The Christmas Pickle Tradition: A Surprising History and How-to

Out of all the things I associate with the Christmas and Winter holidays, a pickle wasn’t one of them. Until last year when I was given a glass ornament for the Yule tree in the shape of a pickle. And yes, like you, I definitely scrunched my eyebrows a bit …

La Befana: The Italian Christmas WITCH & How to Honor Her

There are literally hundreds of different Christmas beings and spirits all over the world. Most notably, Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas and his helpers. Sometimes he’s accompanied by elves or his wife Mrs. Claus, and sometimes his sidekicks are a little more terrifying like the Christmas Devil Krampus. But in …

20 Christmas Spices & Herbs to Fill Your Home With Joy

The holidays are coming! And what better way to fill your home with Yuletide cheer than to decorate, cook and bake with the season’s traditional herbs and spices? I’ll bet some of your best Christmas memories are invoked with certain traditions, aromas and flavors. Was it the smell of gingerbread …

Krampus: Who is Krampus the Christmas Devil? His Ancient Pagan Origins

We all know and love Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves. But most of us can’t say the same for Krampus the Christmas Devil. In this post, we will enter the scary realm of the Winter Solstice by knocking on Krampus’ door. We will answer the question who is …

Yule & Christmas Plants: The Poinsettia, Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe

The Christmas tree has long been the pillar of Christmas décor, but what about the other Christmas plants? Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have also been a part of the Winter holidays, just as long as the Christmas tree. The poinsettia is also considered a magical Christmas plant in North America. …