I use to post about the Jule season and the Gift of the Magi. That is where Magdlen Llyonesse's name came from. It was shortened to Magi, Mags, etc. There are two stories about the Gift of the Magi.
The short story is of a couple who struggled with what to give each other for Christmas. The other are the Wise men who came to following the Star that appeared in the skies. They are both a good read.

One of my most favorite to hear though is of the Animals on Christmas Eve. I use to make my great grandmother tell it every chance I was able to ask it of her. According to an old legend, animals kneel, face east and speak at midnight on Christmas Eve. Bees in their hives are said to hum the melody of an ancient carol from dusk to dawn. The old people say they have heard the music of the bees and have seen cows kneel and speak. On this holy night, the plants will bloom as they did when Christ was born. Although covered with snow, underneath, the ground is covered with soft green vegetation.

Old Christmas, or January 5, is surrounded with superstitious beliefs. On this day the dawn comes twice. The first dawn comes about an hour earlier than usual, and the skies brighten until sunlight seems close. Or according to who you talk to - it could be midnight on Old Christmas Eve - the night of January 6.

(12th Night, and also you were NOT to take down your Tree until this night. It was to be disposed of in a certain way as well.)

The old legend says that midnight is the exact moment Jesus was born. The story is also common in some northern parts of Europe. You are to keep your candle in the window lit this night, and never turn away a stranger to your door. Your Hearths having been cleaned out just a couple of weeks before and being relit and used once again, those ashes were the first for the coming year and they were to be placed into the garden, but a few were kept out for cleaning your face.

Wear something fresh and new on Christmas, and your luck will be good. Don’t wash clothes on the Friday before Christmas if you want to stay out of trouble. Don’t let the fire go out on Christmas morning, or spirits will come and take you away. Don’t give your friends or neighbors a match, a warm coal, or even a light to be taken out of the house. If you do you’ll be giving away your hope of a good future. If you leave a piece of bread on the table after Christmas supper, you’ll have enough to eat until next Christmas.

There is much more, but by now I am sure you all are just making more notes about what a nutter I am. *lol* As much as it all seems odd, don't think that I cross any of them though, just in case. They were told and done for a reason, just remember the real Reason for the season. <3 >

Rianna~