How_AVQ did_VDD decorated_AJ0 trees_NN2 ,_PUN cut-out_AJ0 cookies_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC stockings_NN2 by_PRP the_AT0 fireplace_NN1 come_VVB to_TO0 symbolize_VVI Christmas_NN1 ?_SENT 
1_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 we_PNP all_DT0 know_VVB and_CJC love_VVB 
Nothing_PNI says_VVZ "_PUQ Christmas_NN1 "_PUQ like_PRP the_AT0 sights_NN2 ,_PUN smells_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC sounds_NN2 of_PRF the_AT0 season_NN1 :_PUN From_PRP Christmas_NN1 cookies_NN2 to_PRP eggnog_NN1 and_CJC mistletoe_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 holidays_NN2 would_VM0 n't_XX0 be_VBI the_AT0 same_DT0 without_PRP them_PNP ._SENT But_CJC did_VDD you_PNP ever_AV0 wonder_VVB why_AVQ these_DT0 seemingly_AV0 random_AJ0 traditions_NN2 signify_VVB Christmas_NN1 ?_SENT Many_DT0 of_PRF these_DT0 Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 '_POS humble_AJ0 beginnings_NN2 go_VVB back_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 very_AJ0 origins_NN2 of_PRF Christmas_NN1 and_CJC its_DPS associations_NN2 with_PRP pagan_AJ0 celebrations_NN2 around_PRP the_AT0 winter_NN1 solstice_NN1 ._SENT Read_VVB on_AVP to_TO0 learn_VVI more_AV0 about_PRP the_AT0 history_NN1 behind_PRP symbols_NN2 such_DT0 as_PRP Christmas_NN1 trees_NN2 ,_PUN lights_NN2 and_CJC other_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 decorations_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC seasonal_AJ0 activities_NN2 ._SENT Who_PNQ knows_VVZ —_PUN you_PNP might_VM0 even_AV0 be_VBI inspired_VVN to_TO0 start_VVI some_DT0 new_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 traditions_NN2 of_PRF your_DPS own_DT0 !_SENT 
2_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 cookies_NN2 
If_CJS we_PNP can_VM0 learn_VVI one_CRD thing_NN1 from_PRP history_NN1 ,_PUN it_PNP 's_VBZ that_CJT people_NN0 have_VHB always_AV0 celebrated_VVN winter_NN1 holidays_NN2 with_PRP good_AJ0 food_NN1 ._SENT Ancient_AJ0 peoples_NN2 gathered_VVN around_PRP the_AT0 winter_NN1 solstice_NN1 to_PRP feast_NN1 before_PRP cold_AJ0 weather_NN1 wiped_VVD away_AV0 their_DPS crops_NN2 ._SENT Plus_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 wine_NN1 and_CJC beer_NN1 that_CJT had_VHD been_VBN fermenting_VVG since_PRP the_AT0 spring_NN1 were_VBD finally_AV0 ready_AJ0 to_TO0 drink_VVI ._SENT As_CJS Christmas_NN1 replaced_VVD these_DT0 solstice_NN1 celebrations_NN2 by_PRP the_AT0 Middle_AJ0 Ages_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 feasting_NN1 continued_VVD —_PUN with_PRP the_AT0 all-important_AJ0 addition_NN1 of_PRF desserts_NN2 ._SENT Bakers_NN2 brought_VVD out_AVP expensive_AJ0 ingredients_NN2 like_PRP butter_NN1 ,_PUN lard_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC sugar_NN1 for_PRP such_DT0 festive_AJ0 occasions_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC started_VVD experimenting_VVG with_PRP warming_NN1 spices_NN2 like_PRP nutmeg_NN1 and_CJC cinnamon_NN1 ._SENT Today_AV0 ,_PUN the_AT0 sweets_NN2 are_VBB such_DT0 a_AT0 big_AJ0 deal_NN1 that_CJT every_AT0 state_NN1 has_VHZ a_AT0 favorite_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 cookie_NN1 ._SENT 
