1900s even, and stuff like that, the level of frivolity and just gluttonousness wasn't there, like you see, now.
Speaker 1:I was asking. Actually, I just was with my mom for Thanksgiving.
Speaker 2:Oh, I want to hear what she had to say about this. She's 97, you guys.
Speaker 1:Pretty simple, but we were talking about, we were watching this Christmas DVD that she had put together from just all the Christmases over the years. So and then I started asking her questions about when she was little. I said what did you get in your stocking for Christmas? And she was telling me that when she was little, she's 97. So that's like 90 years ago.
Speaker 1:They just hung a regular stocking.
Speaker 1:They didn't have the red felt stockings with all decorated in that, they just literally hung one of their stockings up for Christmas.
Speaker 1:And I asked her what she got in it from Santa, from Santa, and she said there was always an apple in the toe, an apple and an orange, and nuts and candy and hard candy, which it's funny because that's what I did for my boy. I just always grew up and that's what I got in the stocking and that's what I always did for my boys. I always would put an apple in an orange and peanuts like, and then I would put put little things in there too. But as time has gone on, holy smokes like the, the stocking thing is crazy it's. It's like all these little gifts that you get in the stocking alone. But I guess what made me think of that to your point was that years ago, I mean, they were thankful, truly thankful, to be getting, you know, a nice apple and an orange and just those simple little things in the stocking, because it's something that they wouldn't get every day, like we do now.
Speaker 2:Or a hair barrette, or a pair of shoes, even maybe would be a big treat.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you know.
Speaker 2:I know. So I think about that now a lot because our society really is much more commercialized. Preaching to the choir, I know you know that more than anybody, I think. So I always do try to keep it as simple as I can, but then I start going a little bit crazy around the days closer because I want to oh my gosh, I saw such and much and that's going to be so perfect for so and so, and really it's like probably doesn't matter.
Speaker 1:Well, and the stress that that brings on. Truly, I'm not saying don't do any of it, but we all know this. It can be a very stressful time for all these reasons that we're just talking about, like what do we get for who and how do you make it? Even I used to do that for the boys. And you know you're like counting presents and you're like trying to make it all seem like everybody's, you know, loved just as much in the same, you know.
Speaker 1:But those simpler things truly have so much more meaning. And why do we just do this at Christmastime, right, right, why do we just celebrate and do that and do all? I get all the representations. We could sit here and talk about all of it. Like the bow that we put on the presents, it's representative of being tied together in the bonds of goodwill forever. That's what the representative, that's what the bow is. So all these things that we do leading up to and all like in a day, it's very special. But wouldn't it be cool if we just maybe did that one time every month or two, like something special?
Speaker 1:Or when you see something that reminds you of somebody, buy it if you can Just like in that moment, even just something as simple as a little candle or a charm or a hair, something or whatever. It is a pair of socks.
Speaker 2:It's like giving too when you look at like the food banks and things. They get inundated at this time of the year.
Speaker 1:Crazy amounts of food, yeah.
Speaker 2:And then in the summertime and times when you know it's not cold out yeah.
Speaker 2:It's feast or famine, so it's kind of looking at this type of giving and joyousness for all year long. And I know people are having a hard time. They have been, you know, since the pandemic, some more than others. I think some have come out of it more than others, but I think a lot of people are behind the eight ball a little bit, even still, you know, financially, just trying to get caught up on things or whatever. And so it does add a lot of extra responsibility and pressure because there's a lot of expectation maybe for people to do things a certain way.
Speaker 2:So, I agree 100% that it's supposed to be about the day. It's supposed to be about spending time with the people that you love doing whatever playing games, playing cards, having food.
Speaker 1:We should be doing these things all the time, people. Really really, I mean, as we're sitting here talking about it, just makes me think that I don't do it either, but it's definitely something, uh, that gives me cause to think about, for sure yeah, we.
Speaker 2:We used to have very large family celebrations on both sides of the family. Yeah, and they got a little bit, I don't know what happened with my mom's side of the family and they got a little bit. I don't know what happened with my mom's side of the family, but we just kind of stopped doing it. Someone too many people were drinking under the tree or something. I don't know what was going on, but my dad's side of the family I don't know. I just have memories of that. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Under the tree.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Were they passed out under the tree or were they drinking under the tree?
Speaker 2:No, just like one of my relatives was sobbing, like sobbing under the tree. That's what I remember being a kid, like you know. I don't know what her deal was, but I think she drank too much. But my dad's side of the family we used to do it on Christmas Day and then it got to the point where it was like nobody wants to get together on Christmas Day. And so then it would be like we're not doing it at all.
Speaker 2:And you know, like I talked to Mark, for example, my brother-in-law, and he's like, well, I don't see these people normally, so why do I need to like see them during Christmas? And I'm like that's kind of harsh. We don't see him in the summertime or anything. So there's definitely relatives I have that I'd love to see, but I don't see them all the time. So what about Santa Claus? Do you know who he was based after?
Speaker 2:I actually don't know who he was based after he was based after a bishop in the fourth century named St Nicholas. Oh, okay, so yeah, and so, st Nick, that's where it came from. And it's kind of evolved in this jolly old fellow kind of a thing, where now he's coming down a chimney and has a big belly and ho, ho, ho's all over the place.
Speaker 1:Ho, ho, ho's, I got ho's.
Speaker 2:He's got ho, ho, ho's.
Speaker 1:In all the area codes. Oh my God.
Speaker 2:Just kidding, just kidding. No, you're not.
Speaker 1:Santa's playing his cards right, yeah, he is Just kidding, just kidding. You know, some people put stuff in shoes and the name Well, that St.
