Coal in the Christmas Stocking … and Baseball Cole
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| Handmade Lump of Coal soap by SEAandCLEAN on Etsy |
In Italy gifts at Christmas began with the birth of Jesus and is where La Befana (a witch who delivers presents) instead of Santa Claus leaves toys for good children, and coal for bad ones. Today, Italians use a candy, called Carbone Dolce, (dark, rock-like candy that looks just like lumps of coal), as a joke.
In Holland, the coal legend began around the 16th century. Dutch children would put their clogs by the fireplace before stockings were used and got a lump of coal if they were bad and a small toy, cookies or candy if they were good.
Other countries have their own legends or stories to tell.
Interesting to note that in Scotland and Northern England it is considered lucky to receive a lump of coal as a gift on New Year's Day. It's part of their 'First-Footer' celebration and represents warmth for the year to come.
Being a baseball fan (and the baseball fan contributor here on Review This!), I tend to relate 'everything' to baseball. A December 2014 headline in MLB news is what brought this whole story about. It stated “Which Club will get Cole in its Stocking?” The story goes on to state that there are a number of 'Cole diggers' (baseball teams) vying for the acquisition of the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels. We didn't know for awhile which team ended up with Cole as their new pitcher, but the Boston Red Sox seemed the most interested at that moment. (Red Sox ~ Stockings ~ Hmmm!)
*Editor's Note: Cole Hamels actually ended up with the Texas Rangers in 2014. Today he is pitching for the Atlanta Braves.
Christmas stocking Coal or Baseball pitcher Cole. The stocking lump-of-coal seems appropriate for this time of year. Baseball is appropriate ANY time of year (to me, the baseball nut). :-)
Santa, I Can Explain...
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| eBay Cross Stitch Pattern |
I sold this cross stitch pattern shown in the photo of a cat sitting next to a tree ornament lying on the floor and the words “Santa, I can explain!”
The buyer sent a note saying she couldn't wait to cross stitch this design as her cat takes all the stuff off the tree and hides it. Then takes the branches and gets rid of them. So this picture is for her cat. :-).
Personalized stories like this make my eBay selling most enjoyable and gives me such a nice feeling that something I've listed is exactly what someone wanted or fits a situation perfectly.
Handmade by Santa?
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| Handmade Christmas Coasters Available on Etsy |
Since early childhood, we've known that Santa, with the help of his elves, makes all the Christmas toys for good little girls and boys. As we grow up, we begin to doubt that Santa Claus actually made everything by hand.
I confess I had some doubts myself, until last month when someone bought a batch of yarn I had for sale in my eBay store. You see, the shipping address for the yarn purchase was – wait for it – NORTH POLE, AK.
I'm now totally convinced that 'Santa's Workshop' actually exists.
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| Santa Humpty Dumpty |
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
(c) A collection of stories originally written by me (Wednesday Elf) on a former online site.
Of course Santa's workshop actually exists and I certainly know who my favorite Elf is! I was entertained by the history of coal. I really like the story and custom of Scotland and Northern England. What a fabulous positive twist on what I have always viewed as a negative gift. I also loved that kitty pattern! I, myself, would have purchased it if I had seen it in your store. My grandkitties always have a lot of "explaining" to do.
ReplyDeleteMouse, I KNEW Santa's workshop actually exists, but it was nice to have it definitely confirmed. Also nice to know Santa likes to create with yarn just like me ~ the Elf! Thanks for visiting my Santa stories.
DeleteThe lump of coal is such a cute gift idea! Fun yet practical. We actually have "Santa's Workshop at the North Pole" just a couple hours from us. Your article brings back lots of memories. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI loved that lump of coal handmade soap, Carol. Very clever. I bet Santa's Workshop at the North Pole would be a fun place to visit. Thanks for your visit.
DeleteCute and put a smile on my face more than once. While I don't share your enthusiasim for Baseball, the coincidences in that story were just too cute. Good review on all those lumps of coal or Cole as the case maybe.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to research the background of those 'lumps of coal' this time of year. Thanks for visiting, Olivia.
DeleteInteresting background on coal in the stockings lol. Cole or Coal? Hmmm I know which one most people would select. By the way, love your Santa humpty dumpty, it's so cute :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara. That Santa humpty dumpty is on its way to a 6-year-old boy for a Christmas gift. His mom was delighted to find it, she wrote me.
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