Medieval Christmas: Traditions We Still Celebrate Today!

[@addictedtotreasuretrash108]

I gre up in a very poor family in the early sixties and my dad passed away when i was 7. I can remember always going to bed early on xmas eve and hanging a sock over the fireplace, waking up on xmas morning to see my sock full of goodies. Nuts, satsumas, etc. I was always glad to get these presents and we were always gratefull for whatever we got. Ialso think that in todays world if we used socks for the kids today they would think it was a trick or their parents just playing around. Now i am much older i often think like Scrooge when he gors back in time to visit his school in the past etc. Hard times i had but looking at it today it wasnt so bad. We always carried on. Thank you again Kevin

[@cindys.9688]

Beautiful comment. I agree with you. The fact that we're here now looking back, we can appreciate that we had *something* rather than nothing.

[@truracer20]

It is easier to accept what life throws at you when you can get past hardships like this. I had a similar childhood and I was always happy with what my parents could provide, and I understood why they couldn't provide more. To this day I still stress over spending money on large purchases. Even when the item is a tool that will pay for itself, I have to justify to myself that I really need it. In fact I still lament purchases that I didn't make in the past. Growing up poor made me a better person. I have a friend who struggles because she has to do more for her children than was done for her as a child. She still Buys her adult children expensive Christmas gifts at the expense of not paying bills or maintaining her vehicle that she relies on for her 40 mile daily work commute. She had a good childhood, though she doesn't see it that way. She's more of a materialistic person, growing up in the 80's and 90's she had very nice clothes, just not the designer brands. I wanted nice things too and when I got my first job I bought my first pair of Reebok's, because even withmy own job I couldn't afford Nike.

[@haroldkane9714]

Thanks for sharing, have a nice Christmas

[@showady]

We used to have mums old tights. Could get quite a few oranges in there, and a couple of chocolate bars.

[@janetbowersox83]

Absolutely! I agree!​@@cindys.9688

[@HelenT-xv6zm]

I raised my children with the same things in their stocking that their great grandmother got in her Christmas stocking: Nuts, an orange in the toe, a tangerine, an apple, dates, figs, and hard Christmas candy. They loved it and still do.

[@emildraxineanu7037]

Sir I hail from Romania and you speaking about ST Nicholas brought so much joy to my heart .

[@d.g.n9392]

As I’m now 70, and as a child we weren’t poor, just middle income people, frugal. Thinking back now, I’d say that I remember my mother singing and grandmother cooking. Happy to have had both parents, grandparents love and clean clothes. I can close my eyes and hear my mother singing Thank you Kevin. Merry Christmas to everyone, from near St. Louis Missouri

[@lauraellen189]

I am near St Louis, too! Merry Christmas!

[@janetbowersox83]

@@d.g.n9392 and to you from central PA!

[@janetcw9808]

Best memories! I think of my mother and grandmother every time I bake, they are with us! Kindest wishes from a Yorkshire woman now living in Scotland 🙏🏼❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐈‍⬛

[@d.g.n9392]

@@lauraellen189 Merry Christmas, to you as well

[@JEAN-c9c2t]

What a true testimony to what’s most important and enduring. Thanks. And thanks to all your people who loved and sacrificed for family.

[@andrewvelonis5940]

To fellow viewers: I recommend the Christmas scene from the book "The Once and Future King". It does a good job of describing a medieval Christmas celebration. My father used to read this to us on Christmas Eve and it has now gone three more generations in my family.

[@shieh.4743]

LOL. My kids' stocking always has an apple and an orange. We do chocolates instead of nuts (but modern day treats, no?). Then there is usually 1 or 2 small toys or a magazine and that is all. That is what Santa brings. And then usually 1 gift. Then we (mom and dad) give 1 toy, a book, a new set of clothes and something they need (like a pair of boots). They are always thrilled and exhausted after a few gifts opened.

