Welcome!
December (Unit 2)
The holiday season is indeed upon us! Welcome to the second (and largest) unit of the course where we will explore many pre-and-early Christian customs that have informed Christmas as we know it (or perhaps as we don't!).
This unit covers an overview of the winter solstice, what we know about ancient Scandinavian Yule, the origins of many of our modern Christmas customs, an introduction to several characters from European Christmas folklore, the potential origins of the figure we now know as Santa Claus, and several fun recipes to try!
You are welcome to listen to the full recording (2.5 hours) of the material, or to take it subject by subject. Most sections are provided as both a beautifully-crafted, printable PDF handout, and also as a mp3 audio recording (save for two at the end: Simple Rituals is only available as a PDF and Yuletide Mischief Makers is only available as an mp3).
This unit covers an overview of the winter solstice, what we know about ancient Scandinavian Yule, the origins of many of our modern Christmas customs, an introduction to several characters from European Christmas folklore, the potential origins of the figure we now know as Santa Claus, and several fun recipes to try!
You are welcome to listen to the full recording (2.5 hours) of the material, or to take it subject by subject. Most sections are provided as both a beautifully-crafted, printable PDF handout, and also as a mp3 audio recording (save for two at the end: Simple Rituals is only available as a PDF and Yuletide Mischief Makers is only available as an mp3).
Be sure to click on the calendar below to download your printable, themed page for December of 2024!
Below you will find all of your goodies for the second unit of the course covering the December festivities! I have arranged them in the order I feel is best suited for learning (this order is reflected in the master recording above) but of course, you may go in whatever order suits you.
It's time for your goodies!
