COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Red Set Queen!
The Red Set Queen composes, choreographs, directs, and produces the performances of the famed Red Set Girls for Jamaica’s Jonkonnu festival. 1/
The Red Set Queen composes, choreographs, directs, and produces the performances of the famed Red Set Girls for Jamaica’s Jonkonnu festival. 1/
December 16, 2025 at 3:52 PM
COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Red Set Queen!
The Red Set Queen composes, choreographs, directs, and produces the performances of the famed Red Set Girls for Jamaica’s Jonkonnu festival. 1/
The Red Set Queen composes, choreographs, directs, and produces the performances of the famed Red Set Girls for Jamaica’s Jonkonnu festival. 1/
Oh no I misspelled the hashtag earlier! One of today's #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS
#CCOMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Knecht Ruprecht!
Abandoned in the woods as a baby due to his giant and economically unsustainable appetite, Ruprecht was raised by bears 'til he was found by good ol' St. Nick, who became his lifelong friend, and offered more comfortable surroundings. 1/
Abandoned in the woods as a baby due to his giant and economically unsustainable appetite, Ruprecht was raised by bears 'til he was found by good ol' St. Nick, who became his lifelong friend, and offered more comfortable surroundings. 1/
December 3, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Oh no I misspelled the hashtag earlier! One of today's #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
Companions of Christmas: MERCURIUS ABU-SIFIN
Today (November 25) is the feast day of this Scythian-Romano soldier saint, who wields two swords: one with which to fight evil men, the other, given to him by the Archangel Michael, with which to fight demons, evil spirits, and monsters. 1/
Today (November 25) is the feast day of this Scythian-Romano soldier saint, who wields two swords: one with which to fight evil men, the other, given to him by the Archangel Michael, with which to fight demons, evil spirits, and monsters. 1/
December 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
Over Twelfthtide, I'm gonna post some of the "baddies" of Christmas, folks that St. Nick has never tamed like he has his dark companions Krampus, Peré Fouettard, etc.
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Holda and Perchta! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Holda and Perchta! 1/
December 27, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Over Twelfthtide, I'm gonna post some of the "baddies" of Christmas, folks that St. Nick has never tamed like he has his dark companions Krampus, Peré Fouettard, etc.
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Holda and Perchta! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Holda and Perchta! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Badalisc!
One of the more pernicious Christmas dragons is the furry serpent Badalisc, which is caught during an annual hunt each Jan 5th in the mountain forests of northern Italy. 1/
One of the more pernicious Christmas dragons is the furry serpent Badalisc, which is caught during an annual hunt each Jan 5th in the mountain forests of northern Italy. 1/
December 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Badalisc!
One of the more pernicious Christmas dragons is the furry serpent Badalisc, which is caught during an annual hunt each Jan 5th in the mountain forests of northern Italy. 1/
One of the more pernicious Christmas dragons is the furry serpent Badalisc, which is caught during an annual hunt each Jan 5th in the mountain forests of northern Italy. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mari Lwyd!
#MariLwyd was a gray mare belonging to Taliesin, a poet hailed as “chief of the bards” in sixth century Wales. Taliesin frequently called on Awen, the Welsh muse, for inspiration... 1/
#MariLwyd was a gray mare belonging to Taliesin, a poet hailed as “chief of the bards” in sixth century Wales. Taliesin frequently called on Awen, the Welsh muse, for inspiration... 1/
December 11, 2025 at 9:03 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mari Lwyd!
#MariLwyd was a gray mare belonging to Taliesin, a poet hailed as “chief of the bards” in sixth century Wales. Taliesin frequently called on Awen, the Welsh muse, for inspiration... 1/
#MariLwyd was a gray mare belonging to Taliesin, a poet hailed as “chief of the bards” in sixth century Wales. Taliesin frequently called on Awen, the Welsh muse, for inspiration... 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mother Goodie!
Many, many years ago, Santa was about to make his final stop on Christmas Eve: Campobello Island, in the Canadian Maritimes, where terrible nor'easter was raging. The sea was mountainous in the fierce wind and freezing rain. 1/
Many, many years ago, Santa was about to make his final stop on Christmas Eve: Campobello Island, in the Canadian Maritimes, where terrible nor'easter was raging. The sea was mountainous in the fierce wind and freezing rain. 1/
December 4, 2025 at 1:33 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mother Goodie!
Many, many years ago, Santa was about to make his final stop on Christmas Eve: Campobello Island, in the Canadian Maritimes, where terrible nor'easter was raging. The sea was mountainous in the fierce wind and freezing rain. 1/
Many, many years ago, Santa was about to make his final stop on Christmas Eve: Campobello Island, in the Canadian Maritimes, where terrible nor'easter was raging. The sea was mountainous in the fierce wind and freezing rain. 1/
I've already posted a few new ones this year, but it's time to revisit some old favorites, too, over the next few weeks: the
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS series!