[@milliewilkie1969]

Merry Christmas Kevin 🎅 love your channel as a child in the 50s we were ecstatic to get anything a paint box ,a tracing book a Selection stocking and one main toy like a tea set or cheap doll ,but l thank every day for what my parents did for their 7 children they worked so hard

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely 👍

[@garyrowden7150]

a few years ago my man's then 8 year old grandson got a present of felt pens and a colouring book from his elderly great grandma, an age appropriate present i would still welcome today, but he bearly looked at it, concentrating on the cash and the vouchers i had been sat by the old lady, i felt so sorry for her

[@mrs.g.9816]

My mom encouraged me to tack a winter sock on the top edge of the wainscoting in our living room. (We didn't have a fireplace, but we did have gas grates, which were, of course, not good places to hang "stockings" from!) It was a nice surprise on Christmas morning to find tangerines or clementines, walnuts and pecans, and a small trinket from Woolworth's, such as a magnet set shaped like circus animals and clowns. Even as a four year old, I loved being at the Christmas Eve service at our beautifully greened and decorated church. Wishing you and your folks a merry and blessed Christmas!

[@ellen4956]

I got some little magnets that looked like scotty dogs, one white and one black! My brother got a tiny metal car with rubber wheels, and we always got a mix of nuts and either an apple or an orange. For little kids that was still really fun!

[@dwhitman3092]

I must go out tomorrow for wine and will also add some oranges to my list. Got me reminiscent of the treats in our stockings. 😊🎄🎁

[@jabbermocky4520]

In America the Christmas ham is a stand-in for medieval boar's head. In a really posh Christmas feast you'll get both turkey and ham served along with numerous side dishes. Because one of my grandmothers was English and the other from Texas I got some interesting culinary combos on the sideboard at Christmas. Most of our family traditions remain solidly English, however, even as they have become less formal over 2 generations.

[@rolfmak1400]

In The Netherlands we still celebrate St. Nicolas on December 5th. Giving presents at Christmas never was a tradition here, we had St. Nicolas for that. The common name for St. Nicolas is “Sinterklaas” which is still present in the American Santa Claus, which sounds more or less the same. In the last two decades giving presents at Christmas is becoming more popular here, but I still love the Sinterklaas feast. It is not just giving a present, but tradition dictates it comes with a poem, usually funny and ironic, playing a little on someone’s weaker points and the present should actually be wrapped in an elaborate casing actually called a “Surprise” (but pronounced the Dutch way) usually representing something completely else. I received elaborate classic cars made from cardboard, huge cigar cases filled with giant cigars, a wooden horse, etc. Usually constructed in a way the present was as hard to get as possible. I love the videos of mr. Hicks, and this was great again. Have a great Christmas everyone!

[@Shari-qv1mf]

Thank you for sharing your customs with us. It's very interesting and fun! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎉❤🎄

[@ankhpom9296]

Thanks. But for Christmas 2024 i just learned I have arthritis on a knee. No wonder I now have to use a can plus discomfort. Jeesh..,

[@ankhpom9296]

It’s cane, not can. Autocorrect

[@dashrendar5320]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Mr. hicks, hope it’s amazing and filled with all the same joy you bring to us

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

Merry Christmas, Dash!

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s very kind, thank you.

[@cindys.9688]

I agree - Kevin deserves the joy he gives to us.☺️

[@nozrep]

oh dang i just realized what my family’s yule log tradition is. my aunt makes me a “pumpkin roll” each year. is a delicious pastry item of pumpkin bread rolled up with a layer sweet cream cheese. It looks like a log!!! very similar to your yule log cake!

[@dexterd02]

It seemed fitting to watch this first thing Christmas morning. Happy Christmas to you and much appreciation for this channel!

[@raymyers6016]

KEVIN MADE A MODEL! GOD is in heaven and all is right in the world! Merry Christmas to Kevin and all his viewers!⛪

[@cindys.9688]

We ♥️ Kevin and his models! Happy day!😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers Ray, glad you like them.

[@NinePillar]

Ah hah. This is exactly the video I'm desiring starting my Christmas break!

[@sarahpainter7969]

Yule log is my favourite Christmas cake! ❤

[@cindys.9688]

The fact that it's chocolate wins me over! I've actually never had one. I'm a 63F, and have cancer. Hmm, maybe I can ask for one as a "pity" Christmas gift! Haha! Whatever works!😂

[@ankhpom9296]

@sarahpainter: ah the buche de Noel. It is a rich cake with the filling and that butter cream frosting. And with a good cup of hot tea… Good thing it only is available on Christmas.

