19 December - Christmas Wrapping

Just like Christmas cards and manufactured decorations, Christmas wrapping paper rose to prominence during the 19th century, at a time of growing industrialisation and the development of a consumer culture.

Before the mid-1800s Christmas presents had usually only been given to children and were small things that might be placed inside stockings on Christmas Eve. However, by the 1880s, the purchase of manufactured goods had increased, as had the production of boxes in which to store them. From there it was only a small step to create special paper to wrap it all up in.

In the late 19th century presents were wrapped in white tissue or brown paper, with a gift tag or token sprig of holly attached. From there people started using coloured tissue paper. Joyce Hall (who would later found Hallmark Cards) started producing wrapping paper in 1918, with the designs becoming more elaborate as the years went on.

And then, of course, there's this sort of Christmas Wrapping (with more of those wonderful lights!).

3 December - Jingle all the way

A perennial favourite of the Christmas season is the world renowned 'Jingle Bells' - originally called 'One Horse Open Sleigh' - but did you know that the song is over 150 years old?

It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) in 1857 and, at the time, it had a different chorus melody, which was more classical in character. The 1857 lyrics also differed slightly from those we know today.

The song has been translated into many languages and was also the first song broadcast from outer space, in a Christmas-themed prank by Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra, on December 16, 1965.

On the side of a building in the center of Medford Square in Medford, Massachusetts, USA, there is a plaque commemorating the birthplace of 'Jingle Bells'. However, in Savannah, Georgia, there is a marker commemorating the composition of 'Jingle Bells' in a church there where Pierpont served as music director.

And here, for your delectation, is Crazy Frog's version of 'Jingle Bells' with some more of those crazy Christmas lights so beloved of this blog. Enjoy!

Christmas crackers

Meet the Christmas-obsessed man who's got a thing for animatronic Santas.

Out of this world

Long time readers of this blog will know that back in April I posted a blog featuring a crazy Christmas lights display.

Well, following on from my post the other day about seeing festive lights for sale in June, I found this the other day on YouTube.



I don't know what I like more about this video; the fact that the lights display is just so OTT, or that it's set to that well know Christmas hit Star Trekkin' by The Firm.

For those of you who remember the original from 1987 as fondly as I do, here's a reminder of what can be achieved with simple puppetry and claymation. Who needs CGI anyway? (Hey, that sounds like a potential title for another book!)



And then there's this version which was specially created for the 2006 Star Trek Convention, featuring the original cast.

Only 180 shopping days to Christmas

So surely now must be the best time to buy your festive lights, mustn't it?

Well, according to my local garden centre that would seem to be the case. But then again, the lights there are on sale at a massive 50% off!