Grandfather Frost & The Snow Maiden...

Ded Moroz, or Morozko (Russian: Морозко, romanized: Morozko), is a legendary figure similar to Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus who has his roots in Slavic mythology. The tradition of Ded Moroz is mostly spread in East Slavic countries and is a significant part of Russian culture. At the beginning of the Soviet era, communist authorities banned Ded Moroz. However, the ban was lifted and he soon became a significant part of Soviet culture. The literal translation of Ded Moroz is Grandfather Frost or Old Man Frost, but traditionally the name is translated as Father Frost. Ded Moroz wears a heel-length fur coat, in red or blue, a semi-round fur hat, and valenki on his feet. He has a long white beard. He walks with a long magic stick[1] and often rides a troika. He is often depicted bringing presents to well-mannered children, often delivering them in person in the days of December and secretly under the New Year Tree, over night on New Year's Eve. The residence of Ded Moroz in Russia is considered to be the town of Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast.The residence of the Belarusian Dzyed Maroz is said to be in Belavezhskaya Pushcha. In East Slavic cultures, Ded Moroz is accompanied by Snegurochka (Russian: Снегурочка, Snegurochka; Belarusian: Снягурка, Sniahurka; Ukrainian: Снігуронька, Snihurońka; "Snow Maiden"), his granddaughter and helper. ~ Wikpedia.

The Addams FAMILY!!!... :D

...Enjoying carolers... Heh-heh-heh...

Kram-PUSS!!!... ;)

Sant VS The Krampus...

Ooo, ~ Yule!!!... ;)

Have A Lovely Yule!!!...

Joyous Yule!!!... ;)

Happy Yule!!!... :D

Yule Blessings!!!... :D

"God Yule!"... ("Good Yule!, ~ as they wish you in Iceland)... ;)

Why Vikings Feared Seidr, ~ The Magic Of their Volvas...

Signs Showing You May Have Viking Ancestry...

What Life Was Like For The Average & Viking Wedding Traditions...

What Beauty Was Like For The Vikings...

"Vikings": Vikings Meet Native Americans For The First Time...

"Vikings": Yidu & Ragnor...

My Favorite Scenes From "Vikings"...

A Bit Creepy...

The Train Ride in "The Polar Express"... >>> This movie came out in 2004 with an eerie tone. The whole train ride had an uncanny, dreamlike quality, and those lifeless, glassy-eyed kids in the motion-capture animation didn’t help. It felt more like a fever dream than a festive adventure.

A Wicked Wreath...

Viking Runes...

"Vikings" Yule...

Love This Music!!!...

What The Series "Vikings" Got Right...

A Viking Yule...

Missle-Toad... ;D

Or...

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>>> Druids used mistletoe in winter festivals. The plant became associated with Frigga in Norse mythology, who was the goddess of beauty, love, and marriage. No wonder we now kiss under the mistletoe!

Strega Nona...

Adorable Strega Nona...