3_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Gingerbread_NN1 men_NN2 
This_DT0 specific_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 cookie_NN1 tradition_NN1 features_VVZ the_AT0 warm_AJ0 ,_PUN rich_AJ0 flavor_NN1 of_PRF ginger_NN1 ._SENT This_DT0 spice_NN1 likely_AV0 made_VVD its_DPS way_NN1 to_PRP Europe_NP0 from_PRP Asia_NP0 on_PRP trade_NN1 routes_NN2 during_PRP the_AT0 Middle_AJ0 Ages_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC it_PNP was_VBD then_AV0 developed_VVN into_PRP different_AJ0 versions_NN2 of_PRF a_AT0 spicy_AJ0 baked_AJ0 good_AJ0 called_AJ0 gingerbread_NN1 ._SENT According_VVG to_PRP legend_NN1 ,_PUN Queen_NP0 Elizabeth_NP0 I_PNP of_PRF England_NP0 was_VBD the_AT0 first_ORD to_TO0 make_VVI gingerbread_NN1 into_PRP men_NN2 ,_PUN representing_VVG the_AT0 foreign_AJ0 dignitaries_NN2 she_PNP would_VM0 serve_VVI the_AT0 dessert_NN1 to_PRP at_PRP a_AT0 fancy_AJ0 dinner_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC why_AVQ do_VDB we_PNP think_VVI of_PRF gingerbread_NN1 men_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 symbol_NN1 ?_SENT They_PNP may_VM0 have_VHI become_VVN popular_AJ0 around_PRP the_AT0 holidays_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 spicy_AJ0 treat_NN1 to_TO0 "_PUQ warm_VVI up_AVP "_PUQ those_DT0 who_PNQ ate_VVD one_PNI during_PRP the_AT0 cold_AJ0 winter_NN1 season_NN1 ._SENT 
4_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 trees_NN2 
Ever_AV0 wonder_VVB why_AVQ we_PNP put_VVB up_AVP Christmas_NN1 trees_NN2 ?_SENT Evergreen_AJ0 fir_NN1 trees_NN2 are_VBB universal_AJ0 winter_NN1 decorations_NN2 :_PUN Pagans_NN2 displayed_VVD the_AT0 branches_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 reminder_NN1 that_CJT spring_NN1 would_VM0 come_VVI again_AV0 ._SENT Romans_NN2 placed_VVD them_PNP around_PRP temples_NN2 to_TO0 honor_VVI Saturn_NP0 ,_PUN the_AT0 god_NN1 of_PRF agriculture_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC the_AT0 first_ORD time_NN1 the_AT0 evergreen_NN1 was_VBD used_VVN as_PRP a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 was_VBD either_AV0 in_PRP Tallinn_NP0 ,_PUN Estonia_NP0 ,_PUN or_CJC Riga_NP0 ,_PUN Latvia_NP0 ._SENT (_PUL Each_DT0 city_NN1 says_VVZ it_PNP is_VBZ the_AT0 true_AJ0 home_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 first_ORD Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 ._SENT )_PUR In_PRP the_AT0 16th_ORD century_NN1 ,_PUN German_AJ0 Christians_NN2 brought_VVD the_AT0 trees_NN2 inside_PRP their_DPS homes_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 symbol_NN1 of_PRF everlasting_AJ0 life_NN1 ._SENT When_CJS news_NN1 spread_VVD that_CJT Queen_NP0 Victoria_NP0 had_VHD her_DPS German_AJ0 husband_NN1 ,_PUN Prince_NP0 Albert_NP0 ,_PUN set_VVD up_AVP a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 in_PRP their_DPS palace_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 practice_NN1 suddenly_AV0 became_VVD the_AT0 height_NN1 of_PRF Christmas_NN1 symbolism_NN1 in_PRP England_NP0 and_CJC America_NP0 ._SENT 
