Familiar Holiday Stories & Legends
Dec 15, 2025 10:42AM ● By Anne Batty
“Traditions… traditions … without them our lives might be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”
by Anne Batty
by Anne Batty
Theologians, philosophers and psychologists echo Tevye’s thoughts contending that traditions shape, define and describe humans; and that it is in the practice of them that life stays in balance, offering a sense of security, a knowing of who we are and where we come from.
Like our global neighbors, we in the USA celebrate a myriad of cultural and private holiday traditions; many that include the familiar stories, poems, myths and legends enjoyed and celebrated joyfully each season.
And … if we take time to look further into each of these familiar tales, we may discover that not only were they written and performed as a source of entertainment for holiday celebrating, we may be surprised to discover that they might just contain some important life lessons as well.
HOLIDAY STORIESTwas the Night Before Christmas
Author Clement Clarke Moore,
Illustrator Charles Santore
Originally published anonymously as a poem in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in NY in 1823 entitled ‘A Visit from St. Nick,’ it wasn’t until 1837 that Moore actually accepted credit for its writing. A professor and a scholar he reportedly wanted to keep his authorship secret because of his stature in the community, and because this piece wasn’t considered a scholarly work at the time of its initial writing. Said to have based his vision of Santa Claus on both the myth of St. Nicholas (the gift giver) and a local Dutch handyman who operated the sleigh that transported Moore to and from work, his inspiration for a book to illustrate the poem came from riding in that same sleigh. And … having written the book for his children … he is also credited for creating and naming each of the eight mystical reindeer – Dasher (fast and handsome), Dancer (agile and light), Prancer (Lively and Agile), Vixen (fierce and intelligent), Comet (speedy on ice), Cupid (loving and god-like), Donner (thunder), Blitzen (lightening). Moore’s adaptation of the original story renamed, Twas the Night Before Christmas, has become a nostalgic classic, a remembrance of childhood’s gone by, a story still read annually to children today.
Originally published anonymously as a poem in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in NY in 1823 entitled ‘A Visit from St. Nick,’ it wasn’t until 1837 that Moore actually accepted credit for its writing. A professor and a scholar he reportedly wanted to keep his authorship secret because of his stature in the community, and because this piece wasn’t considered a scholarly work at the time of its initial writing. Said to have based his vision of Santa Claus on both the myth of St. Nicholas (the gift giver) and a local Dutch handyman who operated the sleigh that transported Moore to and from work, his inspiration for a book to illustrate the poem came from riding in that same sleigh. And … having written the book for his children … he is also credited for creating and naming each of the eight mystical reindeer – Dasher (fast and handsome), Dancer (agile and light), Prancer (Lively and Agile), Vixen (fierce and intelligent), Comet (speedy on ice), Cupid (loving and god-like), Donner (thunder), Blitzen (lightening). Moore’s adaptation of the original story renamed, Twas the Night Before Christmas, has become a nostalgic classic, a remembrance of childhood’s gone by, a story still read annually to children today.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Author Robert L May, Illustrator Denver Gillen
The red-nosed reindeer, named Rudolph, was created in 1939 as an assignment for the Chicago-based Montgomery Ward store. Throughout the ‘30s the company had been buying coloring books for give-away during the holiday season. Deciding that creating their own book would save money, they commandeered an employee to write a book. Among their staff was 34-year-old Robert L. May, a copywriter who was well-known among his peers for the limericks and children’s stories he loved to write. Thus he was put in charge of writing the story. His inspiration came from the story of the Ugly Duckling which appealed to him because growing up small and shy he knew what it was like to be an underdog. His character became a reindeer, not only because they were familiar to his society but because his toddler daughter, Barbara, adored the deer at the Lincoln Park Zoo. His employers, however, were not thrilled about a deer as the main character until he convinced the company’s art director Denver Gillen to make a series of sketches of the reindeer in the zoo. His sketches convinced the bosses that the story about a deer would work. After experimenting with the names Rollo (too lighthearted for a misfit) and Reginald (too formal) May eventually settled on the name Rudolph; a Germanic name associated with honor and strength. The final touch, the red nose, came while May was staring out his office window pondering how best to craft a Christmas story about a misfit reindeer. Suddenly a thick fog from Lake Michigan blocked his view and inspiration came. Just like that he had the answer … “A nose! A bright red nose, one that would shine like a spot light to show Santa the way!”
A Caveat to this popular story … Montgomery Ward originally took all rights to the book leaving Moore almost penniless. But after Ward’s wife died he approached the company about rights to his book. The company did the right thing, granting his request; they repaid him the original profits and gave all rights to the story back to him.