10 Ways To Celebrate Yule Like A Viking...

>>> ~ From "Viking Style"... Q: What is Yule? A: Yule is a Viking winter solstice celebration that holds great significance in Viking culture. It is a festive time of year when Vikings gather to honor the changing of the seasons and celebrate new beginnings. Q: What are the origins of Yule? A: Yule has its roots in ancient pagan traditions and has been celebrated by Vikings for centuries. It is closely tied to the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Q: What are some Yule rituals and traditions? A: Yule is marked by various rituals and traditions, including feasting, lighting bonfires, exchanging gifts, and burning a Yule log. These customs are meant to bring warmth, joy, and good fortune for the coming year. Q: Why is Yule considered a time of renewal? A: Vikings viewed Yule as a time of renewal and rebirth. They believed that by celebrating the winter solstice, they could harness the returning light and energy of the sun to help them overcome the darkness of winter. Q: How do Norse gods play a role in Yule celebrations? A: Norse gods such as Odin, Freya, and Thor are associated with Yule festivities. Odin, the Allfather, is often revered as the bringer of Yule blessings and wisdom, while Freya is honored for her connection to fertility and love. Thor, the god of thunder, is believed to protect the Vikings during this time of year. Q: What kind of food and drink are enjoyed during the Yule feast? A: The Yule feast is a time of indulgence and abundance. Traditional Viking foods such as roasted meats, hearty stews, and ale are enjoyed, along with festive treats like honey cakes and spiced wine. Q: Are there specific songs or music associated with Yule? A: Yes, music played a significant role in Viking celebrations, including Yule. There were traditional Yule songs and melodies that were sung and played during festive gatherings. These songs often celebrated the season, nature, and the gods. Q: What decorations and symbols are associated with Yule? A: Yule decorations often include evergreen plants such as pine and holly, which symbolize life and rebirth. Viking symbols and runes are also incorporated into the festive decor, representing protection, luck, and spiritual connection. Q: What kind of games and activities did Vikings partake in during Yule? A: Vikings enjoyed various games and activities during Yule, promoting community and camaraderie. These included storytelling, singing, dancing, wrestling, and competitions such as archery and target throwing. Q: How is Yule celebrated in modern times? A: Yule celebrations have experienced a revival in modern times, with people embracing Viking traditions and incorporating them into their winter festivities. Many choose to honor the Yule season by hosting feasts, participating in rituals, and engaging in activities that connect them to Viking heritage. Q: Are Yule celebrations unique to Vikings, or are they observed worldwide? A: While Yule is most closely associated with Vikings, there are similar winter solstice celebrations observed around the world. Different cultures have their own unique customs and traditions that honor the changing of seasons and the rebirth of light.

Create The Magic!!!... ;)

Why Do We Kiss Under The Mistletoe?...

Kram-puss ;)...

The Yule Cat, ~ The Legend Of The Icelandic Giant Cat...

Sinterklaas...

A Mulled Wine...

The History Of Mistletoe...

European mistletoe (Viscum album), the traditional mistletoe of literature and Christmas celebrations, was known for centuries before the Christian era. It is distributed throughout Eurasia from Great Britain to northern Asia. It forms a drooping yellowish evergreen bush, 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) long, on the branch of a host tree. It has thickly crowded forking branches with oval to lance-shaped leathery leaves about 5 cm (2 inches) long, arranged in pairs, each opposite the other on the branch. The flowers, in compact spikes, are bisexual or unisexual and have regular symmetry. They are yellower than the leaves, appear in late winter, and soon give rise to one-seeded white berries, which when ripe are filled with a sticky semitransparent pulp. These berries, and those of other mistletoes, contain toxic compounds poisonous to many animals and to humans. The European mistletoe is most abundant on apple trees, poplars, willows, lindens, and hawthorns. Its North American counterpart, the Eastern, or oak, mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum), also parasitizes many deciduous trees, including oaks. In some parts of Europe the midsummer gathering of mistletoe is still associated with the burning of bonfires, a remnant of sacrificial ceremonies performed by ancient priests, the Druids. Mistletoe was once believed to have magic powers as well as medicinal properties. Later the custom developed in England (and, still later, in the United States) of kissing under the mistletoe, an action that once was believed to lead inevitably to marriage. Most mistletoes are evergreen and are easy to locate and harvest after their deciduous hosts have lost their leaves in late fall and winter; hence, the plants often are used as festive decorations at Christmastime, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

Suet & Other Foods For The Wild Creatures...

Things wild birds and critters love to eat in the winter, --- suet [left over cooking fat with seeds added], peanuts, dry cat & dog food... I just ❤ ❤ ❤ foxes!!!... >>>

Befana, ~ The Christmas Witch... ;)

Nicole HarwoodFolklore, Customs, Legends and Mythology. December 4 at 1:45 PM · >>> 🧙 La Befana the Christmas Witch 🧙