5_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Wreaths_NN2 
Making_VVG wreaths_NN2 is_VBZ a_AT0 handy_AJ0 way_NN1 to_TO0 use_VVI your_DPS Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 trimmings_NN2 ,_PUN which_DTQ is_VBZ probably_AV0 how_AVQ the_AT0 custom_NN1 developed_VVN in_PRP 16th-century_AJ0 Germany_NP0 ._SENT But_CJC the_AT0 symbolism_NN1 of_PRF wreaths_NN2 goes_VVZ back_AVP to_PRP ancient_AJ0 Greece_NP0 and_CJC Rome_NP0 ,_PUN when_CJS victorious_AJ0 athletes_NN2 wore_VVD leafy_AJ0 branches_NN2 woven_VVN into_PRP a_AT0 crown_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 symbol_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 never-ending_AJ0 circle_NN1 made_VVD of_PRF evergreens_NN2 also_AV0 offered_VVD the_AT0 promise_NN1 of_PRF spring_NN1 's_POS rebirth_NN1 to_PRP pagans_NN2 celebrating_VVG the_AT0 winter_NN1 solstice_NN1 ._SENT Later_AV0 ,_PUN this_DT0 Christmas_NN1 symbol_NN1 was_VBD adapted_VVN into_PRP Christian_AJ0 celebrations_NN2 with_PRP the_AT0 advent_NN1 wreath_NN1 ,_PUN which_DTQ is_VBZ used_VVN to_TO0 count_VVI down_AVP the_AT0 weeks_NN2 until_PRP the_AT0 birth_NN1 of_PRF Jesus_NP0 ._SENT These_DT0 Christmas_NN1 wreath_NN1 ideas_NN2 will_VM0 provide_VVI inspiration_NN1 for_PRP a_AT0 DIY_NN1 project_NN1 or_CJC the_AT0 perfect_AJ0 purchase_NN1 ._SENT 
6_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 lights_NN2 
Sixteenth-century_AJ0 theologian_NN1 Martin_NP0 Luther_NP0 is_VBZ said_VVN to_TO0 be_VBI the_AT0 first_ORD person_NN1 to_TO0 put_VVI lights_NN2 on_PRP a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 ._SENT Legend_NN1 has_VHZ it_PNP that_CJT he_PNP was_VBD walking_VVG through_PRP a_AT0 forest_NN1 one_CRD night_NN1 and_CJC was_VBD moved_VVN by_PRP the_AT0 beautiful_AJ0 stars_NN2 shining_VVG through_PRP the_AT0 trees_NN2 ._SENT When_CJS he_PNP got_VVD home_AV0 ,_PUN he_PNP recreated_VVD what_DTQ he_PNP saw_VVD for_PRP his_DPS family_NN1 by_PRP putting_VVG a_AT0 tree_NN1 in_PRP their_DPS living_AJ0 room_NN1 and_CJC placing_VVG lighted_AJ0 candles_NN2 on_PRP its_DPS branches_NN2 ._SENT Today_AV0 ,_PUN we_PNP 've_VHB gone_VVN crazy_AJ0 for_PRP Christmas_NN1 lights_NN2 ,_PUN as_CJS seen_VVN in_PRP many_DT0 American_AJ0 towns_NN2 '_POS amazing_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 lights_NN2 displays_VVZ ._SENT 
7_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Candles_NN2 
The_AT0 symbolism_NN1 of_PRF light_NN1 during_PRP the_AT0 holiday_NN1 season_NN1 goes_VVZ beyond_PRP just_AV0 the_AT0 lights_NN2 on_PRP your_DPS tree_NN1 ._SENT During_PRP the_AT0 darkest_AJS of_PRF days_NN2 of_PRF the_AT0 year_NN1 ,_PUN candles_NN2 and_CJC fire_NN1 represented_VVN hope_NN1 ,_PUN warmth_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC rebirth_NN1 in_PRP winter_NN1 solstice_NN1 traditions_NN2 around_PRP the_AT0 world_NN1 ._SENT These_DT0 eventually_AV0 merged_VVN with_PRP Christian_AJ0 traditions_NN2 for_PRP