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Christmas Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Was Christmas Invented by Pagans in Ancient Rome?

December 22nd, 2022

Did you know that the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday around the 25th of December each year? It has some eery similarities to the modern celebration of Christmas, too. Is it possible the Romans invented Christmas? Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education, Christian | 108 Comments »

Are the Holidays Going “Woke” or Getting More Inclusive?

December 19th, 2022

From a Black Santa Claus to a commercialized Target version of Hanukkah, the holidays look a bit different this year. Are these efforts to boost representation “woke” pandering, or simply a step toward inclusivity? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 79 Comments »

The Secret Story of the Original War on Christmas

December 9th, 2022

Did you know that the first 'War on Christmas' was started by the Puritans? We may view our seasonal Christmas squabbles as a modern phenomenon, but the Puritans were trying to cancel Christmas all the way back in 1659. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 19 Comments »

Hallmark Makes History With First Gay Couple in Holiday RomCom

December 5th, 2022

Hallmark is debuting their first ever same-sex focused holiday romantic comedy this month, 'The Holiday Sitter'. Hallmark is championing their increased representation, but accusations they've gone 'woke' are flying. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 166 Comments »

The History of Advent They Don't Teach You in School

November 30th, 2022

Did you know that many advent traditions celebrated by Christians are borrowed from ancient pagan traditions? Wreaths, candles, and Christmas trees (and decorations!) are all "borrowed" from the pagans. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 28 Comments »

As Holidays Wind Down, Three Kings Day Approaches in Spain

December 31st, 2021

While the holiday season is winding down for those of us in the United States, it's still in full swing until early January in Spain and Latin America, as they'll celebrate Three Kings Day on January 5th. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 28 Comments »

Yule Want to Read This: The Pagan Origins of Christmas

December 9th, 2021

How does ritual bloodletting and sacrifice turn into eating honey baked ham? What does snogging under the mistletoe have to do with Jesus’s birth? This is the story of how Yule merged with Christmas. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 98 Comments »

Mr. and Mr. Claus? Gay Santa Ad Sparks Controversy

December 3rd, 2021

A Norwegian ad showing Santa falling in love with and kissing a man is being both celebrated and maligned in equal parts, with some say it's adorably wholesome, and others say it's wildly inappropriate. Which is it? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 104 Comments »

Even During Pandemic, the War on Christmas Continues

December 18th, 2020

We're all familiar with the War on Christmas, but this year it's receiving a very 2020 twist: COVID-19. The international pandemic is opening up a whole new front on everyone's favorite seasonal skirmish. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 83 Comments »

Here Comes Santa Claus: An Exclusive Interview With Our Most Famous Minister

December 16th, 2020

Santa Claus is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, and even performs weddings in the classic Santa outfit! We reached out to ask what life is like as Mr. Claus, and how things are different in 2020. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Celebrity Ministers, Weddings | 11 Comments »