>>> On January 5th throughout Italy, excited children prepare for a late-night visit from La Befana by hanging up socks to be filled with small delights. Befana, a grandmotherly woman who resembles a kindly witch, brings gifts to good little children, depositing them in stockings hung above the hearth, then tidying up a bit before taking her leave. Befana arrives after children have gone to bed on the eve of the Festa dell’Epifania (Feast of Epiphany), which is a celebration of the visit of the Three Kings or Magi to the newborn Christ child in Bethlehem. It’s thought that her name derives from the word “Epifania.” Another theory posits that an important figure from Italian folklore is a Christian version of an earlier Roman goddess, Sabine (also known as “Strenia” and “Bastrina”). While the ancient goddess connection is probably accurate, Befana has been transformed through the ages from her likely ancient Roman origins. The medieval figure conceived of in 13th century Rome is very similar to the grandmotherly Befana children adore today. ✨La Befana - The Good Witch of Christmas✨ Most modern representations of Befana — seen in storybooks and as popular dolls — depict her as an elderly woman wrapped in a dark shawl, wearing a kerchief on her head, and carrying or riding a broom. According to a popular song about Befana, she is dressed “in the Roman custom” (col vestito alla romana). Befana is not the “bad witch”, who lures unwitting children like Hansel and Gretel into her cottage and then devours them. Most often, Befana is seen smiling while carrying a basket heaped with goodies. She’s affectionately known as “the Christmas witch”, due to her costume and association with Sabine, who was sometimes referred to as a good witch, and protector of children. In fact, Befana is not technically a witch at all, although she has some obvious characteristics of fairytale witches. But inquisitive children (and adults) beware: if you’re intent on getting a glimpse of her, Befana is rumored to give you a sharp thump with her broom! ✨The legend of La Befana - An origin story as old as Christmas✨ There’s a specific tale with mostly subtle variations relating to Befana’s connection to the Three Kings of the Epiphany, which actually explains the broom. According to the legend, Befana was in her cottage sweeping the floor when she glanced out of the window and saw a bright light in the night sky. She paused to behold it but then returned to her work as she was devoted to being a good housekeeper. Soon after the star appeared, she was paid a visit by the Three Kings, which, as you can imagine, took her quite by surprise! It seems they had wandered far from their path toward the humble stable in Bethlehem. They asked Befana for directions, told her they were following the star at the advice of royal astrologers and were intent on bringing gifts to honor the babe. Befana declined their invitation to join them on their journey as she was too reluctant to leave her work unfinished. She did provide the kings with shelter for the night. After they set out the next day, she had a change of heart. She ran after them with her broom and her basket of small gifts for the holy child but failed to catch up with their entourage. ✨What does La Befana bring - Treats or coal for nice or naughty children✨ Italians say that Befana is still searching for that baby and, on her quest, she leaves treats such as toys and candy or fruit for well-behaved children. Naughty children get chunks of coal, onions, and garlic, or even a straw from her broom instead of rewards. Needless to say, parents don’t mind using La Befana as leverage with their children — at least during the few weeks leading up to Christmas and Epiphany! As Befana enters houses through the chimney — or resorts to other top-secret techniques for getting into a home without a fireplace — she wears a distinctive dark shawl caked with layers of chimney soot. It’s also said that she sweeps the floor of a home before she departs, a symbolic gesture for clearing out the old just as the new year is dawning. ✨Where to Celebrate La Befana in Italy✨ Throughout Italy, children eagerly await the arrival of La Befana, and cities hold celebrations in her name. The biggest La Befana festival takes place in Urbania, her traditional home. Every year on January 5, residents of Urbania host an enormous celebration that attracts between 30,000 and 50,000 people. Activities include dancing and juggling, singing in the streets — and appearances by hundreds of Befanas, who begin their Epiphany gift-giving journeys by handing out sweets to children at the festival

The 12 Days Of Cat-mas... ;)

The Winter Goddess...

Song: Hymn To Her...

Pagan Traditions Of Christmas...

The History Of Saint Nicholas ~ The Origin Of Santa Claus...

Santa & Coca Cola...

In the 1950s it became known that Santa loved Coke!...

Coal In The Christmas Stocking!?...

Babushka, ~ Russian Mother Of Christmas...

Krampus Songs!!!... Heh-heh-heh!!!... ;)

"Krampus Carol Of The Bells"... >>>

Lyrics... Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Gruss Vom, Gruss Vom Krampus {Greetings from Krampus} Children take care! Please be aware All that you've done Will come to bear! Have you been good? Behaved as you should? Those who have not It's understood Krampus will come Looking for some You are not safe Best that you run! You're on his list Not what you wished This Christmas time You will be missed! There is someone watching over all that you have done this year Every little boy and girl please listen... Keep Christmas spirit alive! If you believe Given reprieve Don't lose your faith Next Christmas Eve Christmas is real Show how you feel If you forget Your fate is sealed! As you grow old You have been told Stay warm of heart Keep out the cold Now that you know Reap what you sow You have been warned You have been warned! All of you naughty children best prepare for some yuletide fear This will be a very scary Christmas If he finds you on his list This will be a very scary Christmas Quiet now I think he's here!

