Light and hope at Christmas

The burning of the yule log symbolized the anticipation of the return of the Sun’s light in the new year.

By Ryan, Hides and Skins

Before Christianity came to Northern Europe, the major indigenous winter festival was Yuletide. The celebration was usually a raucous one, with plenty of ale, along with a healthy dose of song and dance. But it was also a festival with deeper significance. Taking place, as it did, during the winter months when the days got shorter and colder, Yuletide was ironically a celebration of light. The yule log, for example, was chopped and hauled from the forest and ceremonially burned during a night of spirited celebration. The precise significance of the burning yule log is debated – records from this era are scarce to say the least. One theory, though, holds that the burning log represented the Sun, and burning it provided solace and warmth during the darkest days. Perhaps it also reminded those who gathered that the Sun would return, little by little, as the community began a new year. And so the light held the people’s hopes for their future, and gave them comfort as it drew them closer to their loved ones as they received its warmth.

The comfort of the yule log’s light and warmth remains with us, though our rituals and practices have changed. In our present day, light remains central to our sense of meaning during the darkest months of the year. And so we tend to expect everything to sparkle and shine during the month of December. Metals like gold and silver shimmer on tables and mantels and Christmas trees, and, catching the light, seem to twinkle. We put up Christmas lights, or Hannukah menorahs, and in these ancient traditions, like those of the yule log, we seem to affirm once more that these celebrations are about hope and light in a season of darker days.

Christmas lights in San Antonio, Texas.

Use brass, silver, and gold in your decorating to catch the light.

Here in the Lone Star State, we have a light that’s all our own. The look reminds us of the Old West: cattle drives and cowboys, ranches and country songs. And for the holiday season, there are so many ways to introduce light into this classic Texas aesthetic. One way is the use of metals. Texans love iron and steel. But for the holiday season, look for brass, gold, and silver. These brighter materials catch the light better and they’ll add sparkle to your design.

The holiday season is also an opportunity to have fun with your design choices. There’s nothing wrong with going for an eccentric look; not everything has to be traditional. But the name of the game is always light. And you can add light to almost anything.

Don’t be afraid to get eccentric. Add Christmas lights to rustic Texas décor.

Consider metallic cowhide rugs and pillows in your decorating.

If you’re working with cowhides in your design scheme, there’s a way to add light there, too: use an acid wash metallic hide. They’re a great way to add silver or gold accents to your space, and they’ll shimmer in the light. They can be used as rugs, tree skirts, or as accent pieces anywhere in your home. Metallic cowhides are the most unique way to make your Christmas season truly Texas, and to fill your space with light.

Here in Texas, it may not usually get cold, but the lights still draw us in. Light draws us closer to our loved-ones; it calls us to share with them and rely on them. At Hides and Skins, we’re hoping the light brings you joy and comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging this Christmas season.

Cowhide purses are a great gift idea for the Christmas season.

Cowhide dop bags are an elegant, rustic gift.