Christmas_NN1 ._SENT In_PRP Scandinavia_NP0 ,_PUN young_AJ0 girls_NN2 wear_VVB wreaths_NN2 on_PRP their_DPS heads_NN2 lit_VVN with_PRP candles_NN2 for_PRP St._NP0 Lucia_NP0 Day_NP0 on_PRP December_NP0 13._CRD In_PRP New_NP0 Mexico_NP0 ,_PUN luminarias_NP0 ,_PUN or_CJC candles_NN2 in_PRP paper_NN1 bags_NN2 ,_PUN light_AJ0 pathways_NN2 at_PRP Christmas_NN1 ;_PUN a_AT0 similar_AJ0 Mexican_AJ0 tradition_NN1 ,_PUN Las_NP0 Posadas_NP0 ,_PUN has_VHZ young_AJ0 people_NN0 carrying_VVG candles_NN2 to_TO0 symbolically_AV0 light_VVI the_AT0 way_NN1 for_PRP Mary_NP0 and_CJC Joseph_NP0 's_POS journey_NN1 before_PRP Jesus_NP0 '_POS birth_NN1 ._SENT Advent_NN1 wreaths_NN2 also_AV0 use_VVB candles_NN2 to_TO0 count_VVI down_AVP the_AT0 four_CRD weeks_NN2 before_PRP Christmas_NN1 ._SENT 
8_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Stars_NN2 
Another_DT0 symbol_NN1 of_PRF light_NN1 during_PRP the_AT0 holidays_NN2 is_VBZ the_AT0 Christmas_NN1 star_NN1 ,_PUN which_DTQ ,_PUN according_VVG to_PRP Christianity_NN1 ,_PUN guided_VVD the_AT0 three_CRD wise_AJ0 men_NN2 to_PRP baby_NN1 Jesus_NP0 ._SENT You_PNP 'll_VM0 probably_AV0 place_VVI a_AT0 star_NN1 on_PRP top_NN1 of_PRF your_DPS Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 ,_PUN cut_VVB out_AVP cookies_NN2 in_PRP the_AT0 shape_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 star_NN1 ,_PUN or_CJC even_AV0 have_VHB your_DPS kids_NN2 make_VVB star-shaped_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 crafts_NN2 out_AVP of_PRF lollipop_NN1 sticks_NN2 or_CJC paper_NN1 towel_NN1 rolls_NN2 ._SENT As_CJS with_PRP other_AJ0 symbols_NN2 of_PRF light_NN1 around_PRP the_AT0 solstice_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 star_NN1 represents_VVZ hope_NN1 for_PRP all_DT0 mankind_NN1 during_PRP dark_AJ0 times_NN2 ._SENT But_CJC the_AT0 Star_NN1 of_PRF Bethlehem_NP0 may_VM0 have_VHI been_VBN a_AT0 real_AJ0 scientific_AJ0 thing_NN1 :_PUN Every_AT0 few_DT0 hundred_CRD years_NN2 ,_PUN Jupiter_NP0 and_CJC Saturn_NP0 appear_VVB as_PRP one_PNI to_PRP the_AT0 naked_AJ0 eye_NN1 ,_PUN a_AT0 "_PUQ great_AJ0 conjunction_NN1 "_PUQ that_DT0 last_ORD occurred_VVD in_PRP December_NP0 2020._CRD Some_DT0 scientists_NN2 theorize_VVB a_AT0 planetary_AJ0 conjunction_NN1 could_VM0 have_VHI been_VBN what_DTQ the_AT0 three_CRD wise_AJ0 men_NN2 saw_VVD as_AV0 well_AV0 ._SENT 
9_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Tinsel_NN1 
Although_CJS tinsel_NN1 has_VHZ gone_VVN a_AT0 bit_NN1 out_AVP of_PRF style_NN1 in_PRP Christmas_NN1 decorations_NN2 —_PUN previous_AJ0 versions_NN2 contained_VVD poisonous_AJ0 lead_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC even_AV0 the_AT0 modern_AJ0 PVC_NN1 type_NN1 is_VBZ seriously_AV0 hazardous_AJ0 for_PRP your_DPS pets_NN2 —_PUN it_PNP used_VM0 to_TO0 be_VBI all_DT0 the_AT0 rage_NN1 ._SENT Legend_NN1 has_VHZ it_PNP that_CJT a_AT0 European_AJ0 folktale_NN1 credits_VVZ the_AT0 webs_NN2 of_PRF "_PUQ Christmas_NN1 spiders_NN2 "_PUQ for_PRP the_AT0 tradition_NN1 of_PRF shimmery_AJ0 threads_NN2 on_PRP