KRAMPUSLAUF, ~ Krampus Run!!!... ;)

OH, ~ JOYOUS!!!... Tonight IS KRAMPUSNACHT!!!... ;)

Who Is Krampus?...

Krampus is a mythical creature from Central European folklore, particularly in the Alpine regions, known for punishing misbehaving children during the Christmas season. Krampus is believed to have pre-Christian origins, possibly linked to pagan rituals for the winter solstice. The name Krampus comes from the German word "krampen," meaning "claw" .

Krampus is often depicted as a half-goat, half-demon monster who contrasts with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the good children . Whereas, Krampus punishes bad boys and bad girls.

The creature's frightening appearance includes horns, fangs, and a long tongue . Over time, Krampus has been integrated into Christian traditions, despite attempts by the Catholic Church to ban him .

The Wheels Of The Gods...

"The Wheels Of The Gods grind slow, but they grind extremely fine..."

Lilith...

Cats & Christmas Trees...

The Holly King...

Pagan Folk Songs...

Yule Traditions...

A Very Pagan Christmas To You... ;)

Yule Witches...

Home Schooling!!!... LOVE IT!!!... ;)

Onion Soup!!!...

This is really easy to make and delicious!!!... In a big pot, boil cubes of chuck steak. Add beef seasonings, including "Better Than Boullion," black pepper, and some "Gravy Master". Peel and cut into thick rings lots of onions and several garlic cloves, chopped. Add some hearty red wine. Cook over medium heat until the onions are done. Spoon into bowls, Serve with coutons, and/or a slice of warmed mozerella or provolone cheese over the top of each bowl. (Of course, it's better the second day!)

The Addams Family Christmas Pranks...

"Will Ya Look At THAT!!!..."

Life Is...

Beautiful Roxanne Dances...

Sweet, Silly Boy... ;)

Tell Them Where They Can Stick Their Box...

How Do You Sell A Haunted House? ~ & Infamous Haunted houses That Sold AS IS!!!... :O

The Krampus Knows Where All The Bad Boys and Bad Girls ARE... ;)

>>>

>>>

From "The Krampus"...

"My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"... ;)

Great Witchy Novels Filled With Feminine Energy...

In genres featuring strong female leads, perhaps none other is as exciting — and historically loaded — as witches. While the Salem Witch Trials might be the most familiar historical event dealing with this power and subsequent hysteria, there have been many other witch trials throughout history. These historical events have often inspired novels based on true events, nonfiction retellings, and have launched world-building of the most imaginative kind. The figure of the witch has always been explosive. In history, witch trials almost exclusively targeted women, where only 10-30% of the accused were men. Additionally, as far back as the 17th century, women who had jobs were much more likely to be accused of practicing witchcraft. Women whose careers put them in contact with decay, from caring for the infected or rot from food preparation, faced greater odds of being denounced as witches. However, in literature, the figure of the witch confounds these social hazards. Often misunderstood, the literary witch faces social exclusion, but in this space, she created autonomy. As a proto-feminist figure, the literary witch embodies disruptive control and frequently wields power that sometimes comes from unknown places. Witches are beguiling figures, which is why we're so invested in them as literary characters. In our quest for cozy reading, we're looking to these feminist figures to inspire that witchy power. After all, no genre is complete without a feminist bent to push back against the patriarchy, and witches do that so well!

The Once And Future Witches By Alix E. Harrow Is Feminist Folklore... "The Once and Future Witches" by Alix E. Harrow was published in October 2020, and has been a fan favorite since. Set in 1893, the novel introduces readers to a world where witches are a thing of folklore. The Eastwood sisters of New Salem become suffragists, and in their quest for a woman's right to vote, they begin pursuing old traditions of witchcraft. Interweaving the historical suffragist movement with the fictional world of witches, Harrow tells a compelling tale of women who seek independence and autonomy. The novel was a hit on GoodReads, garnering over 12,000 reviews. Referencing Harrow's previous book, one reviewer raved about the feminist threads throughout. "Alix E. Harrow replicates the wondrous magic of 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' which I adored, in this character-driven feminist adventure story in this fierce and beautiful homage to the power of women in all their forms, including the three female archetypes represented by the Eastwood sisters, the mother, the maiden, and the crone," they wrote. Another reviewer begged film producers to make a movie based on "The Once and Future Witches," because it's that good. In the wonderful literary blog "She's Becoming Bookish," blogger Carlie gave Harrow's novel five black cats, so you know it's a quality, cozy read.