Let's start with the big guy himself: Santa Claus, or Saint Nicolas (“Santa” means “Saint,” and “Claus” is short for “Niklaus/Nicolas)! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS series!
Let's start with the big guy himself: Santa Claus, or Saint Nicolas (“Santa” means “Saint,” and “Claus” is short for “Niklaus/Nicolas)! 1/
December 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
I've already posted a few new ones this year, but it's time to revisit some old favorites, too, over the next few weeks: the
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS series!
Let's start with the big guy himself: Santa Claus, or Saint Nicolas (“Santa” means “Saint,” and “Claus” is short for “Niklaus/Nicolas)! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS series!
Let's start with the big guy himself: Santa Claus, or Saint Nicolas (“Santa” means “Saint,” and “Claus” is short for “Niklaus/Nicolas)! 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Hans Trapp!
Hans Trapp (once known as Hans Von Trotha) was a German knight in who, in the 1480s, forcibly took possession of a castle fortress that had belonged to a monastery. 1/
Hans Trapp (once known as Hans Von Trotha) was a German knight in who, in the 1480s, forcibly took possession of a castle fortress that had belonged to a monastery. 1/
December 8, 2025 at 11:24 AM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Hans Trapp!
Hans Trapp (once known as Hans Von Trotha) was a German knight in who, in the 1480s, forcibly took possession of a castle fortress that had belonged to a monastery. 1/
Hans Trapp (once known as Hans Von Trotha) was a German knight in who, in the 1480s, forcibly took possession of a castle fortress that had belonged to a monastery. 1/
I ain't gonna redo this batch of #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters because it's a lengthier thread, so instead reposting this story about juggling different (and sometimes conflicting) holiday traditions practiced among the different branches of one's extended families.
Companions of Christmas day 4: Chyskhaan, Khaarchana, and Ekhe Dyll, all of Siberia (long thread, 'cause I'm doing three holiday figures today, as they're connected). 1/
December 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I ain't gonna redo this batch of #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters because it's a lengthier thread, so instead reposting this story about juggling different (and sometimes conflicting) holiday traditions practiced among the different branches of one's extended families.
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mrs. Claus!
Mrs. Claus was once better known by her given name, Alba. She was the nymph of the silver fir tree, a captain in the retinue of the goddess Artemis, and she first met Saint Nicolas when he came to do battle with her Lady. 1/
Mrs. Claus was once better known by her given name, Alba. She was the nymph of the silver fir tree, a captain in the retinue of the goddess Artemis, and she first met Saint Nicolas when he came to do battle with her Lady. 1/
December 1, 2025 at 2:27 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Mrs. Claus!
Mrs. Claus was once better known by her given name, Alba. She was the nymph of the silver fir tree, a captain in the retinue of the goddess Artemis, and she first met Saint Nicolas when he came to do battle with her Lady. 1/
Mrs. Claus was once better known by her given name, Alba. She was the nymph of the silver fir tree, a captain in the retinue of the goddess Artemis, and she first met Saint Nicolas when he came to do battle with her Lady. 1/
The final #CompanionsOfChristmas figure: Saint Justo!
Candlemas (today!) is the final day of what the traditional Christmas season, and midnight's approaching! Be sure to take down any remaining decorations, because otherwise you might be visited by Saint Justo, the Christmas Samurai. 1/
Candlemas (today!) is the final day of what the traditional Christmas season, and midnight's approaching! Be sure to take down any remaining decorations, because otherwise you might be visited by Saint Justo, the Christmas Samurai. 1/
February 3, 2026 at 12:23 AM
The final #CompanionsOfChristmas figure: Saint Justo!
Candlemas (today!) is the final day of what the traditional Christmas season, and midnight's approaching! Be sure to take down any remaining decorations, because otherwise you might be visited by Saint Justo, the Christmas Samurai. 1/
Candlemas (today!) is the final day of what the traditional Christmas season, and midnight's approaching! Be sure to take down any remaining decorations, because otherwise you might be visited by Saint Justo, the Christmas Samurai. 1/
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
Companions of Christmas: OLD MAN BAYKA
Old Man Bayka celebrates Christmas in Liberia by roaming the streets in his mask, begging for charity on behalf of others in need, to whom he passes the alms along. 1/
Old Man Bayka celebrates Christmas in Liberia by roaming the streets in his mask, begging for charity on behalf of others in need, to whom he passes the alms along. 1/
December 13, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
Oh, no! I was in the mountains so I wasn't able to coincide this post with Martinmas (November 11), the old world kickoff to the Christmas season! Better late that never.