a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 tree_NN1 ._SENT Tinsel_NN1 started_VVD out_AVP made_VVD of_PRF real_AJ0 silver_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 symbol_NN1 of_PRF wealth_NN1 and_CJC a_AT0 lovely_AJ0 way_NN1 to_TO0 reflect_VVI candles_NN2 on_PRP old-timey_AJ0 German_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 trees_NN2 ._SENT But_CJC silver_NN1 is_VBZ expensive_AJ0 and_CJC tarnishes_NN2 ;_PUN as_CJS the_AT0 tradition_NN1 came_VVD to_PRP America_NP0 ,_PUN different_AJ0 metals_NN2 were_VBD used_VVN ,_PUN but_CJC all_DT0 had_VHD downsides_NN2 and_CJC eventually_AV0 fell_VVD out_AVP of_PRF favor_NN1 ._SENT Today_AV0 ,_PUN if_CJS you_PNP 're_VBB going_VVG to_TO0 use_VVI tinsel_NN1 ,_PUN make_VVB sure_AJ0 it_PNP 's_VBZ made_VVN from_PRP an_AT0 Earth-friendly_AJ0 ,_PUN biodegradable_AJ0 ,_PUN sustainable_AJ0 material_NN1 such_DT0 as_PRP raffia_NN1 ._SENT 
10_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Snowmen_NN2 
The_AT0 first_ORD documented_AJ0 snowman_NN1 appeared_VVD in_PRP 1380_CRD ,_PUN but_CJC mankind_NN1 has_VHZ probably_AV0 been_VBN making_VVG snowmen_NN2 for_PRP as_AV0 long_AJ0 as_CJS there_EX0 's_VHZ been_VBN snow_NN1 ._SENT These_DT0 Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 were_VBD especially_AV0 popular_AJ0 during_PRP the_AT0 Middle_AJ0 Ages_NN2 ,_PUN when_CJS many_DT0 lacked_VVD the_AT0 proper_AJ0 resources_NN2 or_CJC outlets_NN2 for_PRP artistic_AJ0 expression_NN1 ._SENT So_AV0 instead_AV0 of_PRF trying_VVG to_TO0 find_VVI traditional_AJ0 art_NN1 supplies_NN2 ,_PUN they_PNP turned_VVD to_PRP snow_NN1 —_PUN and_CJC there_EX0 was_VBD plenty_PNI of_PRF it_PNP ._SENT Michelangelo_NP0 was_VBD even_AV0 commissioned_VVN to_TO0 build_VVI a_AT0 snowman_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 ruler_NN1 of_PRF Florence_NP0 !_SENT Even_AV0 today_AV0 ,_PUN revelers_NN2 are_VBB still_AV0 looking_VVG for_PRP cheap_AJ0 DIY_NN1 Christmas_NN1 decorations_NN2 to_TO0 celebrate_VVI the_AT0 season_NN1 ._SENT 
11_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Eggnog_NN1 
Eggnog_NP0 does_VDZ n't_XX0 seem_VVI like_PRP a_AT0 particularly_AV0 elite_AJ0 drink_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC that_DT0 's_VBZ how_AVQ it_PNP got_VVD its_DPS start_NN1 ._SENT British_AJ0 aristocrats_NN2 came_VVD up_AVP with_PRP the_AT0 creamy_AJ0 concoction_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 warm_AJ0 winter_NN1 drink_NN1 and_CJC added_AJ0 brandy_NN1 and_CJC sherry_NN1 to_TO0 keep_VVI it_PNP from_PRP spoiling_VVG ._SENT Because_CJS the_AT0 ingredients_NN2 were_VBD so_AV0 expensive_AJ0 ,_PUN only_AV0 the_AT0 wealthy_AJ0 could_VM0 afford_VVI to_TO0 drink_VVI it_PNP ._SENT When_CJS it_PNP made_VVD its_DPS way_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 American_AJ0 colonies_NN2 in_PRP the_AT0 1700s_CRD ,_PUN colonists_NN2 subbed_VVD the_AT0 pricey_AJ0 liquors_NN2 for_PRP rum_NN1 ._SENT At_PRP the_AT0 time_NN1 ,_PUN rum_NN1 was_VBD also_AV0 called_VVN grog_NN1 ,_PUN so_CJS bartenders_NN2 named_VVD the_AT0 drink_NN1 egg-n-grog_NN1 ._SENT Later_AV0 ,_PUN it_PNP became_VVD eggnog_NN1 ,_PUN after_PRP the_AT0 wooden_AJ0 "_PUQ noggin_NN1 "_PUQ mugs_VVZ the_AT0 drink_NN1 was_VBD served_VVN in_PRP ._SENT 
