Why do we do that at Christmas?
Things are heating up for the holidays and parties are in full swing. Hot toddies and wine are flowing and gifts are being exchange. But where did all these merry traditions come from? What makes us wander from house to house singing to strangers, when the only place we’d normally sing is in the shower? Well, dear reader, since my new book, Kiss of the Betrayer, released this week, I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions about medieval traditions. So let’s dive into a little history lesson.
Churches played a huge part in medieval Christmas festivities. Religious dramas and mysteries were presented by the church for the congregation’s entertainment. The Holy Family or the Nativity were particularly popular and as the interest in the Nativity grew, so did Christmas as a holiday.
I love the concept of caroling, though I will admit I haven’t done it since I was a kid. As someone who is the carolee, I feel a bit like someone who is caught off guard by trick or treaters. Do I offer the carolers a cookie or hot chocolate? How long can I hold this smile as they trill into yet another Christmas song? In the Middle Ages, caroling was uber popular. Probably because it was frowned upon by the church. Realizing they weren’t going to beat the singing trend, the religious powers to be decided to guide the unwashed masses to a more suitable format of hymns and religious based songs.
Who doesn’t love The Twelve Days of Christmas, if only to see if you can remember all the words? This song may have started out as a game set to music. One person would sing a stanza and then another person would add his own lines to the song, repeating the first verse. Each subsequent person would continue to build on what had been sung before them. Another possible version was that it originated as a Catholic catechism memory song. During the Reformation, this song helped many oppressed Catholics remember facts about God and Jesus during a time when their faith might have meant death.
Charades was also popular during Christmas, especially in England. Much more elaborate than today’s game, the players would dress up as the opposite sex and act out comic stories. I’m pretty certain I would have been a pro at this game.
I’d love to hear about the traditions you and your family have. Leave a comment and be entered to win an e-copy of Kiss of the Betrayer, book two in my Bringer and the Bane series.
Have a fantastic and joyous holiday.
About the Author: 
As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone’s writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every even is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.
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Kiss of the Betrayer
Bringer and the Bane Book Two
Boone Brux
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: Print: 1620610353
E-book – 978-1620610350
Number of pages: 400
Word Count: 100,000
Amazon B N
Book Description:
For fifteen years Luc Le Daun has blamed himself for the death of the woman he loved. His secret guilt has led him into a life of danger, risking all and committing to none.
Killing Luc Le Daun has been all Jade Kendell has thought about for years. But when her plan goes awry and she’s brought into the Bringers’ fold, her own dark secret threatens to be revealed. Desire for a better life wars with a promise made long before she understood the ramifications.
In a deadly mission, Jade and Luc embark on a journey into the Shadow World. As they attempt the impossible, ignoring the attraction growing between them becomes harder to deny. The slightest misstep could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers.
Shield of Fire
Bringer and the Bane Book One
Boone Brux
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-17-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-33-6
Book Description:
Protecting humans is the Bringers’ duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.
In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s known, she stumbles headlong into the clutches of Icarus, a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.
When Rhys realizes the woman he’s rescued from the Bane Demon is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.
As the Demon King’s desire for ultimate power escalates, fathers are slated against sons, and foes are made allies. The Bane threat upon them, Rhys and Ravyn must quest to unite the last of the Bringers—and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.
Purchase Link: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/shield-of-fire/
Cheers,
