As a child, we often found an orange and handful of nuts in our stockings. Tradition passed down, but with no apparent reason. Our first year in our little house in Bakerfield, our good friend Ama (Pam Wear), shelled walnuts we found nearby. She did all but one perfectly, so as to have little walnut bowls. I made ornaments by attaching red ribbon and gluing tiny baby Jesus in each.
In Slovakia, empty walnut shells are fitted with tiny candles, placed in a bowl of water as a look to prosperity and long life. The one whose candle burns out last, of course is promised both.
Another legend tells of the "angel wing shaped nut inside, which reminds us of God Almighty, Creator. Just as this nut will grow into a mighty tree, so shall God's grace grow within each of us and flow throughout creation.
Here in Virginia, peanuts are proliferously grown and eaten. This past summer, I tried my first 'boiled peanut,' tasted like a cooked pinto bean. However, I enjoy handfuls of them roasted and gleefully shell and eat them. Legend tells that the lowly peanut, symbolizes the anticipation of Christmas season. Just as we open a peanut shell to discover inside, so does Christmastide unfold many surprises. Draw on a couple eyes and rosebud mouth and have a sleeping Christchild for nativity. Or add small felt hats and pipe cleaner extremities for peanut elves. The options are endless for peanut fun!
Speaking of peanuts and fun, one must not forget the classic Peanuts Christmas Tale. My all time, most favoritest favorite- I watch it every year on my birthday and cry every year when Charlie Brown kills the ramshackle sprig and rejoice at the end-when those whom were mean, rude and really just ignorant to the true meaning of Christmas until Linus sets them straight-when they all show up and bedeck the little fallen tree and it shines gloriously! You Tube generously shows it for free! Snuggle in and enjoy!
Charlie Brown Christmas