CHRISTMAS
There are many good old customs appropriated to this season of the year which although banished by the refinement of Metropolitans are still preserved in various parts of the country as introductive of harmless mirth and emblematic of things now almost forgotten.
On Christmas Eve it is still a custom in the North to light candles of a very uncommon size which are called Christmas Candles; to burn also a Yule Clog (sic), or Christmas block, thus illuminating the house. This custom was perhaps borrowed from the Saxons; they began their year on the 8th of the calends of January, which is our Christmas Day. The night before was termed by them "The night of mothers" and was observed by them as sacred. The log perhaps was burned in imitation of the sun's return.
The origin of Christmas boxes is said to be this: the priest has masses said for every thing. If a ship went on a distant voyage a box was fixed to the mast and consecrated to some saint. The marines were expected to put money into this box that masses might be said for them on their return. The mass was then called "Christ-Mass"; this particular box Christ-Mass box. Many other customs may be enumerated. The Christmas Carrol (sic), Christmas Pies. At the Universities it is common to hang laurel in all the colleges and chapels which, when we consider that the laurel was emblematical of peace and victory is easily explained. One of the earlier Councils forbade Christians to deck their houses with bay leaves and green boughs; but now there is thank Heaven, no restraint on what leads to cheerfulness and the careful cook may enjoy her mistletoe without fear of being disturbed by the censures of the Church.
(Kentish Gazette Fri Dec 28 1787 to Tu Jan 1 1788 p.2 col.1)