V Victorians
Speaking of traditions (previous page), we have the Victorians to thank for most of ours. “Though the effects of the Puritan suppression of Christmas had lingered for nearly two centuries, the marriage of German Prince Albert to Queen Victoria in 1840 helped spread the German tradition of Christmas trees in England,” says Bruce Forbes, Ph.D., the author of Christmas: A Candid History. An illustration of the royal couple and their children (plus toys) around a decorated tree in The Illustrated London News in 1848 turned the Christmas tide, making the holiday a family-centric one that was less about religion and more about spreading good cheer—and presents.
W A festive recipe—with a white wine twist—to commit to memory now. You’ll need it all winter. ACTIVE TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 10
½ cup honey 2 cinnamon sticks
X XMAS For people who find this common abbreviation crass, here’s a salve: The X comes from the Greek letter chi, the first letter of the Greek word (Christ). So using Xmas in place of Christmas is kind of saying the same thing. And that abbreviation dates all the way back to the mid-16th century, well before stores started using it to save room on signs. (XMAS SALE! 75% OFF!)
BRING the honey, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, star anise, peppercorns, and ½ cup water to a simmer over medium in a large pot, stirring to dissolve the honey. Turn off heat, add the wine, cover, and let steep 30 to 60 minutes.
Zzzz
BEFORE serving, gently reheat over medium-low just until the mulled wine begins to release steam; do not let simmer. Serve in handled glasses or mugs.
1 5-in. piece orange peel
MERRYMAKING IS EXHAUSTING.
2 star anise 4 black peppercorns 2 (750-mL) bottles dry white wine, such as Chardonnay
Y U L E LO G The glowing fireside scene we think of when we hear “yule log” has its roots in German and Scandinavian paganism. Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice, and burning a log brought good luck—not to mention light in the middle of a dark, depressing winter. The Vikings and the AngloSaxons took the tradition to England, where it became linked with the cozy feelings of Christmas, and the English brought it to America. Fast-forward to Christmas Eve 1966, New York City: TV station WPIX broadcasts a film loop of a yule log burning in a fireplace as a gift to city dwellers who live in apartments without hearths. Today you can stream a yule log (rent a flickering scene for $2 at amazon.com) and experience the warmth of the season through…your iPad.
So Real Simple exclaims, as you turn out the light, Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!
DECEMBER 2016
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