12_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Milk_NN1 and_CJC cookies_NN2 for_PRP Santa_NP0 
This_DT0 tradition_NN1 has_VHZ n't_XX0 changed_VVN all_DT0 that_CJT much_AV0 since_CJS it_PNP began_VVD in_PRP medieval_AJ0 Germany_NP0 ._SENT During_PRP Yule_NP0 season_NN1 ,_PUN children_NN2 left_VVD out_AVP food_NN1 at_PRP night_NN1 in_PRP hopes_NN2 of_PRF getting_VVG presents_NN2 from_PRP a_AT0 different_AJ0 white-bearded_AJ0 guy_NN1 :_PUN Odin_NP0 ,_PUN the_AT0 all-powerful_AJ0 Norse_NN1 god_NN1 who_PNQ traveled_VVD on_PRP his_DPS eight-legged_AJ0 horse_NN1 ,_PUN Sleipnir_NP0 ._SENT The_AT0 American_AJ0 custom_NN1 we_PNP know_VVB today_AV0 started_VVN during_PRP the_AT0 Great_AJ0 Depression_NN1 ._SENT Parents_NN2 used_VVD the_AT0 Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 of_PRF milk_NN1 and_CJC cookies_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 way_NN1 to_TO0 teach_VVI their_DPS kids_NN2 that_CJT even_AV0 when_CJS money_NN1 was_VBD tight_AJ0 ,_PUN they_PNP still_AV0 had_VHD to_TO0 be_VBI considerate_AJ0 of_PRF others_NN2 and_CJC show_VVB gratitude_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 blessings_NN2 in_PRP their_DPS lives_NN2 ._SENT 
13_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Mistletoe_NN1 
Norse_NN1 mythology_NN1 creeps_VVZ into_PRP Christmas_NN1 traditions_NN2 once_AV0 again_AV0 to_TO0 explain_VVI why_AVQ we_PNP kiss_VVB under_PRP the_AT0 mistletoe_NN1 ._SENT According_VVG to_PRP legend_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 gods_NN2 used_VVD mistletoe_NN1 to_TO0 resurrect_VVI Odin_NP0 's_POS son_NN1 Baldur_NP0 from_PRP the_AT0 dead_AJ0 ._SENT So_AV0 Baldur_NP0 's_POS mother_NN1 ,_PUN Frigg_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 goddess_NN1 of_PRF love_NN1 ,_PUN made_VVD the_AT0 plant_NN1 a_AT0 symbol_NN1 of_PRF love_NN1 and_CJC vowed_VVD to_TO0 kiss_VVI anyone_PNI who_PNQ passed_VVD under_PRP it_PNP ._SENT The_AT0 plant_NN1 also_AV0 ties_VVZ into_PRP the_AT0 holiday_NN1 season_NN1 because_CJS it_PNP can_VM0 blossom_VVI even_AV0 when_CJS it_PNP 's_VBZ cold_AJ0 outside_AV0 ._SENT During_PRP Christmas_NN1 celebrations_NN2 in_PRP 18th-century_AJ0 England_NP0 ,_PUN men_NN2 were_VBD allowed_VVN to_TO0 kiss_VVI any_DT0 woman_NN1 standing_VVG under_PRP mistletoe_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC if_CJS the_AT0 ladies_NN2 refused_VVN ,_PUN that_DT0 meant_VVD bad_AJ0 luck_NN1 ._SENT Safe_AJ0 to_TO0 say_VVI that_DT0 's_VBZ a_AT0 Christmas_NN1 tradition_NN1 that_CJT should_VM0 definitely_AV0 be_VBI extinct_AJ0 ._SENT 
14_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 carols_NN2 
