Sunday Six #2 - yeah I know it's Tuesday

But I forgot I'd started this the previous week.

So, anyway, it was originally Diane Duane's idea (dduane.tumblr.com)

"Each Sunday, post six sentences from a writing project — published, submitted, in progress, for your cat — whatever."

Historically in Britain, Christmas had been a religious festival, centering on prayers, worship and devotion, and also on a midwinter feast, a holdover from ancient pagan celebrations to mark the passing of the shortest and darkest day. Midwinter was obviously important to agricultural societies because once it was past, there would be more time each day between dawn and dusk, and so more work could be done, and the planting season would be approaching.
By the 17th century, the Christmas holiday period actually began on Christmas day – a religious feast day when work was banned – and continued for twelve days, during which time people would feast, carouse, and occasionally give their servants a bonus. Churches and other buildings would be decorated with holly, ivy, rosemary and bay. This all changed after the English Civil War, when Parliament clamped down on the feasting and decorations. (Contrary to popular belief, Oliver Cromwell did not introduce this ban personally, but he certainly supported it and upheld it as Lord Protector).

A Haunted Corporation