The Legend of the Christmas Spider Ornament

Do you have a spider ornament for your Christmas tree?
The ornaments themselves can be quite cute and not at all scary. I have always liked Daddy Long Legs spiders and usually rescue them when I find them in our shower area, but I know some of you may think ick when you see a spider. I have one handmade spider ornament made of clear and gold faceted beads and another made of a shell with glitter on it.
The legend of the Christmas spider explains why a spider ornament is welcome on many Christmas trees.
A humble spider, according to the legend, watched a family decorate a tree one Christmas eve. He was fascinated by this activity and when the people went to bed, he crawled all over the branches looking with wonder at each shiny ornament. He wished he had a way to help decorate the tree as his gift to the Holy Child. As the spider examined the ornaments he left a trail of spider webs which covered the tree.
When Santa Claus arrived he turned the web into gold and silver strands that shimmered brightly.
 So when you decorate your tree with angels, fish, reindeer, Hallmark ornaments, Santas and more, consider adding a reverent spider to the tree too and share this story with your children.

The Snow Maiden by Brenda Nixon

This week we're sharing the history of Christmas legends. Legends are made by retelling stories from one generation to the next.

The German Christmas Spider legend is in A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. You've probably heard that wealthy biblical scholar Clement C. Moore wrote Twas the Night Before Christmas for his children. But do you know the history of the Russian tale of The Snow Maiden? Mac Carey retells it here www.mymerrychristmas.com/2006/snowmaiden.shtml

After reading, answer these quiz questions:
Who accompanies the Snow Maiden to deliver her presents?
How often do Russian children expect a visit from the Snow Maiden?

I like the Russian proverb, "Fools shoot, and God directs the bullet." Do you have a fave legend? Please leave your comment here to entertain and educate us.

Brenda Nixon, http://www.brendanixon.com/
Co-Author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts