The labors of December

 The Book of Hours December calendar, wild boar hunt

A medieval Christmas was actually twelve full days of feasting and raucous fun. Our single day holiday is basically a Victorian invention. It's a shame that all that preparation and anticipation goes into something that's over so fast. No wonder we sometimes feel let down after Christmas. 

Mid-winter was perfect for such drawn out festivities, since many laborers and farmers had extra time on their hands. And as we know, winter in the northern climes can be boring and depressing. 

Advent came first, requiring a 40-day period of fasting and piety, then all hell broke loose in December and early January. Soon to be followed by Lent. The traditional church calendar had a nice balance to it.

Many of the ancient illustrations and paintings for December are rather gruesome, depicting the butchering that took place in the early cold months of winter.  Now we are far removed from the sights, sounds and smells of butchering.  

And the work. I know Dad still remembers when butchering the pig was an exciting day on the farm. Everyone had a job and "everything but the oink" was preserved, from the hams to scrapple and plenty of sausage.