[@Spartacus45]

I live in a shared house and have a Moldovan housemate who trying one of my Christmas "MINCEMEAT" pies was quite taken aback to find they were filled with alcohol steeped fruit. He suggested that he thought they were minced beef or lamb. He'd never tried one before, but I've since noticed that he has purchased two boxes from Asda (Walmart) Merry Christmas to you Kev and fellow viewers!! 🧑‍🎄 🥳

[@le13579]

"... he thought that they were minced beef or lamb..." A rookie error. 😉❤️

[@ruthd7274]

Except that, at one time, they were ​@le13579

[@ruthd7274]

Well, the meat reamins in the form of the suet. One day I'll make traditional mince pies.

[@corym8358]

Merry Christmas from Tennessee! Most of our Christmas traditions here originated in the British Isles. It's interesting to hear the history of them.

[@onahamilt2907]

Merry Christmas to you all from America. God bless us, everyone.

[@annettefournier9655]

Grew up in 1960s America. We got nuts in their shells ( walnut, pecans, hazel nuts, brazil , almonds), tangerines or oranges, apple and hard candy in our stockings. It was special to get citrus fruits.

[@susananderson9619]

I was born early January 1959. We got nuts ,orange, pomegranate ,my favorite, plus small wonderful gifts in our stockings

[@karenk2409]

American born 1951. My mother's father was British, her mother the daughter of German immigrants. We always got nuts in the shell, an orange and an apple in the toes of our stockings, and never understood why. It was the last vestige of our European heritage, with a little Depression era thrown in.

[@CommonContentArchive]

Unshelled nuts were more of a common party snack in those days to begin with. That's why everyone has a steel nutcracker in the kitchen cabinet that's been collecting dust for 60 years 😂

[@karenk2409]

@@CommonContentArchive A bowl of unshelled nuts and several nutcrackers can keep kids busy for quite a while.

[@ilari90]

In Finnish words "christmas" (joulu) and "party" (juhla) both come from the word "Jule", so it's kinda funny to me when we have big communal christmas parties it's "joulujuhla" which is like "jule-jule". Nowadays in Finland it's traditional to prepare a big big pork in the oven night before christmas eve for the christmas eve dinner and it's so big that everyone can go and get a piece any time they feel there's some opening in the stomach through the holidays. It's only 100-150 years old tradition though after people got more wealthy (nowadays most of the christmas pork comes fom Denmark and salmon from Norway), before the christmas eve dinner was fish dishes from local lake and sea fish species and preserved foods, both with influences from Swedish and Russian cousines and those foods carry on to this day, though slowly losing ground.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wonderful, thanks for the knowledge.

[@cindys.9688]

Very interesting!😊

[@irenedebruyn2796]

The word "jol" is still used in Afrikaans, meaning to make merry, play, paint the town red...

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Cheers Kev, a perfect accompaniment for my medieval theme where on Christmas morning I will don my stockings, take up thy lute and delight my kindred with yule and lore, much to their bemusement. Happy Christmas to you and your lady :)

[@chrisandbrennacatania5864]

You're going to take his lute?!

[@handsomenumber1393]

Great idea...🤔

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@symble]

Merry Christmas kevin!, love the channel!

[@annfahy2589]

Happy Christmas one & all

[@aetolusleather]

We had the blessing to keep some of these old traditions in Greece - until the 90's at least. (I was born in '87) Carols were very common among children and this was a way to get your New Year's gift of your choice. Usually it was the neighbours, grandparents and aunties that would give you the best tips for your awful singing. It was on the 25th; for Christmas, on the Jan 1st; for st. Basil and the New Year, and Jan 6th for the feast of the Holy Theophany, or Epiphany that we were singing. The gifts were handed to the children always on the 1st of January and not on Christmas day. As for the pork/boar with the apple, I saw that only once but I know that people were having at least one pig for the new year's table - my grandfather used to have one. Those were the good days. People left God in our days and therefore their traditions died. Now it's just one more reason for drinking I suppose and gifts of course.

[@joanlacava6982]

Grateful is a good feeling. ❤😊

[@ninus17]

In Denmark we call Christmas Eve for juleaften ( jule evening ) and Santa Claus is jule manden ( jule man ). I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas kev, you have brought much entertainment in my home through the year 😊

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

It is 22 December 2024, the winter solstice where I'm at, and I only just discovered your channel. Subscribed! And Merry Christmas!🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! You too & welcome 👍

[@Banned_Daily]

Ohh, you're in for a real treat friend . Kevin and this community is one of the most wholesome on the entire platform. Merry Christmas 🤶

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

@@Banned_Daily Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄🎄 Good to know. Wholesome KZbin niches are getting so hard to find these days 🍷

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

Merry Christmas, Kevin Hicks and family! Merry Christmas chat!

