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Christmas Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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 | 89 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 »

The Great Christmas Standoff: Jesus vs. Santa

December 14th, 2020

Christmas used to be a holiday solely focused on the celebration of the birth of Christ. But Jesus has been supplanted by a new figure: Santa Claus. Many religious parents struggle with how to handle this reality. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality, Christian | 55 Comments »

The Untold Story of How Christians Almost Killed Santa

December 9th, 2020

Millions of children across the world are eagerly anticipating Santa's visit later this month. But during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, reformers sought to abolish jolly old Saint Nick entirely. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 15 Comments »

Caged Jesus: Church Nativity Scene Sets Off Fiery Debate

December 12th, 2019

A controversial nativity scene at a California church, featuring baby Jesus behind bars separated from his parents, has sparked a larger debate about immigration and Christian values. See what critics are saying. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 31 Comments »

Christian Neighbor Attempts to Slay "Christmas Dragons"

December 21st, 2018

A Louisiana woman has been putting up dragons around Christmas time for years now, but one Christian neighbor decided enough was enough - leaving an angry letter on her doorstep demanding the dragons be taken down. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 27 Comments »

Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?

December 21st, 2018

Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire | 14 Comments »