When_CJS Christians_NN2 began_VVD replacing_VVG pagan_AJ0 winter_NN1 festivals_NN2 with_PRP Christmas_NN1 ,_PUN bishops_NN2 across_PRP Europe_NP0 requested_VVD certain_AJ0 hymns_NN2 to_TO0 be_VBI sung_VVN at_PRP Christmas_NN1 services_NN2 ._SENT Many_DT0 composers_NN2 wanted_VVD to_TO0 write_VVI their_DPS own_DT0 Christmas_NN1 carols_NN2 ,_PUN but_CJC since_CJS they_PNP were_VBD always_AV0 in_PRP Latin_AJ0 ,_PUN they_PNP were_VBD n't_XX0 terribly_AV0 popular_AJ0 ._SENT Then_AV0 in_PRP 1233_CRD ,_PUN St._NP0 Francis_NP0 of_PRF Assisi_NP0 started_VVD putting_VVG on_PRP nativity_NN1 plays_NN2 ,_PUN which_DTQ included_VVD canticles_NN2 that_CJT told_VVD the_AT0 story_NN1 of_PRF Christ_NP0 's_POS birth_NN1 ._SENT These_DT0 were_VBD usually_AV0 all_DT0 in_PRP a_AT0 language_NN1 that_CJT audience_NN1 members_NN2 could_VM0 understand_VVI ,_PUN so_CJS they_PNP sang_VVD along_AVP ._SENT Since_CJS then_AV0 ,_PUN Christmas_NN1 carols_NN2 have_VHB always_AV0 put_VVN listeners_NN2 into_PRP the_AT0 cheery_AJ0 holiday_NN1 spirit_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 same_DT0 goes_VVZ for_PRP the_AT0 most_AV0 popular_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 songs_NN2 ._SENT 
15_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
The_AT0 12_CRD Days_NN2 of_PRF Christmas_NN1 
One_CRD of_PRF the_AT0 most_AV0 popular_AJ0 ,_PUN if_CJS long_AJ0 and_CJC repetitive_AJ0 ,_PUN Christmas_NN1 carols_NN2 is_VBZ the_AT0 countdown_NN1 classic_NN1 "_PUQ The_AT0 12_CRD Days_NN2 of_PRF Christmas_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ But_CJC the_AT0 12_CRD days_NN2 of_PRF Christmas_NN1 are_VBB actually_AV0 a_AT0 thing_NN1 :_PUN In_PRP the_AT0 Christian_AJ0 tradition_NN1 ,_PUN they_PNP are_VBB the_AT0 12_CRD days_NN2 between_PRP the_AT0 birth_NN1 of_PRF Jesus_NP0 on_PRP December_NP0 25_CRD and_CJC Epiphany_NP0 (_PUL sometimes_AV0 called_VVN "_PUQ Three_CRD Kings_NP0 Day_NP0 "_PUQ )_PUR on_PRP January_NP0 6_CRD ,_PUN when_AVQ the_AT0 three_CRD wise_AJ0 men_NN2 ,_PUN or_CJC magi_NN2 ,_PUN visited_VVD the_AT0 baby_NN1 and_CJC presented_VVD him_PNP with_PRP gifts_NN2 —_PUN which_DTQ is_VBZ also_AV0 why_AVQ we_PNP give_VVB gifts_NN2 at_PRP Christmastime_NN1 ._SENT Shakespeare_NP0 's_POS play_NN1 Twelfth_ORD Night_NN1 was_VBD also_AV0 likely_AJ0 written_VVN as_PRP entertainment_NN1 during_PRP this_DT0 period_NN1 of_PRF celebration_NN1 ._SENT 
16_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Stockings_NN2 
You_PNP can_VM0 thank_VVI Ol_NP0 '_POS Saint_NP0 Nick_NP0 for_PRP those_DT0 treats_NN2 in_PRP your_DPS Christmas_NN1 stocking_NN1 ._SENT According_VVG to_PRP legend_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 real-life_AJ0 St._NP0 Nicholas_NP0 heard_VVD about_PRP a_AT0 widower_NN1 who_PNQ was_VBD worried_AJ0 his_DPS three_CRD daughters_NN2 would_VM0 never_AV0 marry_VVI because_CJS they_PNP were_VBD so_AV0 poor_AJ0 ._SENT He_PNP found_VVD out_AVP where_CJS the_AT0 family_NN1 lived_VVD and_CJC snuck_VVD down_AVP their_DPS chimney_NN1 that_DT0 night_NN1 ._SENT He_PNP saw_VVD the_AT0 girls_NN2 '_POS socks_NN2 drying_VVG over_PRP the_AT0 fireplace_NN1 ,_PUN filled_VVD them_PNP with_PRP gold_NN1 coins_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC disappeared_VVD ._SENT When_CJS the_AT0 girls_NN2 got_VVD up_AVP the_AT0 next_ORD morning_NN1 ,_PUN they_PNP realized_VVD they_PNP finally_AV0 had_VHD dowries_NN2 to_TO0 get_VVI married_AJ0 ._SENT Today_AV0 ,_PUN personalized_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 stockings_NN2 are_VBB a_AT0 great_AJ0 way_NN1 to_TO0 express_VVI your_DPS holiday_NN1 decorating_VVG style_NN1 ._SENT 
