This afternoon, I found myself in our pantry, gathering a few essentials to whip up a fresh batch of our simple homemade tooth powder. It’s a health-conscious choice for brushing our teeth, and it only takes four ingredients: baking soda, bentonite clay, peppermint essential oil, and activated charcoal. As I measured out the activated charcoal, it got me thinking about a familiar Christmas story, one that may not be well known these days.
The Tradition of Coal for Christmas: A Story from Mrs. Claus
You see, many years ago, children across the world would tremble at the thought of finding a particular gift under the tree on Christmas morning—a lump of coal! Oh, yes, coal! In those days, if you found coal in your stocking, it was believed to be a sign that, instead of being good all year, you’d been a bit naughty.
Now, let me share a little more about the history of this tradition.
Santa’s Gentle Reminder: The Meaning Behind Coal in Your Stocking
In medieval Europe, coal was a common household necessity for keeping the fire going, and with St. Nicholas’s evolving story, the tradition of coal for naughty children began to take hold. Back then, Santa, or figures like him, might leave a piece of coal in a child’s stocking as a subtle reminder to shape up their behavior before the next Christmas rolled around. It was a practical and easily accessible “gift,” pulled from the very fireplaces Santa used to enter the home.
How would you like to wake up Christmas morning and find this under your Christmas tree for your gift?
Krampus and Coal: A Look at European Folklore in Christmas Traditions
There’s also the curious influence of Krampus—a rather fearsome character from European folklore who often left coal in place of presents for children who hadn’t been on their best behavior. While coal symbolized the darker side of one’s actions, it also served as a gentle nudge to remember to do good, to be kind, and to make better choices.
No More Coal: How Santa Inspires Goodness Every Christmas
Of course, times have changed. The idea of finding actual coal in your stocking is more of a metaphor these days, but I know many parents have used this story over the years as a light-hearted warning for their little ones. But rest assured, here at the North Pole, Santa is far too soft-hearted to leave coal for anyone. His mission is to inspire joy and goodness in every child, no matter how their year might have gone. We believe that Christmas is a time for second chances, for love and forgiveness, don’t you?
Mrs. Claus’s Simple Homemade Tooth Powder Recipe
I’ve been using activated charcoal for a very different purpose, and it’s far more delightful! It’s one of the key ingredients in our homemade tooth powder, and while it may leave your teeth looking a bit black while brushing, don’t be alarmed. It’s just part of the fun! You’ll laugh the first time you see it, but once you rinse, your beautiful white smile will shine right through.
I thought I’d share the recipe with you, in case you’d like to try it:
Mrs. Claus’s Simple Homemade Tooth Powder
- 4 tablespoons bentonite clay
- 4 tablespoons activated charcoal
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 12 drops peppermint essential oil (or your favorite essential oil)
Mix everything together in a small container with a lid. When brushing your teeth, wet your toothbrush or dip it in your rinse cup, then dip into the powder. Brush as usual and rinse well. You’ll notice how clean your teeth feel! Like any toothpaste or powder, be sure not to swallow—just swish and spit.
Activated Charcoal & The Mined Coal Sometimes Found Under The Christmas Tree
Before I let you go let me tell you a bit about the difference between activated charcoal and the kind of coal you might picture being mined from the ground. Mined charcoal, or coal as it’s often called, is a fossil fuel that is buried under the earth and has to be mined out of the earth. It’s used mostly for fueling things like fires and energy. But activated charcoal? Now, that’s something entirely different! It’s made by heating organic materials, like wood, at very high temperatures, and that special process makes it extra porous and absorbent. That’s why it’s wonderful for trapping toxins, whether in a health remedy, water filter, or even in our tooth powder here at the North Pole! Quite a handy little ingredient, isn’t it?
Sending love and Christmas cheer to you all my darlings!
Until next time,
Mrs. Claus