[@cindys.9688]

Merry Christmas Fellow Chat Person!🎄 Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, safe celebration.

[@sheilamorrell6329]

I returned to London back in 1999, to teach in East Ham, already we were not aloud to do Christmas carols, a concert or decorate our classes. Most of the teachers were from Australia New Zealand and South Africa, I from Canada where my classes had been very multicultural. I was horrified and then in January another day became a holiday!! Thank you Kevin for giving time and meaning to the roots of tradition and the history of Christmas. Happy Christmas 🎉

[@carolynwestlake7670]

Are you sure you are a teacher? All my friends who are teachers know how to spell ‘allowed’And my grandchildren all take part in different cultural festivals including a very sweet nativity play this year.

[@python27au]

My mum’s side is german and apparently they had a tradition that on the 8th(?) day of Christmas the kids would put out their shoes and St. Nick would fill them with lollies and fruit, or coal if they were less than good. She said her uncle told her about the kleiner grüner Mann, (little green man) who used to make things go missing, dunno if that has anything to do with your green man. They also do the celebrating on the eve and not the day, which was convenient. Used to celebrate Christmas with mums side on the eve and dads (Australian/British) side on Christmas day. Merry Christmas mate, and all the best for the new year.

[@jamellfoster6029]

Yep. Medieval Christmas 🎄 lasted from Christmas 🎄 Day until Epiphany/Twelfth Night. This was the inspirational for the Twelve Days of Christmas 🎄. I learned this when I was in college 25 years ago. Thank you for this amazing presentation.

[@TheodoreEnrique]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. My grandmother was from Mexico and she started the Christmas celebration by putting a lit lamp on the porch so Mary and Joseph could find their way to the stable, done week or so before Christmas. After the 25th the shepherds would be brought in and later the three kings. By the end of February it would be over. Gift giving in Mexico is on the day that the three kings showed up.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thank you for sharing

[@janebaker966]

This was fun. We should celebrate the 12 days of Christmastide. And even if we have to go to work,or have very little money,we should have Xmas in our Hearts. My favourite Carol is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

[@karenk2409]

Me too.

[@Surreal452]

Enjoy listening to this as I’m cooking Christmas dinner today🎄

[@lizb111]

Same, merry Christmas 🎄

[@sorchaOtwo]

We always got an orange in our stocking for "healthiness." I usually ate it - yum. I continued that tradition with my kids, and they with theirs. ; )

[@mm-er6bo]

Thank you so much for that charming look at roots for Christmas traditions. Many did cross the big pond to the United States. After all, a lot of us initially hailed from Great Britain a few hundred years ago. Christmas trees, stockings, caroling, Candle Light midnight worship service, Christmas plays, etc. No wassailing. I do remember my mother making mince meat pies as a kid, but I doubt there was actual meat in them. The name alone scared me off. I don't recall having Christmas stockings. With seven children, I suspect getting gifts under the tree was all my folks could afford. We didn't expect a lot of gifts, but what we received were wonderful. My kids had stockings and now my Grandchildren do too. My late-husband and I built up a ceramic Christmas snow village that ended up filling the entire space below the tree. In fact the Christmas tree had to be raised up on platforms to get enough levels to hold all the houses, shops, churches, parks, people, bushes, trees, etc. Last year I packed them all up and shipped them off to my children, so my grandchildren could also have that special memory. This was a fun video. Thank you. Merry Christmas to Kevin and the entire History Squad. 🎄 🕯 🔔 ♰ ⭐ 🙏🏻

[@karenk2409]

I wish you had added pictures of your snow village - it sounds wonderful!

[@JTJT-lo2vf]

You, sir, are delightful and I quite enjoyed this video. Thank you and a Happy Christmas from Canada.

[@madeline5138]

Awe, bless you. It's the first time I'm going over to Merry Old tomorrow to meet my boyfriend's family and friends. My flight's tomorrow, and I knew Christmas in the UK was different, but this made it just a little more special 🥰

[@cindys.9688]

Good Luck to you on your meeting them. It'll go great! Just read embarrassing stories from people of when they first met their partner's family...and don't do that! Haha!😂 Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@Visibletoallusers12]

Hope you enjoy our merry olde Englalande!

