The Appalachian Christmas Tradition You’ve Never Heard Of

[@mikemcnamara1831]

This is a wonderful story and tradition, despite the negative comments. Things would probably be much better if we all still gathered together, worshipped and celebrated this way.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Not everyone saw meaning in the video, but there are plenty more who did. Thank you for commenting and I agree that things would be better if we went back to traditions instead of being so heavily dependent on technology.

[@ginnybuell2341]

We call it little Christmas and leave the tree and decorations up till afterwards. We were told the story that the animals talked at midnight on Christmas eve, so my mom and I always stayed up to see if our dog and cat did. We never heard them but I now rescue animals and they sure speak to me! Thanks for a lovely story and next year I'll definitely go out to the pasture to see if our equines are kneeling!❤

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Fantastic! Thank you for this!

[@sharonlesley901]

I remember hearing about Old Christmas when I was a girl in the mountain of Appalachia. How the animals prayed at midnight, it is the same as twelfth night in the UK. I leave my Christmas tree up until the 7 of January because of Old Christmas. But you're right the young people barely celebrate Christmas little lone old Christmas. Tradition is nearly gone. Sad for those old enough to remember otherwise

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

It is possible for things to turn around--technology is short-lived--faith is forever.

[@joyceadair3003]

We need to continue and bring back all these traditions that are no longer being demonstrated. Thank you for sharing.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@joyceadair3003 agreed!

[@katherineskrzynecki3347]

It's a beautiful tradition 😊

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@katherineskrzynecki3347 Truly.

[@shanasmith4176]

Thank you for sharin this beautiful and wonderful story. Brought tears to my eyes while I remembered all the wonderful and precious memories of my Christmases I spent with my family who now are all in Heaven How I wish they were all here again I miss them all so very much

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Many are missed and I believe we will all be reunited eventually. Thank you!

[@ginagrant4802]

Yes this is true, at midnight on Christmas, the animals have been known to kneel. In 1914 when my mother was a child, she said the horses and cows would kneel at midnight on Christmas. This happened in Fiji.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

WOW! That is truly a blessing to have witnessed! These are the stories I love to hear! Thank you!

[@scottjohnson6455]

I agree fully with the sentiment that your grandparents and parents provided memories that cannot ever be duplicated. I know in my case I never once gave a proper thank-you. It's what you live with. I see younger relatives behaving worse than I did. They will feel the same regret.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

I believe there a rules of life that will never disappear, regardless of how "advanced" we say we are. Some things never change.

[@peperyan]

Beautiful story it put me in mind of the tradations we had as a family growing up and i really miss them

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

There are many things that I miss from the past. Thank you for the comment!

[@jeffreykindron7162]

Thank you for bringing this beautiful story to us.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

You are so welcome! Love to hear these comments!

[@suefroster3592]

Thank you wish things were like that now just sharing love God bless

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

I'm getting that impression from others, as well. Thank you!

[@rondaneeley7290]

@@suefroster3592 they are just because Man changed the day does not change the fact God is the same only man has changed old Christmas is alive and well no man can change what God has done no evil can change the things God has done remember the date go see for yourself we all can see it

[@firstjohn3123]

Beautiful story

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

I enjoyed this one as well!

[@mariaalfonsi4746]

That was very enjoyable, it's great to learn about other People's ways of celebrating our most favorite holiday. I grew up in Ohio in the 60's & 70's, it was the typical Christmas tree & gifts on Christmas morn, then to visit my Grandparents sometime later. My husband & myself continued this tradition with our 4 daughters. They're all adults & each have their own special way to celebrate. 😊🎄❄️

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Same routine when I was young--open presents, go to grandparents and continue visiting friends and family. Great to hear your experience!

[@KetrinaNolen]

This was just wonderful. I was right there beside you it seemed. Thank you please share more.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

You are most welcome!

[@beatles127]

jan. 6th marks the end of the 12 days of christmas in appalachia...it was the tradition in my family that you waited till jan 6 to take the christmas tree and decorations down. it was symbolic of the end of christmas...it was called old christmas... and implied that this was the date of christmases long ago... window candles were taken down also.. i never saw the animals kneel down. ... but then i was a kid and wouldn't have been allowed out at midnight in the biter cold...

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

I've always practiced the traditional December 25 celebration, and, like yourself, never would have been allowed out at night. Great comments, thank you!

[@Victoria-z8l6l]

Great Content!! 💯 I still observe "old Christmas" There's a special feeling in the air on Old Christmas I believe it's the true day

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thank you so much. You and so many others have expressed continued belief in this tradition. It is vital to pass along to future generations!

[@southernlady5085]

Great grandmother who was Scottish (and born to one of original family groups) from the Outer Banks of NC, celebrated Old Christmas. In fact she continued to observe it until I became an adult. So we had two Christmas celebrations, one on Christmas and one on Jan 6, Epiphany, Old Christmas.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Who would refuse twice the celebration! Thank you for sharing this.

[@Nancy_1962]

Lovely story, I enjoyed it very much.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thanks. I enjoyed it as well!

[@sharonroberts3397]

A TRULY WONDERFUL STORY THANK YOU FOR SHARING ❤😊

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Seeing comments like yours makes it all worth it! Thank you!

[@domsira3759]

We called it little Christmas

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Different names and times of celebration, but with the same meaning--great to hear so many still remember and practice this tradition!

[@TammyStults]

I Really Enjoyed this, Thank You God Bless.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thank you and God Bless!

[@judylivengood4299]

This was a GREAT STORY !…I could see it all happening

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Your compliment makes publishing these stories worth it. I truly appreciate this!