COMPANIONS OF CHRISTMAS: NÜSSMARTL
A Roman soldier serving in Gaul, Martin of Tours famously cut his cloak in two... 1/
COMPANIONS OF CHRISTMAS: NÜSSMARTL
A Roman soldier serving in Gaul, Martin of Tours famously cut his cloak in two... 1/
December 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
I posted some of the new #COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS characters this year without tagging them so that they could be found by folks new to the series. Rectifying that now!
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Christkindl!
Martin "saints are bad" Luther wanted to ban St. Nick from entering protestant Europe in the 1500s, but knew that many of the people still wanted him to come, and that partisans might help smuggle the jolly old man across the borders. 1/
Martin "saints are bad" Luther wanted to ban St. Nick from entering protestant Europe in the 1500s, but knew that many of the people still wanted him to come, and that partisans might help smuggle the jolly old man across the borders. 1/
December 5, 2025 at 12:27 AM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Christkindl!
Martin "saints are bad" Luther wanted to ban St. Nick from entering protestant Europe in the 1500s, but knew that many of the people still wanted him to come, and that partisans might help smuggle the jolly old man across the borders. 1/
Martin "saints are bad" Luther wanted to ban St. Nick from entering protestant Europe in the 1500s, but knew that many of the people still wanted him to come, and that partisans might help smuggle the jolly old man across the borders. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: ILEX and HELIX!
Santa isn't the only one with companions; Mrs. Claus has a few of her own. Among them are Ilex and Helix (the Holly and the Ivy), her oldest & most trusted bosom friends/comrades-in-arms from her days among the Dryads. 1/
Santa isn't the only one with companions; Mrs. Claus has a few of her own. Among them are Ilex and Helix (the Holly and the Ivy), her oldest & most trusted bosom friends/comrades-in-arms from her days among the Dryads. 1/
December 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: ILEX and HELIX!
Santa isn't the only one with companions; Mrs. Claus has a few of her own. Among them are Ilex and Helix (the Holly and the Ivy), her oldest & most trusted bosom friends/comrades-in-arms from her days among the Dryads. 1/
Santa isn't the only one with companions; Mrs. Claus has a few of her own. Among them are Ilex and Helix (the Holly and the Ivy), her oldest & most trusted bosom friends/comrades-in-arms from her days among the Dryads. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Père Fouettard!
Père Fouettard was a butcher and cook whose tavern was visited by three children on their way to boarding school. Seeing their nice clothes, wicked Fouettard assumed that they must be rich, and, being children, would be easy to rob. 1/
Père Fouettard was a butcher and cook whose tavern was visited by three children on their way to boarding school. Seeing their nice clothes, wicked Fouettard assumed that they must be rich, and, being children, would be easy to rob. 1/
December 2, 2025 at 7:49 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Père Fouettard!
Père Fouettard was a butcher and cook whose tavern was visited by three children on their way to boarding school. Seeing their nice clothes, wicked Fouettard assumed that they must be rich, and, being children, would be easy to rob. 1/
Père Fouettard was a butcher and cook whose tavern was visited by three children on their way to boarding school. Seeing their nice clothes, wicked Fouettard assumed that they must be rich, and, being children, would be easy to rob. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Pitchy Patchy!
Once a highly decorated Akan military commander, the man who would become known as Pitchy Patchy was stolen from his home and enslaved in Jamaica, but he was able to escape to freedom... 1/
Once a highly decorated Akan military commander, the man who would become known as Pitchy Patchy was stolen from his home and enslaved in Jamaica, but he was able to escape to freedom... 1/
December 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Pitchy Patchy!
Once a highly decorated Akan military commander, the man who would become known as Pitchy Patchy was stolen from his home and enslaved in Jamaica, but he was able to escape to freedom... 1/
Once a highly decorated Akan military commander, the man who would become known as Pitchy Patchy was stolen from his home and enslaved in Jamaica, but he was able to escape to freedom... 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Belsnickel!
Belsnickel was a hermit in Germany’s large and wild Black Forest, a fur trapper who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but he lived near the entrance of a cave that children from a nearby village liked to explore. 1/
Belsnickel was a hermit in Germany’s large and wild Black Forest, a fur trapper who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but he lived near the entrance of a cave that children from a nearby village liked to explore. 1/
December 6, 2025 at 1:15 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Belsnickel!
Belsnickel was a hermit in Germany’s large and wild Black Forest, a fur trapper who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but he lived near the entrance of a cave that children from a nearby village liked to explore. 1/
Belsnickel was a hermit in Germany’s large and wild Black Forest, a fur trapper who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but he lived near the entrance of a cave that children from a nearby village liked to explore. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Krampus!
The Krampus was a rural giftgiver who would deliver presents to good Alpine children and stuff the naughty ones into his basket and take them back to his lair, where they would be forced to spend the next year making toys for good kids. 1/
The Krampus was a rural giftgiver who would deliver presents to good Alpine children and stuff the naughty ones into his basket and take them back to his lair, where they would be forced to spend the next year making toys for good kids. 1/
December 3, 2025 at 10:16 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Krampus!