[@thehistorysquad]

Have a wonderful visit

[@Funeeman]

Have a wonderful time.

[@kikikaakau-delizo8152]

Merry Christmas!! I love those words, "I made a model."!

[@cindys.9688]

Same! It's gets us ready for a fun time!

[@pheart2381]

My family didn't go for stockings. We weren't allowed to get up early either. The part about people bringing cutlery,food and fuel is nice,because its still a thing amongst my friends. We all bring something to make up a spread,biscuits or some cheese dip and crackers.

[@EmilyJelassi]

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates!! ❄️☃️🎆🎅♥️🧑‍🎄🎁🎉🤶🎄

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

I adore, appreciate, and revere my English heritage and the English, Welsh, Scottish, and German genesis of our Christmas celebrations!! I enjoyed this! HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU.

[@cathygill9115]

This should be interesting. I do love your models Kevin! X

[@dwaynecunningham2164]

Merry Christmas, King. My uncle spent the early 40's as a "guest" of your country. Said it was the luckiest thing that ever happened too him.

[@johnnypgood100]

That was lovely Kevin! Thank you for the interesting look back in history. It's funny that even in New York in the 60s, my mother was still putting an orange and nuts in our stockings....and a slinky!

[@SuzzieMarie0130]

At Catholic primary school we learned about St Nicholas day, Dec 6th. My Dad brought home a pair of wooden shoes from Holland (WW II vet). We started adding this to our December celebrations. Then in the American tradition we got gifts from Santa on the 25th. And finally, our family in New Orleans comes from the French tradition . The 12th day, the Feast of the Epiphany is Jan 6th. We get presents that day too, like the Christ Child. However, best of all, it’s the first day to consume a King Cake and begin the Carnival celebration. The season lasts until Mardi Gras Day.

[@juliemercer1458]

Merry Christmas everyone ⛄. I was a tot when we lived in Germany but I remember the best Christmas parties ever on the camps, our military kid parties were magical wherever we were based.

[@richardlangellotti6208]

My wife grew up in Haute Normandie. She remembers that, in France, they also had a big Yule log for dessert. The French call it a Buche du Noël. I don't know if any bakeries here in New Hampshire make a Buche du Noël, but it would be expensive and my wife, always worried about her figure, probably wouldn't let me bring such pastry home! Merry Christmas!

[@nozrep]

7:51; speaking of preparing really large birds like swan, lol, here in Texas I just went on my first Sandhill Crane hunt the week before Christmas and it was sooo much fun! i hear wingshooting has a good tradition in UK also. Anyways sandhills are huge! you get 16oz breast filets out them, and cook them like steak. To American hunters, they are nicknamed, “ribeye of the sky”. And now I can officially confirm it is true!

[@kendranewton9071]

Merry Christmas and thank you for these wonderful history lessons!😊

[@kenattwood8060]

Nadalik Lowen! Kevin (And that's how we say it here in Cornwall!) Thank you for keeping us entertained this year.

[@Robin_Goodfellow]

I was watching one of Modern History's videos on the Medieval noble's diet, and I remember thinking that a lot of their food sounded like Christmas food. I realized that what we think of as "traditional" Christmas food was actually just a lavish meal in the 1200s, without any particular ties to Christmas at all. And we're still eating the same meal, every year!

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

As Kevin mentioned in passing, many if not most of these traditions are far, far older than even the middle ages. They had just been re-adapted under the understanding that the 1 true God created all things & thus these traditions that are much older than the Church, can be made Holy when done properly. Merry Christmas & God bless!

[@jacquelynsharp9354]

In55i recall early Christmases,where the old ornaments came out of attic or shed storage,sto king filled with walnuts,pecans,brazil nuts,orange,fruit,hard candy,a pine tree from woods,big old light bulbs on tree,homemade ornament fro. Melted mardi gras beads in oven,miss those days

[@BeeKool__113]

That's a great idea to use Mardi Gras beads. We'd cut up soda cans with Christmas images and bend back the sharp sides. Then take Elmer's liquid glue and put glitter in it. Sometimes would melt crayons over the edges. ❤

[@carolfisher9941]