Speaker 2:Nick's Day is, I think December 6th or 7th, where you put your shoes outside and then you find them with nuts and apple and an orange in them. That's definitely an old school holiday or old school tradition that used to be out there, but the kids did that and they went to Catholic school. So I think it's the 7th no, that's D-Day, december 7th, maybe it's the 6th Anyway where they would put their little shoe out there and then they'd have their satsuma orange that they'd find in there. I'm thinking, don't put any food in there, it's their shoes.
Speaker 1:That's gross. I never did that I. I don't know.
Speaker 2:I'm not familiar with that and then the christmas wreath is actually another evergreen sign, because that now we have wreaths, obviously, that are all different colors, but they're supposed to be made with, like, evergreen pieces, which is a sign of life, eternal life.
Speaker 1:But then it's also done in a circle and so the circle represents, you know no beginning and no beginning, no end. Yeah, eternal yeah.
Speaker 2:So these are just a few of them. They're not even controversial.
Speaker 1:Controversial.
Speaker 2:They're not. I say that right now.
Speaker 1:Well, here's the thing too, because the candy cane, for example, that's representative. Do you know of what Any guesses?
Speaker 2:That's Jesus' blood and stuff.
Speaker 1:But the candy cane that represents the shepherd's crook.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, right.
Speaker 1:Used to bring lambs back into the fold, being a reminder that we are all our brother's keeper.
Speaker 2:Oh.
Speaker 1:Yes and yeah. The red and the intertwined in the candy cane yes, I've heard that too.
Speaker 2:The blood and the bread. Yeah, yeah, kind of a thing. That's what I think I remember about it.
Speaker 1:I was telling Julie, I think these are all the things that people, as things you know, have transpired and changed throughout the centuries. It's the Christian's way of making a pagan holiday seem religious Really, you know, coming up with all these symbols and how they represent what they are. And yeah, it's all good.
Speaker 2:I mean, they're more formalized versions of a lot of the things that were happening centuries ago. Yeah, I don't know if anybody else has picked up on this, but did you notice that Michelle and I kind of are twins? Well, not the blonde hair, the brunette hair, but we're both wearing the same jacket.
Speaker 1:Same jacket I love my jacket. Yeah, I know, these are both Julie's.
Speaker 2:I love these jackets, but we thought we would be twins for this recording.
Speaker 1:Because why not?
Speaker 2:we would be twins for this recording. Because, why not? Because, why the hell?
Speaker 1:not, why the hell not?
Speaker 2:So, michelle, I guess is there anything that you're planning on doing differently this Christmas?
Speaker 1:Are you going to be making anything in your little Christmas things? Honestly, I'm going to do my best attempt at focusing on just enjoying the moments, whatever those are, and not trying to stress about planning and making sure that everything is perfect, because it's not.
Speaker 1:And it doesn't have to be, you know, and, as you know, rick is coming, so it'll be our first Christmas together in person, which I'm super thankful for. Finally, and so really just, I think that's part of it is just being grateful and thankful for being, you know, in each other's company and having that extend with, you know, the whole family. And just having it be what it is, and it doesn't have to be spectacular and outrageous, it just has to be heartfelt and warm. Totally agree, yeah.
Speaker 2:We used to spend a lot more time preparing Like we were talking before the decorating and the shopping and the wrapping, and we're at a place now where you have a lot of grandchildren, so you've got some stuff to do with that. But I don't have any little kids in my life, so I'm sure when I do it's going to change a little bit, Although little Delilah, she's kind of around, so I've been already getting ideas on what she would maybe like for from Santa. But I do believe that in a lot of ways I've tried to simplify things for my family in that we've gone away for the holidays or that's been kind of the gift is just
Speaker 1:getting away and it's about time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's about making the time together, and this year is our first year. We're going to go to Austin you know where Andrew just moved and all of us are going to be there. Even Brian is going to be there, which is a little weird, but it's going to be cool because it's like all of my kids they're significant others.
Speaker 1:And then Julie and Brian Weird, but at the same time really normal. I mean so many families. Now, that's just, that's how it is, you know, yeah, they're all blended. To have both parents present for the kids and you know, during this, that special time is. I think it's really spectacular that you guys are at a place where you can do that.
Speaker 2:I know, yeah, I'm really excited. So, it's the kids' time to pass the torch and they're going to do the cooking. They're going to do all that stuff, so I'm really excited about like having Andrew take care of it all for a change, just kick back and relax.
Speaker 2:Yeah, hang out with peeps, so anyway well, we'll let you guys go, but we wanted to get a little thought out there regarding some of these things that we get so stressed out about over Christmas and you know it's a special time of the year, but let's keep it that way.
Speaker 1:I have something for people to think about.
Speaker 2:Just a little. Just a little. She got closer to the microphone.
Speaker 1:A little end of the episode. Thought here during this holiday season. Some families don't need to exchange gifts for Christmas. They need to exchange apologies, settle old disputes, make peace, forgive and seek healing. That would be a truly blessed Christmas right.
Speaker 2:I think that's a good action item for people.
Speaker 1:I think it is too.
Speaker 2:There's got to be one good action one person in your family that you could give a hug to, that wouldn't expect it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, totally. So do that please A hug or an apology, whatever it is.
Speaker 2:Sometimes the hug is the apology for people who can't say I'm sorry, yeah, and we'll just take it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we'll just take it.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So, we're out on the socials.
Speaker 1:We're out on all the socials Facebook, instagram, tiktok. Go check us out on YouTube. We are there as well, so we've been working hard at getting better with the content and we just appreciate all the downloads, as always.
Speaker 2:That's right. So this brunette and this blonde are going to sign off. Peace out, peace out. We'll see you next week. Happy holidays, happy holidays.
Speaker 1:Till next time, bye hey.