A Christmas Carol
(A Mythical Ghost Story)
Author Charles Dickens, Illustrator John Leech
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
First published in 1843, this novella tells the transformative story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted, greedy miser who says “bah humbug” to the Christmas season but eventually learns the true meaning of Christas through supernatural visits. Part ghost story, it is a tale written during dissenting societal and political times as a reminder to readers that generosity and the spirit of giving is something that should be continuous even after the festivities of the holiday season have ended. Written in five Staves (the five lines that music is written on), it uses the term staves instead of chapters to link the story with the hopeful music of the holiday season.
Stave One – sets the scene, introducing the main characters Scrooge and Bob Crachchit. Here the ghost of Jacob Marley (his deceased business partner) warns Scrooge about the consequences of greed and tells him about the three ghosts yet to come.
Stave Two – the ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge’s his happy childhood with his sister Fan and fiancée Belle.
Stave Three – the ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to visit the Cratchit family and to witness their meager holiday celebration.
Stave Four – Marley tells Scrooge about s visit from a terrifying ghost who will show him what the Christmas yet to come has in store.
Stave Five – depicts a happy outcome when Scrooge becomes a changed man.
It is said that Dickens wrote the story in response to social attitudes towards poverty, particularly child poverty and wished to use the novella as a means to put forward his personal arguments against it. His story shows Scrooge as a paradigm of self-interest and the possible repercussions of ignoring the poor, especially the children. Written to arouse the sympathy of readers it allowed him to present the message of the necessity of practicing charity without alienating his largely middle-class readership.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
The Nutcracker Ballet
In German folklore it is believed that nutcrackers protect the family and bring the home good luck. This traditional belief prompted German author E.T.A. Hoffman to write a fantasy tale entitled ‘Nutcracker and Mouse King.’ It tells the story of a young girl named Marie who feels constrained by the traditions of her family and her social class. At a Christmas party held to “reignite the imagination in Marie’s strict life,” her godfather, Drosselmeier, brings presents to her and the other children attending the party. His gift to Marie is a nutcracker, which unfortunately breaks during the evening. Later that night, she checks on her broken nutcracker and is greeted by her toy having grown to life-size and engaged in a battle with a mouse king and his armies. From there, after her nutcracker beats the mouse king, he takes Marie into a world of imagination and wonder; one she chooses to stay in rather than return home. Eventually adapted and rewritten by the French author Alexandre Dumas the story’s title was changed to ‘The Nutcracker of Nuremberg’ and Marie’s name became Clara. Dumas embellished the tale to include dancing toys and performing sweets, eventually removing Clara’s rigid lifestyle constraints and returning her and her nutcracker home at the end of the story. This is the version that is used in the ballet performed today. In 1891 it was the famous composer Tchaikovsky who was commissioned to write the score for this ballet, and it was his music that triggered the introduction of the Sugar Plum Fairy into the story. Since its first performance in 1892, it has become a holiday season favorite performed by various ballet companies and attended by families ever since.
Visits by Santa Claus
The history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tapestry woven from various cultural influences and traditions. From St. Nicholas to Sinterklaas, Ded Moroz, La Befana and beyond, the figure of Santa Claus embodies the spirit of giving, joy, and kindness that transcends borders. Our modern image of Santa Claus can be traced back to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness in secretly giving gifts to those in need, including a story where he provided dowries for three impoverished sisters. His legacy of gift-giving laid the foundation for the traditions surrounding Santa Claus.
Dutch settlers in the Netherlands, celebrated the holidays on December 5th. Sinterklaas, dressed in a bishop’s robe and mitre, comes on a steamboat accompanied by his helpers, known as Zwarte Piet. Dutch children place their shoes out, hoping he will leave them gifts or treats.
In Russia, Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost is a key figure during New Year’s celebrations. Unlike Santa Claus, Ded Moroz brings gifts on New Year’s Eve. Depicted as a tall, slender man with a long beard, wearing a blue or red fur coat, he visits children, distributing presents and spreading holiday cheer.
The legend of La Befana in Italy offers a unique twist on the holiday gift-giver. La Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve (January 5th). According to legend, she was visited by the Three Wise Men on their way to find the Christ child. Unable to join them, she decided to search for him herself and has been delivering gifts ever since. La Befana is known for her love of sweets, often leaving candy for well-behaved children.
In German-speaking countries, the Christkind, or Christ Child, is a popular figure associated with gift-giving. Depicted as a young child with angelic features, the Christkind is said to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. In addition … the practice of celebrating Christmas markets and Advent calendars originated in Germany, contributing to the many modern holiday traditions practiced today.
The figure of Father Christmas in the United Kingdom has roots in ancient pagan traditions. Originally associated with feasting and merriment during the winter solstice. he is often depicted wearing a long, flowing robe instead of the red suit commonly associated with Santa.
Global recognition of Santa Claus has largely been due to literature and media. The publication of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) in 1823 played a significant role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, describing him as a plump, jolly man who travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
As this holiday season approaches, let us discover a new appreciation for the good will, pleasure and life lessons these diverse stories, legends and myths might bring us during this magical time of the year.
Happiest of Holidays to All!