Stringing popcorn and cranberries.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Before I became disabled I’d make turkey, ham or roast pork, green beans of some sort, some other green veggie, candied sweet potatoes, mashed or scalloped potatoes, salad, multiple fruit pies and often a cake. All from scratch. I started early as I worked full time and would freeze some dishes ahead of time. Feels exhausting now! As a kid I was an angel in several plays. When it came to signing, the nun told me to mouth the words, lol. As a was a child we always received an orange and nuts in our stockings along with some sort of small gift. My favorite part has always been decorating the tree. I have a collection of European ornaments which took a long time to build as they were and are expensive. I love turning out the lights and just sitting with the tree. Great video…knew some of this but definitely learned a lot more! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

[@FionaKay-ju9uq]

Lovely video. I remember my first Christmas stocking. I was one of my Fathers sea socks it had a satsuma in it. Amazing for Caithness. Will never forget it. 😊 Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎅🎄

[@Mike-q8u8p]

Wonderfully done. Thank you and Merry Christmas from North Dakota, USA!

[@billh.5360]

It's always fun and interesting to hear the history of holiday traditions. Thank you sir, and Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 🎄 🎄 Seasons Greetings from central Indiana.

[@oneshotme]

Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas Mr. Hicks!!!

[@PamelaTitterington]

Really enjoyed that and i love the link between now and the very distant pre christian times,linking up ,all the best for Christmas 🎄 and for 2025🎉

[@wolfie9593]

Speaking of traditions, waking up on Saturday mornings and watching a History Squad video is quickly becoming a new tradition. Merry Christmas from your neighbour in MB

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thanks neighbour

[@jodieg6318]

Today on the Solcitice were taking Donny out to gather greenery like ivy, holy, and evergreen and we decorate the whole house with it. Were also having some friends over for dinner and as Terry Pratchett fans, we are calling it Hogswatch :D My own reenactment group puts on a feast every year in January; Winter Revel and a friend of mine is in charge of it and she has recruited me for the team and guess what? the Yule Log is something i am in charge of becuase of the woods we have. Besides measuring it, the log also has to be green and recently cut. Not just so it burns slower but in the pagan context it has to have the sap of life still within it so you bring that new life and new spring into your home. I hope you, Julie and Rupurt all have a very Merry Christmas. I know Donny, as the most recent baby in my family, is going to be getting so much candy and so much love he will be on a sugar crash till after New Years. 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 how lovely, so your friend is the Lady of Misrule. We do miss that greenery, back in England we also used to collect holly and Ivy to decorate. Best wishes to the whole family.

[@crystalclear6864]

Ooh sounds fun and terry pratchett❤

[@cindys.9688]

Sounds wonderfully traditional!🎄

[@patcallahan485]

Merry Christmas Mr. Kevin…. Another blockbuster video! Orlando, Florida USA 🏝️😎

[@steamboatmodel]

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. When I was a child we had two main meals at Christmas, First we had Breakfast after that you were allowed to open your stocking, usually with a orange some small toys and nuts, Then came lunch (for which you had to get dressed spiffy as there were usually guests and relatives) lunch was usually stuffed pork ribs, and vegetables, you were then allowed to open gifts and presents from Santa, This was followed by music and games. Then came Christmas dinner with turkey and everything, quite often the Guests and relatives from lunch would have changed and after dinner you could open any presents that had come with the change of guests. How my parents ever managed it all I do not know.

[@conniehopkins6105]

Thank you so much for this lovely presentation. I live in America. Unfortunately, we are no longer allowed to have a Nativity in schools. Sometimes it seems any religious ritual except Christianity is allowed, including Satanism. Your models are amazing and I love it when you tell stories. I can imagine sitting around a campfire listening to your stories. I'll bet you are a fantastic husband and father. Bless you and your family.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Connie

[@derrickstorm6976]

You are so full of crap Connie, American Christians are the ones hounding everyone you don't like because you pretend to care what the Bible says but only follow the rules you happen to like, and I bet if Kevin had read your full comment he would not have you on a campfire listening to his stories because he's an actual decent human being

[@cindys.9688]

Yes! I completely agree with you. I live in California. It bummed me out when Christmas became less and less in our schools. And you aren't kidding. Even satanism gets allowed.😤

[@RichWoods23]

@@cindys.9688 It's terrible, isn't it, that other people might possibly believe in something different to you, and religious freedom means that your religion isn't allowed to dominate all aspects of society. The fact that you used to be able to get away with unconstitutional acts in schools makes you feel persecuted today. You wouldn't feel like this now if your ancestors hadn't broken the law.

