Lighting the Christmas pud

[insidemyknee]

When and how did this tradition start, and do any of you do it on Christmas day?

[SRH]

On Wiki it suggests it's due to a game called Snap-dragon - a parlour game popular from about the 16th to 19th centuries. It was played during the winter, particularly on Christmas Eve. Brandy was heated and placed in a wide shallow bowl; raisins were placed in the brandy which was then set alight. Typically, lights were extinguished or dimmed to increase the eerie effect of the blue flames playing across the liquor. The aim of the game was to pluck the raisins out of the burning brandy and eat them, at the risk of being burnt.

We always do it on Christmas Day and, because we have dinner quite late, turn off all the lights while my mum walks through the house into cheers from everyone in the dining room (we're all grown up now, but how could we resist going home when this is what we get?!)

Funnily enough, my parents are happy-clappy Christians and have adopted a tradition in the last few years of singing Happy Birthday (Dear Jesus!) as the pudding is brought in. Reduces me to tears of laughter, every time - but very sweet!

[insidemyknee]

Haha! 'Happy birthday dear Jesus', that's awesome!

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering about it because it seems rather an odd tradition to me. >.<

[ma7406636]

The tradition of Christmas lighting has roots in ancient customs, but it gained popularity in the 19th century. The use of candles to decorate homes dates back to the early Christmas celebrations, symbolizing the light of Christ. However, the practice became more widespread with the introduction of electric lights in the late 1800s. In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, a friend of Thomas Edison, created the first string of electric lights, and by the 1900s, electric Christmas lights became a staple in holiday decorations.

Today, many people begin putting up their Christmas lights after Thanksgiving, with some opting to keep them up until the New Year. While it’s less common to put up new lights on Christmas Day itself, some families do enjoy turning on their displays that day as part of their celebrations. Overall, Christmas lighting has evolved into a beloved tradition that adds joy and warmth to the holiday season.