Saturnalia

 Here we are one year on and we're at Saturnalia again. That's the Roman holiday that became Christmas:

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia

During Saturnalia, work and business came to a halt. Schools and courts of law closed, and the normal social patterns were suspended.

People decorated their homes with wreaths and other greenery, and shed their traditional togas in favor of colorful clothes known as synthesis. Even slaves did not have to work during Saturnalia, but were allowed to participate in the festivities; in some cases, they sat at the head of the table while their masters served them.

Instead of working, Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice.

Merry Saturnalia

It's December and that time of year again folks.

Saturnalia >>> https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia

"Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas."

That's right, Christmas is actually Saturnalia. Face it, we don't actually know when Jesus Christ was born.

Giving gifts, feasting, lighting candles, singing of songs, looking after the poor are all Saturnalia. When you wear that crown at the Christmas meal, blow a whistle, tell jokes, that's also Saturnalia. In Rome, within each household a slave would be appointed king for the day, and he would issue orders, the owner waiting on him and the household family would provide food for the other slaves as well. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas may also trace its origins to the latter practise.