National Trust calendar - no Christian festivals

That link also manages to feature Kris Kringle for bonus points.

It does not mention that there is a school of thought that the sleigh and reindeer are a reference (or folk memory?) to the northern European pagan myth of the Wild Hunt flying across the midnight, midwinter sky.

Thanks for that, Siope, very interesting and pretty much along the lines of how I understood it.

I've defected to English Heritage. Apparently they allow dogs on leads! (Dartmouth Castle, here I come).

Joseann I volunteer with them (not at Dartmouth) so I’m all in favour of more members. I’m not sure dogs are allowed at all properties.

The incoming CEO has some interesting things to say on what makes good history, and how heritage organisations need to be honest

www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/nov/24/colonial-past-must-be-in-mainstream-of-uk-history-says-new-english-heritage-chief

He's right, History by it's very nature is often painful and we need to acknowledge this.

Interesting explanation, Siope.

I do feel that the EH historian has glossed over the fact that St Nicholas was a significant saint in the English mediaeval church calendar, with rituals associated with his saints day:

www.thetablet.co.uk/blogs/1/1658/exalting-the-meek-in-the-middle-ages-st-nicholas-and-the-boy-bishops

Association with the mediaeval Lord of Misrule is convincing, but I don't recall the giving of gifts and a specific association with children being cites as part of the role...

However, it's not point worth falling out over...

Getting better by the hour. The EH CEO mentioned Tintagel in my neighbouring county, and dogs are allowed!
Who's the weird Tin Man I wonder? He could dress up as Father Christmas.

Maizie I’ve never fallen out with anyone over a historical interpretation, and I am sorry if I gave that impression. I like a good historical debate though! Interesting article (also by an EH employee - their staff meeting must be lively. I wonder how much of the largesse was associated in people’s minds with Christmas? I don’t think the two facets are mutually exclusive, but I still stand by the thesis that the figure of ‘father Christmas’ was not, in this country, part of a ‘giving gifts to children’ tradition, and I don’t think St Nicholas would have had traction in that role, especially post- reformation.

Who's the weird Tin Man I wonder

The statue is called Gallos. Most people think it’s Arthur but EH won’t say so - they say it represents not only the legend of Arthur but the royal heritage and historic importance of Tintagel.

Association with the mediaeval Lord of Misrule is convincing, but I don't recall the giving of gifts and a specific association with children being cites as part of the role

I think that’s the key factor: Christmas in this country was not for children. That’s why I think St Nicholas/boy bishops largesse to kids is unlikely to have been seen as related to Christmas by most people.