Deck the Lodge with Boughs of Holly: A Masonic Christmas Tale

Ah, Christmas time! The season of goodwill, overcooked sprouts, and pretending you know what’s in that Quality Street tin without looking. It’s also the perfect time for us Freemasons to reflect on what really matters: brotherhood, charity, and trying not to fall asleep during the Master’s festive speech.

Now, for those of you who aren’t Masons (and maybe think we all gather round in funny hats chanting), let me set the record straight. Freemasonry isn’t about secrets and hidden treasure maps. It’s about fellowship, moral lessons and enjoying the best buffet spread in town. Honestly, you’ve never seen a man fight over a sausage roll like a Mason at a festive board.

The Festive Spirit of the Craft

At Christmas, the principles of Freemasonry shine brighter than a house covered in inflatable snowmen. The first and greatest principle? Brotherly love. That’s the cornerstone of everything we do. In December, it means looking out for each other- whether it’s offering a lift to a Brother whose car’s conked out or sharing that last mince pie even when you’ve had your eye on it all evening.

And let’s not forget charity. Freemasons are pretty good at this all year round - supporting hospitals, helping families, and doing it quietly, without all the “Look at me, I’m giving!” you sometimes see elsewhere. But at Christmas, it’s extra special. There’s something about helping someone in need during this season that makes you feel as warm as a good sherry trifle. And trust me, there’s no better feeling than seeing a smile on someone’s face because you’ve made their day a little brighter.

Christmas Traditions in the Lodge

Now, if you think your office party is a laugh, you’ve clearly never been to a Christmas Lodge meeting. Oh, it’s grand! We keep our traditions, but we sprinkle in some festive cheer. The candles seem to glow a little warmer, the aprons sit a little snugger (too many mince pies, eh?), and there’s always that one Brother who turns up in a Santa hat and claims he’s added “Festive Master” to his title.

The festive board? A sight to behold. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce… and someone always sneaks in a Christmas pudding that’s been “enhanced” with enough brandy to light up a room. We toast to absent Brethren with heartfelt sincerity, and we toast to the future with hopeful hearts (and maybe a cheeky port or two).

The Masonic Message of Christmas

Freemasonry teaches us to be better - better men, better citizens, better Brothers. And isn’t that what Christmas is about, too? It’s not about how many baubles you’ve got on your tree or whether your turkey’s Instagram-worthy. It’s about showing kindness, spreading joy, and being there for each other.

Think about the Christmas story itself. Whether you believe in the Nativity as literal or symbolic, the message is universal: a family in need was given shelter, warmth, and hope by a stranger. That’s the very essence of Freemasonry. It’s about building a world where we’re all willing to help each other, no matter our differences.

A Bit of Festive Banter

Now, I’ve got to share this. Last year at the Lodge Christmas dinner, our Junior Warden’s cracker joke was: Why don’t Freemasons ever play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding in an apron that size!

We all laughed. Except the Senior Warden, who was still looking for his dessert spoon.

And don’t get me started on the time someone spiked the punch. Let’s just say the Tyler got so merry he tried to “tyle” the car park. It took three Brethren and a lot of goodwill to get him to stand down.

A Christmas Wish

As we gather round our Christmas tables this year - whether with family, friends, or our Masonic Brethren - let’s remember what truly matters: love, charity, and a good Yorkshire pud that doesn’t collapse halfway to the plate.

Christmas reminds us that light can overcome darkness, warmth can dispel cold, and even the humblest among us can make a big difference. These are the same lessons we take into the Lodge.

So, here’s to you, my fellow Masons and all who are reading this: May your holidays be merry, your hearts be light, and your Lodge meetings free of "that one guy" who never remembers his ritual lines.

Happy Christmas, one and all! And remember, if you’ve got room for dessert after dinner, there’s always room for brotherly love. (Or trifle. Definitely trifle.)

Merry Christmas and may the Craft always guide your path!

S&F, WBro. Dan