The History of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, isn't just a legendary Christmas figure but a symbol of what Christmas time is all about. While Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer were introduced in the 1800s, Rudolph didn't come into being until 1939. Created by Robert L. May for the Montgomery Ward department store, the ninth reindeer became an instant hit. Once the ninth reindeer was introduced, he became an instant success; selling over two million copies. While "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" wasn't turned into a song until 1949 by Johnny Marks and sung by Gene Autry. Since the stories release, it has been translated into 25 languages and 1964 a classic animated Christmas movie!

How to Make Hot Apple Cider

This warm apple cider is the perfect holiday favorite. Not only will will it's spicy flavor keep you warm but the cinnamon and apple will make you feel like your drinking holiday in a cup.

Ingredients: 

• 6 cups apple cider 
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup  
• 2 cinnamon sticks 
• 6 whole cloves  
• 6 whole allspice berries 
• 1 orange peel, cut into strips  
• 1 lemon peel, cut into strips 
• 1 washed square cheesecloth 
• Kitchen String

Directions: 

1. In a large steel saucepan, pour in the apple cider and maple syrup.
2. Then, place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of the washed square of cheesecloth. Fold up the sides of the cheesecloth and tie off the bundle with a length of kitchen string and drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
3. Next, place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, making sure the cider doesn't boil but gets very hot.
4. Discard the spice bundle and remove the cider from the heat. Ladle cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving.

 

Worldwide Christmas Traditions: Mexico Feliz Navidad

While we have all seen the strategically placed bright red-and-green plant around the holidays, does anyone know where it originated from? In 1828, Joel R. Poinsett, the American minister to Mexico, brought over a plant from Mexico to America. Due to its bright red-and-green coloring, it seemed only fitting that it would be perfect for the holidays. After his arrival the plant, called a poinsettias after Poinsett, started showing up in greenhouses in 1830. Soon after, in 1870, New York stores began to sell them during Christmas time and by 1900 they became the universal symbol of the holiday we all recognize today.