Holiday Countdown

Day 14: Tales

Author: Parker Taylor is a PhD student in Biological Anthropology and Museum Advisory Council member. Parker serves as MAC treasurer and head of the finance subcommittee.

Eight red, worn book spines with gold lettering stacked horizontally. Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" is included, as well as "A Winter's Tale." The latter is pulled out and focused over the rest.

Related U of A Museum collections object: Shakespeare’s “A Winter’s Tale.”

For many people the holidays are a time of togetherness and sharing. One important aspect of the season are the holiday related folk and fairy tales that are shared all over the world and passed down from one generation to the next. While most of these stories have some religious contexts, many of these stories are often told to pass a moral to children so that they may become well-rounded adults.

A cartoon elf touching the red nose of a reindeer next to them. A winter scene of snow and evergreen trees is behind them. The figures are three dimensional and look to be made of clay.

The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer teaches kids not to judge others by their differences.

Others serve to remind adults to be more considerate of others and less selfish. A Christmas Carol’s Ebenezer Scrooge serves as an example of how it’s better live life through generosity and an open heart than being closed off to those in need.

A book illustration featuring a man with grey hair in a nightgown and nightcap. He's sitting by a large fireplace and a ghost with shackles is walking toward him. Underneath are the words "Marley's Ghost."

A dark goat-like figure standing upright with horns, tail, one hooved food and a very long tongue is putting a little boy in a basket while a little girl looks on and holds a basket of apples. Above them are the words: "Gruss vom Krampus!"

Even darker stories (hello Scandinavia!) sometimes tell stories to warn children that they better behave, or else suffer the consequences.

The story of Krampus, a demonic entity that beats or kidnaps naughty children, has become more popularized in recent years as a horror story. Regardless of the approach, it seems that holiday tales are primarily focused on promoting goodwill and generosity towards our fellow humans and this is something that we could all be better at. What are your favorite holiday tales? What do they mean for you?

Image Credits:

Hermey the elf and Rudolph, two characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Author: Rankin Bass. Wikimedia Commons.
Marley’s ghost, from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Author: John Leech. Wikimedia Commons.
Old card reading “Gruss vom Krampus” (“Greetings from Krampus”). Author: Unknown. Wikimedia Commons.