Kate Johnson's Hex Appeal Is A Witchy Romcom... Kate Johnson's "Hex Appeal" is a hilariously adorable, witchy romcom. Published in October 2022, Johnson's novel has been making readers swoon for a while now, in the perfect, cozy village of Good Winter. Leading lady Essie Winterscale lives in a coven of witches but yearns for an ordinary life. Cleverly playing on immortality, a new landlord, Josh, visits Beldam House because the gals haven't paid rent since the 1700s. As one might imagine with such an entertaining premise, all kinds of intrigue begin between Josh and Essie, creating the perfect romcom for the fall. Readers on GoodReads were smitten by Johnson's use of magic and charm, as well as the fantastic setting of Beldam House, with its many witches, all of whom have big personalities. If you're in the mood for a laugh and a love story, "Hex Appeal" is a safe bet. "I had [an] amazing time and laughed out so loud at some chapters! Quirky hero and heroine: amazing supporting characters, enemies to lovers story with magical and witchery powers!" one reviewer wrote. "Fast-paced fun witchy book perfect for the fall season," another review began. "There's a little spice, magic, time travel, and some fun twists and turns [along] the way to keep the reader fully engaged." In our constant quest for fun and spicy romance novels, the witch genre is a great way to soak up some literary love, and "Hex Appeal" delivers.

Louisa Morgan's The Great Witch Of Brittany Is A Tale Of Motherly Love... Following her beloved novel "A Secret History of Witches," Louisa Morgan jumps back in history with "The Great Witch of Brittany," to tell the story of Ursule, the great-grandmother of the lead from her first novel. Set in Brittany in 1762, Ursule Orchière knows that she comes from witch descendants, but doesn't know that the magic is alive and growing in her. Brittany is full of witch-hunters, and Ursule and her mother have to navigate that treacherous world together. At the core of this novel, the theme of maternal love runs the strongest. It's all about women protecting each other and growing together.

The Lost Apothecary By Sarah Penner Combines The Past And Present... "The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner brings with it big feminist energy. Set in London in 1791, healer and apothecary, Nella, helps women who need to be free of the men who hurt them. Penner then jumps to modern London, where historian Caroline Parcewell finds an empty vial near the Thames, and starts doing research on unsolved murders from two centuries prior. The wonderfully woven story brings past and present together, with eternal themes of solidarity and grit. With nearly 40,000 reviews on GoodReads, readers couldn't get enough of Penner's hit novel. Audiences were invested in the plight of the female leads in this tale. "Take a step into the time when life was difficult for women, where men ruled the day, where choices were limited for those who were trapped in situations that they couldn't escape," one reviewer wrote in an invitation to future readers. Another reviewer promised an engrossing experience: "Hands down my favorite book I've read so far this year. It had everything I love! Mystery, suspense, magic, romance, paranormal, history ... I felt so many emotions while reading this." Since readers repeatedly reported that they couldn't put it down, "The Lost Apothecary" will be a sure way to bump up your reading if you're struggling to hit your book target.

The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches By Sangu Mandanna Is Pure, Wholesome Fun... "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna is a feel-good witchy story about found family and romance. Protagonist Mika Moon has to hide her magical powers, and posts videos online where she jokes about being a witch. Inexplicably, she gets invited to Nowhere House, a special place where witches can learn how to hide their power. The only problem is that librarian Jamie starts to fall in love with Mika, and the two find love amid turmoil and magic. On GoodReads, readers repeatedly called it a warm, cozy, witchy tale, so it's a great option for snuggling up with an entertaining book. Readers praised the author for creating such a compelling, wholesome read. "Sangu Mandanna brings warmth, diversity, and humor to a magical realism novel with romance, danger, and suspense," one reviewer wrote. "This is a great little book about friendship, love, coming of age, and finding the people who will love you for who you really are!!" another reviewer added, proving that this novel really has it all. ~ From Women com.