[@heretictom]

Merry Christmas!! Thanks for making the lovely, fun model!!

[@victoriafinnin1215]

Watching this delight on Christmas eve. Thank you for this wonderful gift of entertaining learning!❤❤

[@GiocondaD.V.]

I wish you and your family a Christmas full of joy, peace and lots of Christmas trees, Sir Kevin Hicks.

[@brendaeaves1079]

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas Too You & Your Family😊It’s Wonderful Too Be Alive😊God Bless Us Each & Everyone❤

[@kathyrussell9610]

Last night I was in the choir for Midnight Mass at my Episcopal (Anglican) church in Los Angeles. It's a wonderful service, starting in darkness with flickering candles. Earlier in the day, there was a "family" service, which included a Nativity play.

[@markhackett9379]

Hi Kev, I have fond memories of The Yule Log on TV. WGN out of Chicago would play Christmas favorites while the TV screen was a burning fireplace from 1am to 5am. Many times, I would come home late on Christmas Eve and fall asleep to The Yule Log burning. Love your stories all year round. Merry Christmas to You and Yours.🎄

[@janettecuthbert5045]

I wish I'd had a history teacher like you. Thank you. X x x

[@ruthd7274]

Leaving the glass of sherry and mincepie (or milk and cookie, you're in the US) for Father Christmas, is basically an offering to a spirit too. Thanks for you video, Mr. Hicks and a very Merry Christmas to you and ypur family.

[@karenk2409]

If I were Santa, I'd rather have the glass of sherry.

[@ruthd7274]

@karenk2409 ooh, me too! 🤣

[@denisestover2416]

Ohhhhh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree You're held to earth by gravity 😆 Merry Chritmas, Mr. Kevin God bless you and your family! 😃

[@leandrobravo3319]

Merry Christmas to all of you and a peacefull wintertime. Growing up, christmas was mostly about family and having a good meal together with my parents. That never changed. When I was a kid, I used to get a toy - and later a book - from my parents, a bit of special candy (Werters, chocolate you would not buy normaly so "fancy" ones) from the grand-parents and most times cloth from them, too, like new PJs or a set of towels, aprons, linnens and so on. I did not get the whole "houswear-part", when I was a child. I did not mind it, too. Stuff came in, I unwrapped it, said "Thank you" and most times I loved it, for sure (grandmas listened to what I liked), but most times that stuff vanished "up there for later", aka the dustprotective boxes on top my wardrobe. That is, until I moved out. Turns out, I had what felt like a shoppingcenter of brandnew towels, bedsheets, tablecloth, you name it. Was the only one in my friendgroup, who could have people visit over night and after 5 friends showering in the morning, all I had to do was a bit more laundry. Some of the teen-year-cloth are still worn by my mum today, because I outgrew them shortly after I grew past her. When I entered adulthood, we mostly stopped the present-thing. Mum needs new socks and you find a funny pair arround christmas? Fine, mum gets socks. Come across a book dad might like? He gets a book. Found nothing? Well, a nice candy as a surprise, that's totaly fine. I love it! Got a bag of starshaped marshmallows, a kitchentowel and oven cloth my mum crocheted (And they match the colours of the towel, so having them out together will look great!) and I love it.

[@billbo2117]

Excellent, thanks 👏👏👏 Happy Christmas 🎅

[@tbjtbj4786]

The nuts and fruit was a big thing in the American south to. My aunt that was born in 1921 said it was a tradition that went back to her grandparents in the family at least from the storys she had heard. And the oranges and Satsuma was a really big deal. And my family been in Florida on that side since the early 1800s. She talked about her dad getting brizil nuts and true walnuts. Compared to blackwalnuts, hickory nuts, pecan and butter nuts that grew on the farm.

[@OBXDewey]

Awesome! Christmas Eve 1970 when I was 7 we had to walk home in a snowstorm. Every since then I love getting socks for Christmas. ❤

[@craigds3745]

I was 7 too, it was snowing when we left midnight mass. My most magical memory of Christmas.

[@BeeKool__113]

My parents in the Midwestern US often speak of the great Blizzard of 1978. They said it was a complete white out. Could barely see your hand in front of your face. When I was a kid one of the worst snow storms in my lifetime occurred when I was about 12 or 13. It was so bad, they canceled all holiday school productions and we got out of school a few days early for Winter break. Have a wonderful holiday season, my fellow history friends!! ❤

[@OBXDewey]

@@craigds3745 😊

[@OBXDewey]

@@BeeKool__113 😊

[@als3022]

Been a rough Christmas at work since we are down 3 people. And can't go home for the holidays. But, I will admit this video put a smile on my face. Thank you, and Feliz Navidad.

