Seasonal Greetings
Happy holidays to you all! I know this is a very American saying, but I read somewhere recently that it’s an inclusive way of wishing someone well and showing that you respect and value whatever tradition they observe.
It’s not meant an insult to Christmas, but as a greeting used during the Christmas and winter holiday season to recognise the celebration of many holidays, sometimes starting with American Thanksgiving and including Hanukkah, the winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Day.
So what ever you celebrate we wish you well.
Christmas Stocking
One of the more popular traditions is the hanging of a Christmas stockings. I think we all hang our stockings in a different place, over a fireplace mantel, a staircase, or a bedpost seem to be the most popular in our office. While there are no definitive written accounts that explain this tradition, there are legends that shed light on the origin of this custom.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Jolly Old Saint Nick is not just a nickname or a Christmas carol, it is believed to be the true inspiration behind Santa Claus. St. Nicholas of Myra (thought to be in modern-day Turkey) was a rich man who lived during the 4th century and was known for his charity. He took interest in one particular villager and his three daughters, as the man could not afford dowries for his eldest daughter.
Legend has it that one night Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the man’s chimney knowing that he would never accept the gift willingly. The gold slipped into a stocking that was hanging to dry over the fireplace. And thus, the man could now afford gifts for his oldest daughter and the legend of Santa and the Christmas stocking was born!
Nicholas continued acts of charity throughout his life and attempted to stay out of the spotlight while doing so. Eventually, he became a Saint for his selfless acts.
While many still speculate about the origin of the Christmas stocking this story is widely accepted as the humble beginning of what is now an essential holiday tradition.
Our last day will be Wednesday 21st December, and we will be closed for Christmas through to Wednesday 4th January.
We will be checking the answer phone and emails on a regular basis during shutdown, so if you need to get in touch please leave us a message.
So from our Christmas to yours, Happy Holidays! From all of the Kentra Training Team
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