17_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 oranges_NN2 
If_CJS you_PNP 've_VHB run_VVN out_AVP of_PRF time_NN1 to_TO0 get_VVI stocking_NN1 stuffers_NN2 on_PRP Christmas_NN1 Eve_NN1 ,_PUN consider_VVB looking_VVG in_PRP your_DPS fridge_NN1 's_POS fruit_NN0 drawer_NN1 for_PRP some_DT0 oranges_NN2 ._SENT These_DT0 lesser-known_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 were_VBD actually_AV0 traditional_AJ0 19th-century_AJ0 stocking_NN1 presents_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC in_PRP the_AT0 original_AJ0 St._NP0 Nicholas_NP0 stocking_NN1 folktale_NN1 ,_PUN sometimes_AV0 it_PNP 's_VBZ said_VVN that_CJT he_PNP left_VVD oranges_NN2 instead_AV0 of_PRF gold_NN1 coins_NN2 ._SENT Why_AVQ ?_SENT Putting_VVG oranges_NN2 in_PRP Christmas_NN1 stockings_NN2 was_VBD a_AT0 much_AV0 more_AV0 affordable_AJ0 tradition_NN1 to_TO0 replicate_VVI than_CJS a_AT0 bag_NN1 of_PRF gold_NN1 ,_PUN yet_AV0 the_AT0 exotic_AJ0 fruit_NN0 still_AV0 seemed_VVD a_AT0 rare_AJ0 ,_PUN indulgent_AJ0 treat_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 winter_NN1 season_NN1 ._SENT 
18_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Poinsettias_NN2 
Why_AVQ do_VDB we_PNP decorate_VVI with_PRP these_DT0 lovely_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 symbols_NN2 —_PUN besides_PRP the_AT0 fact_NN1 that_CJT their_DPS bright_AJ0 red_AJ0 color_NN1 is_VBZ also_AV0 linked_VVN to_PRP the_AT0 season_NN1 ?_SENT The_AT0 story_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 poinsettia_NN1 begins_VVZ in_PRP the_AT0 plant_NN1 's_POS native_AJ0 Mexico_NP0 ,_PUN where_AVQ a_AT0 legend_NN1 says_VVZ humble_AJ0 weeds_NN2 left_VVN by_PRP a_AT0 poor_AJ0 girl_NN1 as_PRP an_AT0 offering_NN1 to_PRP baby_NN1 Jesus_NP0 at_PRP a_AT0 nativity_NN1 scene_NN1 miraculously_AV0 turned_VVD into_PRP the_AT0 gorgeous_AJ0 flower_NN1 ._SENT A_AT0 19th-century_AJ0 U.S._NP0 ambassador_NN1 to_PRP Mexico_NP0 ,_PUN Joel_NP0 Roberts_NP0 Poinsett_NP0 ,_PUN brought_VVD the_AT0 plants_NN2 that_CJT were_VBD later_AV0 named_VVN after_PRP him_PNP to_PRP the_AT0 States_NP0 ,_PUN which_DTQ is_VBZ how_AVQ poinsettias_NN2 became_VVD the_AT0 official_AJ0 Christmas_NN1 flower_NN1 ._SENT 
19_CRD /_PUN 25_CRD 
Christmas_NN1 colors_NN2 
The_AT0 red_AJ0 poinsettia_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT0 perfect_AJ0 plant_NN1 for_PRP the_AT0 holiday_NN1 season_NN1 —_PUN but_CJC why_AVQ are_VBB red_AJ0 and_CJC green_AJ0 the_AT0 Christmas_NN1 colors_NN2 ,_PUN anyway_AV0 ?_SENT Green_NP0 is_VBZ easy_AJ0 to_TO0 explain_VVI :_PUN Evergreen_AJ0 plants_NN2 and_CJC trees_NN2 have_VHB long_AV0 represented_VVN the_AT0 promise_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 coming_AJ0 spring_NN1 ._SENT 