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s good to hear. All the best 👍

[@PSDuck216]

A very Happy Christmas and Yuletide to you and yours. I wish a happy and prosperous New Years to you all as well. Keep calm and keep ‘em coming! Cheers from Oregon!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 will do

[@sturmgewehr70]

I really enjoyed this. Merry Christmas!🎄🎅🏻✝️🎁

[@BMO_Creative]

With Kevin's deep voice, I would think Little Drummer Boy would be his song of choice! LOL Great video!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 I was actually humming it halfway through shooting the video

[@cindys.9688]

​@@thehistorysquad ~ Cute!

[@DSWL_]

Happy Christmas Kevin to you and your family

[@dokpikun-bg3en]

Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous New Year. We greatly enjoy your videos and look forward to them :)

[@paulredinger5830]

Back to a model. Now that’s the Kevie we all know and love. Merry Christmas to you and your family kevie. Anyone reading this merry Christmas to you too my brother or sister.

[@edr.3229]

I heard that the Christmas tree started with St. Boniface. And a Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God bless you and yours always my friend .

[@sonny2593]

Merry Christmas to you and your kin, Kevin! Thanks for another interesting year! All the best 👍

[@joeyfarrell188]

Thank you 🎄🎄🎄☺️☺️☺️

[@chriswarburtonbrown1566]

Lovely video delivered with great warmth. Many thanks and Happy Christmas!

[@Deetzbaby]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kevin, Julie, Rupert and your family. I'm looking forward to a new year of videos, models, and fantastic stories told by the best storyteller on KZbin❤

[@UnnamedPodcast_Uprising]

Merry Christmas Kevin 🍻🎄

[@joshuagibson1307]

Brilliant episode mate, helped get me in the Christmas spirit today while I litterpick at work, all the best to you and your family.

[@anywilldo4me]

Beautiful piece Kevin and as always interesting and fun.

[@georgekostaras]

Merry Christmas to you, my friend! Thanks for the great history videos and I hope you're surrounded by family, food and warmth

[@michelleeden6169]

What an absolute boster of a post this is. I really enjoyed it, and coming from the Black Country myself, the customs are very traditional and nostalgic for me. The sort of things we enjoyed as nippers now can still resonate in adulthood with fond memories. Please keep bringing your bostin posts, as we say them om a gud un ay thay mar mucca.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Merry Christmas

[@ariannedechateaumichel7777]

In my family, we hung our Christmas stockings off the chimney near our wood stove (Dad built the house and chimney but never added the bricks he was going to wrap the chimney in, so there are still wavy metal strips sticking out of the chimney that were meant to hold the bricks to it). Anyway, on Christmas morning, we'd wake to find that our stockings had been filled with an orange at the toe, a new toothbrush, a single candy cane, and a variety of other small items. Now that I live in Florida, my children have no idea how much of a treat that orange was.

[@crystalclear6864]

Merry Christmas everyone

[@claytonyoung9941]

Merry Christmas Kevin, and to all! I very much enjoyed this video and hope I can maybe integrate a few of these traditions into my families Christmases with my children if I have any in the future. Merry Christmas all

[@tinasavage674]

Thanks 😊

[@danielkarmy4893]

You know, all my life until I was 28, whenever anybody asked me, 'fancy a mince pie?' I'd always respond, 'no thanks, I don't like them'. Nobody ever questioned this. Why would you? I didn't like them, so that was that. Well, last year, my dear Nan and I were stood in her kitchen, and she asked me the time-honoured question, 'fancy a mince pie?' and I, true to form, replied, 'no thanks, I don't like them'. Except I added, 'I don't like mince'...she laughs, but I say I'm quite serious! She says oh no, it's...they haven't actually got...I say, but it's called mincemeat, is it not? Mince, meat?... I'd always said I didn't like them, because nobody had ever told me it wasn't mince! That was the day I discovered, to the expense of my fitness, that in fact I actually really, really *do* like mince pies...

[@thehistorysquad]

😂😂😂 how absolutely lovely, thanks so much for sharing that story.