“Then here's to the heartening wassail, Wherever good fellows are found; Be its master instead of its vassal, and order the glasses around” ~ Odgen Nash

Let's Go Wassailing...

Who knew wassailing was such a dangerous pastime.

My daughter, the foodie,

who also has a blog, Food Whims,

and I are headed to Boston

to attend one of the workshops that are all the buzz...

Blogshop.

More on that...

 after I am sufficiently trained in the art of photoshop.

Pretty sure...

 I will be the oldest... 

and most technically challenged one

 in attendance.

Meanwhile...

the classes end at 6:00 p.m. so what to do after class?

My research led me to a very interesting historical tidbit.

When Christmas Was Banned in Boston

Are you kidding me?

"For preventing disorders, arising in several places within this jurisdiction by reason of some still observing such festivals as were superstitiously kept in other communities, to the great dishonor of God and offense of others: it is therefore ordered by this court and the authority thereof that whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting, or any other way, upon any such account as aforesaid, every such person so offending shall pay for every such offence five shilling as a fine to the county."

From the records of the General Court,
Massachusetts Bay Colony
May 11, 1659

It seems wassailing was not always the festive, good natured tradition,  we think of today.

"The older custom entailed people of a lower economic class visiting wealthier community members and begging, or demanding, food and drink in return for toasts to their hosts' health. If a host refused, there was the threat of retribution."  Massachusetts Travel Journal

So, for this reason and others...

Christmas was banned in Boston for 22 years.

Fortunately, 
currently...
Boston is lit up in all its grandeur...

and we will see the Boston Commons Christmas Tree, 
minus the snow! 

This weekend... 
relax with the family...
bake some Christmas cookies...
or throw a festive get-together.


Although...
if shopping is on your agenda...
then...
through all the hustle and bustle...
just do a yoga breath...
and remember the reason for the season.