The Krampus was a rural giftgiver who would deliver presents to good Alpine children and stuff the naughty ones into his basket and take them back to his lair, where they would be forced to spend the next year making toys for good kids. 1/
The Krampus was a rural giftgiver who would deliver presents to good Alpine children and stuff the naughty ones into his basket and take them back to his lair, where they would be forced to spend the next year making toys for good kids. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Piet! Santa's chief lieutenant, in charge of managing operations at the North Pole.
When Piet first met Santa, Piet was a young castle page in Andalusia on the eve of being made a squire, but his lord was a wicked knight who had contrived to capture the old saint. 1/
When Piet first met Santa, Piet was a young castle page in Andalusia on the eve of being made a squire, but his lord was a wicked knight who had contrived to capture the old saint. 1/
December 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Piet! Santa's chief lieutenant, in charge of managing operations at the North Pole.
When Piet first met Santa, Piet was a young castle page in Andalusia on the eve of being made a squire, but his lord was a wicked knight who had contrived to capture the old saint. 1/
When Piet first met Santa, Piet was a young castle page in Andalusia on the eve of being made a squire, but his lord was a wicked knight who had contrived to capture the old saint. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Derby Tup!
Many, many years ago, a butcher named Joe Funny, who plied his trade in north Derbyshire, would travel from door to door on New Years’ Eve with his wife, leading a flock of goats a’string. One year, the last goat in this doomed line was Tup. 1/
Many, many years ago, a butcher named Joe Funny, who plied his trade in north Derbyshire, would travel from door to door on New Years’ Eve with his wife, leading a flock of goats a’string. One year, the last goat in this doomed line was Tup. 1/
December 6, 2025 at 4:25 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Derby Tup!
Many, many years ago, a butcher named Joe Funny, who plied his trade in north Derbyshire, would travel from door to door on New Years’ Eve with his wife, leading a flock of goats a’string. One year, the last goat in this doomed line was Tup. 1/
Many, many years ago, a butcher named Joe Funny, who plied his trade in north Derbyshire, would travel from door to door on New Years’ Eve with his wife, leading a flock of goats a’string. One year, the last goat in this doomed line was Tup. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Snegarochka and Ded Moroz!
Long ago, in the Vologda Forest in what is now Russia, a couple, unable to have children, made one out of snow, and so great was their love for each other, and their desire for a child, that the girl came to life. 1/
Long ago, in the Vologda Forest in what is now Russia, a couple, unable to have children, made one out of snow, and so great was their love for each other, and their desire for a child, that the girl came to life. 1/
December 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Snegarochka and Ded Moroz!
Long ago, in the Vologda Forest in what is now Russia, a couple, unable to have children, made one out of snow, and so great was their love for each other, and their desire for a child, that the girl came to life. 1/
Long ago, in the Vologda Forest in what is now Russia, a couple, unable to have children, made one out of snow, and so great was their love for each other, and their desire for a child, that the girl came to life. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Pirates of Port Navidad!
Greedy Rita, Cheatin’ Pete, and Lickerish Lou were an inseparable trio of 4th-century Mediterranean sailors whose ship ran aground on some sharp rocks during a storm. 1/
Greedy Rita, Cheatin’ Pete, and Lickerish Lou were an inseparable trio of 4th-century Mediterranean sailors whose ship ran aground on some sharp rocks during a storm. 1/
December 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: The Pirates of Port Navidad!
Greedy Rita, Cheatin’ Pete, and Lickerish Lou were an inseparable trio of 4th-century Mediterranean sailors whose ship ran aground on some sharp rocks during a storm. 1/
Greedy Rita, Cheatin’ Pete, and Lickerish Lou were an inseparable trio of 4th-century Mediterranean sailors whose ship ran aground on some sharp rocks during a storm. 1/
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Tante Arie and Marion
Plenty of livestock was present when Jesus was born in a stable, including a donkey who was the first animal to acknowledge the baby’s divinity, bowing down at his cradle and thereafter affixing herself to the Holy Family. 1/
Plenty of livestock was present when Jesus was born in a stable, including a donkey who was the first animal to acknowledge the baby’s divinity, bowing down at his cradle and thereafter affixing herself to the Holy Family. 1/
December 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM
#COMPANIONSofCHRISTMAS: Tante Arie and Marion
Plenty of livestock was present when Jesus was born in a stable, including a donkey who was the first animal to acknowledge the baby’s divinity, bowing down at his cradle and thereafter affixing herself to the Holy Family. 1/
Plenty of livestock was present when Jesus was born in a stable, including a donkey who was the first animal to acknowledge the baby’s divinity, bowing down at his cradle and thereafter affixing herself to the Holy Family. 1/