[@beverlyhill6783]

Yes we have done old Xmas before - it’s still done with most

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

good to hear traditions are still alive!

[@pmboord]

A very lovely story

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thank you so much!

[@joenock3466]

Very nice

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thank you. I enjoyed it as well!

[@StamperWendy]

TY, I don't have my own family, but, if I did, I'd have Christmases just like we did in the 1970's, while we were growing up

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

At least we have the memories.

[@nathanbugg3221]

I'm watching this on old Christmas, Jan 6th. My students learned about it today. It snowed today, so it was a white Old Christmas.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Perfect timing and I'm happy to share this video!

[@lmuledeer388]

Amazing story. Thank you. 😊

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

My pleasure! I enjoyed publishing this as well as reading the comments. I'm thankful this tradition is still vibrant today!

[@brendah3773]

You sure don’t sound like you’re from Appalachia. But thanks for the lovely story.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

lol, you are correct and you are welcome!

[@davidkobes7238]

I was an agricultural missionary in the central plateau of Haiti in 1978 to 1982.

[@davidkobes7238]

I experienced 4 or 5 hour Christmas programs with many special songs and skits. At some point I left the Christmas program walking back to where I was staying I came accrossed some one walking with donkey along the road.i thought this was timeless like Mary and Joseph could have been there in that time and place Praising God among these humble peasants !

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@davidkobes7238 There are events all around the world, you just need to look! Thank you for sharing this!

[@rondaneeley7290]

I was told of old Christmas but never had part of it as a kid for me it was something from the pasted that no one did anymore

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Same here! It wasn't until I got all of the comments that I realized it was alive and well!

[@francesmaurer185]

It's still celebrated in many Religions..... ♥️🙏♥️🙏

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Yes, and with many interpretations!

[@beatles127]

and as a P.S.... we would not have gone to a church or meeting house at midnight in mid winter...heck we couldn't even go to the outhouse at midnight..

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

nor I, but there are some that practice late night services.

[@autumnmoon5014]

My grandmother called that day jan 6th "Ukrainian Christmas," so they would celebrate both the 24th and jan 6th. Its a Ukrainian tradition.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

I did not know this, thank you!

[@mh605]

Really strange choice for background music. "O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea." The Navy Hymn! Why not use a Christmas tune?

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thanks to copyright fear, I am limited to youtube audio library, which, in all fairness, has greatly improved, but I am still limited to what I can use. The Christmas tunes they had were ok, but I didn't think they truly fit the video. When I heard this Navy hymn, it fit the bill--even if the lyrics have nothing to do with Christmas. The tune itself is extremely inspirational, which, in my opinion, was my target. I appreciate you comment!

[@mh605]

@@amazinghistory-r5b I see. Well, probably most people are not going to pick up on the lyrics, anyway. I am detail-oriented. ;-)

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@mh605 I completely respect that!

[@lindickison3055]

Navy Hymn is unusual, but still apropos. Years ago, my 3rd graders did armed forces program with all the rousing "Off we go..." Etc. I asked them later about their favorite. Reply: Eternal Father!!!! I was so proud of them for that depth of understanding .

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@lindickison3055 Good story, thank you!

[@revonda5204]

First, please learn how to say Appalachia or Appalachian properly. Its Appa "latch" ian not Appa"lay-chin" . 😊

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Will do! Thank you for the correction.

[@revonda5204]

@amazinghistory-r5b thank you!

[@mh605]

I grew up in that area and we always said "Appa-lay-cha."

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@mh605 I grew up in PA, and never heard it otherwise until now. @revonda5204 is correct, although many argue that the other pronunciation is commonly used. I have heard it was a way to determine if you were to be trusted or not--lay-cian=mistrust, latch-ian=to be trusted. funny thing is, when I watch the weather, they all say it correctly!

[@mh605]

@@amazinghistory-r5b The pronunciation seems to have changed over time. Sixty years ago, nearly everyone I heard said "Appalaychia." Now, nearly everyone I hear says it the other way.

[@beatles127]

we was so poor. that one christmas a burgler broke into our house and left a bunch of things...

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

There were many people such as yourself in my region growing up. I considered myself fortunate to have a roof over my head and food.

[@peterwynn1207]

If you didn't have your hams salted by January, they had been gone bad for months.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

So many things taken for granted. Kind of scary if anything significant would happen!

[@bigal25938]

AI narrated.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Thank you for such a compliment! I had no idea my voice was so perfect. I have many more on my channel!

[@charlottrkoehler8280]

Your pronunciation of Appalachia is incorrect cornbread is not made in loaves

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

correct!

[@lindickison3055]

Yup ...made in iron skillet, with coarse cornmeal and buttermilk

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@lindickison3055 great stuff!

[@lanahundley8625]

😂😂😂

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@lanahundley8625 cannot argue the truth! and cornbread is awesome!

[@MargaretMartin-z6c]

Cornbread is not baked in loaves. Do your research

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

exactly! I love cornbread!

[@lindickison3055]

Need that iron skillet, hot bacon grease, etc! Can smell it now!

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

@@lindickison3055 One of my favorites!

[@tripeeblonde8309]

As soon as I heard how the narrator mispronounced Appalachia, I lost respect.

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

Everybody has to learn sometime. Everyone I knew growing up pronounced it this way, and I'm grateful to have learned the correct way through KZbin, otherwise, I never would have known. I appreciate your comment.

[@pufferpuffer4434]

What 🐴💩!

[@amazinghistory-r5b]

lol