For most of the western world, the birthday of Jesus has always been celebrated on December 25th since the time of 354 AD. This date replaced the earlier date of january 6th. New Christmas customs have appeared in the Middle Ages. The most prominent contribution was the Christmas carol, which by the 14th century had become associated with the religious observance of the birth of Jesus. In Italy, a tradition developed for re-enacting the birth of Christ and the construction of scenes of the nativity, which is still carried out today. This is said to have been introduced by Saint Francis as part of his efforts to bring spiritual knowledge to the laity. Saints Days have also contributed to our Christmas celebrations. One prominent figure in today’s Christmas is Saint Nicholas who for centuries has been honored on December 6th. He was one of the forerunners of Santa Claus. Another popular ritual was the burning of the Yule Log, which is strongly embedded in the pagan worship of vegetation and fire, as well as being associated with magical and spiritual powers. The earliest English reference to December 25th as Christmas Day did not come until 1043.

Most traditions have unique origins, and the things like Christmas trees and stockings are no different. The Christmas tree began In 16th-century Germany, fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. The Christmas Tree was brought to
England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert from his native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle, popularized the tree throughout Victorian England. Brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans, the Christmas tree became by the late 19th century
According to legend, a kindly nobleman grew despondent over the death of his beloved wife and foolishly squandered his fortune. This left his three young daughters without dowries and thus facing a life of spinsterhood. The generous St. Nicholas, hearing of the girls’ plight, set out to help. Wishing to remain anonymous, he rode his white horse by the nobleman’s house and threw three small pouches of gold coins down the chimney where they were fortuitously captured by the stockings the young women had hung by the fireplace to dry. and then began the tradition of hanging stockings

It was not long after Europeans began using Christmas trees that special decorations were used to adorn them. Food items, such as candies and cookies, were used predominately and straight white candy sticks were one of the confections used as ornamentation. Legend has it that during the 17th century, craftsmen created the white sticks of candy in the shape of shepherds crooks at the suggestion of the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

There is always room for new traditions on Christmas, and we cant think of a better one to start, than a Christmas Burger! Here is how to do it.

For the Slaw

• 6 Brussels Sprouts, cored and very thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

• 1½ Cups Fresh Cranberries
• 2 Tablespoons Apricot Pineapple Preserves
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 3 Tablespoons Water
• For The Burgers

• 1½ Pounds Grassfed Organic Ground Beef
• 4 Hamburger Buns
• 4 Ounces Chèvre Cheese

Cook

For the Slaw

1. Mix all the slaw ingredients together, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to build your burger

1. Mix everything in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat until the cranberries burst, about 7 minutes.
2. Turn the heat to medium, continue to stir with a wooden spoon, bursting the cranberries that haven’t naturally done so already, and cook for about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.

1. Pre-heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Also, start the broiler.
2. Form ground beef into four patties, and make an indent with your finger in the center of the patty to avoid burger bulge.
3. Season the burgers with salt and pepper; to your liking. Spray the pan with olive oil, place the burgers in the pan, and sear on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns under the broiler for 1-2 mintues.
5. Build your burger, placing first the patty on the bun, then the cranberry sauce, chèvre, then slaw. Top with the crown of the bun and get down on it!