Friday, October 8, 2010

Legend of the Christmas Spider

The year is moving along at a very fast pace, for me, and Christmas is on its way.
Starting today I am occasionally posting Christmas related posts, as I know many of my readers love this holiday, as do I and many of you know I co-wrote a book about celebrating it.
Legend of the Christmas Spider 
Do you have a spider ornament for your Christmas tree?
The ornaments themselves can be quite cute and not at all scary. I have always liked Daddy Long Legs spiders and usually rescue them when I find them in our shower area, but I know some of you may think ick when you see a spider. I have one handmade spider ornament made of clear and gold faceted beads and another made of a shell with glitter on it.
The legend of the Christmas spider explains why a spider ornament is welcome on many Christmas trees.
A humble spider, according to the legend, watched a family decorate a tree one Christmas eve. He was fascinated by this activity and when the people went to bed, he crawled all over the branches looking with wonder at each shiny ornament. He wished he had a way to help decorate the tree as his gift to the Holy Child. As the spider examined the ornaments he left a trail of spider webs which covered the tree.
When Santa Claus arrived he turned the web into gold and silver strands that shimmered brightly.
 So when you decorate your tree with angels, fish, reindeer, Hallmark ornaments, Santas and more, consider adding a reverent spider to the tree too and share this story with your children.

17 comments:

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Sweet spider story!
Have a great weekend.
Warmly,
deb :)

Anonymous said...

That was interesting, never heard that before. I do not have a spider ornament. I love Daddy Long Legs too, my hubby likes to pick them up. I have had one crawl on my arm, it tickles. Hugs

Amrita said...

Sweet story.

No I don 't have a Christmas spider, but lots of ordinary ones (smile)

I hav e web like decorations for the tree- the garland types.

decareis said...

I never liked spiders .....
but his story is really cool!
kisses

Anonymous said...

What a cute story! I may have to pick up a Christmas spider now. =]

Cindy said...

Well Terra..a spider must be on my tree this year. I will try to create one..that is cute..and Christmasy.Thanks for sharing this.

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Angel said...

I never thought a spider story could be tied into Christmas but this one is very sweet. Thanks for sharing it. And thank you for your visit to my blog. Blessings to you!

Catherine said...

You are making me anxious to bring out my Christmas decorations!!!! :)

xo Catherine

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Terra, Since your name...you belong to the earth, you like Daddy long leg spiders...an interesting story too.. The webs are a wonder to be seen especially when they glisten with dew..
Blessings CML

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

I do know that story and have always liked it. Spiders have already begun decorating my home. I guess they are in the Christmas spirit, too.

Anonymous said...

That's a very interesting story. My husband is from MI and we have many ornaments from Bonner's which all came with a little card describing their symbolism.

Rosaria Williams said...

How sweet! Yes, a new decorative story!

farmlady said...

This story makes me like spiders all the more. I will look for a spider ornament for the tree this year.
Thanks for reminding us that all creatures have a story to tell.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a great legend. I've never heard that. I'll have to look for a spider to put on my tree this year. laurie

Sandy said...

Thanks for joining my blog.
It's nice to know someone in California. Sitting on my porch yesterday morning, I have decided to put up a medium Christmas tree, leave it up all year and change it according to the season -- my 9 year old and 2 year old GD's will be thrilled but my children will think I've lost my mind.!! Look forward to trying to find your Christmas book..

Chatty Crone said...

What a beautiful story - and thanks - I will have a good day tomorrow. sandie

koralee said...

Oh I know Christmas is well on its way...yahoo...love your story today my friend. I have never heard it before.

xoxoxo happy tuesday to you