MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hello,

My name is bwings and I stuff my stockings with a tangerine/clementine!

I don't know for sure where the tradition started, I just know that I am not the only one who grew up with a tangerine in my stocking. All through the holidays the tangerines sit on a shelf pleading with you to buy them. Sale after sale they jump out at you. Just like egg nog they are here and then gone after the new year. I was fortunate to be pregnant in season as I craved the juicy fruit.

Some sources say the tradition started in the 18th century when nuns would stuff socks with nuts and tangerines and leave them at doorsteps. Other sources say it was Bishop Nicholas who, having learned  about 3 daughters with no dowries destined to be old maids, tossed 3 bags of gold down their chimney. It of course landed in their stocking as the folk lore goes and as the fire heated the socks the sacs of gold melted and softened into balls of gold. The tangerines in our stockings are to symbolize these gold sacs.

Do you know what I think? I think it's just because tangerine season is from October to April. The centre of this season would be December & January when the fruit would be just right! Not too sweet, not too sour. Why stuff it in the stockings? Simple, so the gifts don't get stuck in the toe. It fills the toe perfectly and then parents aren't busy saying, "Are you sure you got everything out?" "yes mom" "I think there is something more....Santa told me what he left in your stocking and you're missing one thing."

Two nights ago I received a letter from one of my hippie viewers.

Dear Hippie Mom,

How do you recycle Clementine boxes? It seems like such a waste to just throw them in the garbage.

Anonymous Hippie

Honestly this was something I was curious about as I have two boxes sitting on my counter. Now to find out what is allowed in my location. My first step was to call my local waste company. They said unfortunately it would be considered garbage as far as they are concerned as it's not plastic or cardboard. Disappointing as it's wood. I suppose it'd break down relatively nicely in a waste pile. But all the same, next was to call my city office.

My city office was able to help me out. Before I even finished the question the operator told me they could be put in the green bin provided all the staples were pulled out. Well that wasn't so hard was it? Now I can stuff my stockings without feeling guilty.

Now seeing as it's Christmas tomorrow (and Kawanza on Sunday) I guess I better finish up our song.

Are we ready? Do you remember the lyrics? Sing along everyone!!

♫On the 12th day of Christmas a hippie brought to me a hand woven telephone wire bracelet, a recycled cotton wastebasket, a set of Circuit Board Cufflinks, a Truck Tire Bentley Bag, a triple razor, a splaff thin recycled tube belt, a wind up universal remote, a tie fold wallet , a biodegradable fertile tee, a flip-flop door mat, 2 cangle earrings and a bobble water filter ♫ 


That about wraps it up! Have a very, merry Christmas! 
Your friendly neighborhood Hippie Mom