Ahhh….the sweet smell of candy canes and apple spice against a backdrop of evergreens. Just like that the jingle jangle of the holiday season is upon us! But, what of the myths & origins of all those aspects of the season and how did they come to be? Thanks to some online google & wiki searches here are a few highlights:

Santa Claus - historians don’t know too much about the original St. Nicholas. He was born in Turkey somewhere between 200 A.D. and 300 A.D., orphaned at a young age, inherited a fortune from his wealthy parents, and purportedly traveled, giving much of it away to those in need. St. Nicholas was chosen by the people of Myra to be their bishop, and was jailed for a time due to the persecution of Christians. He was released with many other religious people when a new emperor came into power. Remembered for his generous spirit, cartoonist Thomas Nast illustrated St. Nicholas for Harper’s Weekly in the 1800’s, popularizing the image of the portly man in red who many children recognize today as Santa Claus.  

The Christmas Tree - Popular in Germany in the 1800s, German immigrants to America brought the tradition with them. However, it didn’t become a United States  holiday tradition until the London Illustrated News published an illustration of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children surrounding a Christmas tree. Wanting to keep up with their British neighbors, Americans quickly adopted the tradition.

Chanukah - At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash ("attendant"), used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, we light just one flame. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. By the eighth night of Chanukah, all eight lights are kindled. Special blessings are recited, often to a traditional melody, before the menorah is lit, and traditional songs are sung afterward. 

Kwanzaa -The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili), are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31. 

Friends, as our 2022 draws to a close, let us remember these great origin stories and that they apply to all who read this holiday message. Just think, 40 years ago in the spring of 1983, the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter came to be. Take a moment to reflect on all of those founding chapter members, all those meetings industry professionals, who have served on 40 years’ worth of committees, philanthropic events, educational and networking events as well as those leaders who served and gave their time on 40 years’ worth of MPI boards. That. Is. Amazing! Those individuals blazed the trail that led all of us to where we are today: leading, teaching, learning, and making lasting business to business relationships. To all those individuals I salute you and offer up a toast to this wonderful voyage we have continued, thanks to you all!  I look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary with my fellow MPI Texas Hill Country chapter brothers and sisters in 2023!