We all love Christmas symbols used as decorations however most people have no idea where they originally came from. It certainly adds to delightful Christmas conversations when more meaning is added.

Christmas bells - Traditionally bells are rung to celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas morning. In olden times bells were assumed to chase away evil spirits said to be repelled by the noise. Bells represent the death of ignorance and the birth of enlightenment. In modern times Father Christmas uses jingling bells accompanying his sleigh progress to announce the birth of new beginnings and to remind us that goodness is within the hearts of all!

Candy cane - They originated in the 17th century. A Choirmaster in Germany suggested that a local craftsman make candy in the shape of shepherds crooks. The idea was to pass them out to children during ceremonies at the nativity scene to keep them quiet! The design was kept in tune with the festivities - white with red strips. Red symbolizing new life, white for purity and the three strips representing the three Gods, The Father, The Son (Jesus Christ) and The Holy Ghost.

Christmas Stockings - Legend says that a nobleman foolishly squandered his entire fortune after the death of his wife leaving 3 young daughters without dowries. This meant a life of spinsterhood not favored in these times. The shy but generous St Nicholas (today most commonly known as Santa Claus) heard of the girls plight and came to their aide. Wanting to stay anonymous, St Nicholas rode his horse by their house and threw 3 small bags of gold coins into the chimney which were fortuitously captured by the young womens stockings hung by the fireplace to dry. Hence the hanging of stockings became hugely popular in the hope of a great surprise.