The Snow Queen: A Love Story Written in Ice and Tears
Today I’m talking about Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, examining love, emotional distance, and why Gerda’s journey remains a powerful blueprint for enduring love stories.
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A Poinsettia for Christmas
The history of poinsettias at Christmastime is rooted in a legend of young girl from Mexico filled with symbolism, culture, and long, difficult journey to South Carolina.
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Merry Christmas Said the Spider
Merry Christmas! I love stories about this season, but this tale about the faith of a baby spider is my favorite. I hope you enjoy it–and the day–as well.
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All About the Christmas Stocking
I still love getting Christmas stockings, and I especially love the origins of this tradition, from ancient legends to modern traditions and why we still hang them by the fireplace today.
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When Christmas Gets Scary
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can sometimes get scary with the eerie Alpine tradition of Krampusnacht. It’s the night when Krampus—a horned, fearsome creature—emerges to punish misbehaving children.
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The Legend of Baboushka: Russia’s Lonely Christmas Wanderer
I’ve always loved the haunting Russian Christmas legend of Baboushka, the lonely wanderer who searches for the Christ Child and brings gifts to children each winter. It reminds me of what’s important this time of year… and it’s not my to-do list.
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The Christmas Spider: A Story of Faith
There are so many beautiful stories around this time of year, but the tale about the faith of a baby spider is my favorites.
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Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas was originally meant to be a gift from a father to his nine children. It has since become so much more than that!
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St. Brigid’s Blue Cloak
The story of St. Brigid and her blue cloak is one of my all-time favorite Irish folktales. It’s a Christmas story about faith, hope, and love. Three things the world always needs more of.
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St. Lucy’s Festival of Lights
Today is St. Lucy’s Day, only a week away from the winter solstice, so it’s time to light the Christmas candles and make Saffron Buns.
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How Rudolph Prevailed
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is an uplifting story of hope, love, and acceptance. Except Rudolph’s beginning was marked by tragedy and discouragement making his story an act of true courage.
