The holiday most closely associated with beer, besides St. Patty's Day of course, is Christmas, because the most well known brewing countries are primarily Christian.

The winter solstice is probably the starting point for brewing special holiday beer. The day celebrated of the return of daylight. The Greeks had the Halcyon Days while it was Saturnalia in ancient Rome. Northern neighbors such as the Angles, and Saxons brewed a special beer as part of observing the Yuletide solstice. The dark days of winter presented a perfect opportunity to brew and drink.

At the turn of the seventh century, Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries to convert the pagans but opted to win them over by embracing their traditions rather than suppressing the Northerners' rituals. As the pagans were converted, Yuletide celebrations became 'Christ Mass' and Yule beers followed suit.

Christianity spread throughout Europe with the success of the Holy Roman Empire. Even if the Church did not look favorably on pagan traditions, the pagans often adopted Christian traditions. One Norse King decreed the Yule be kept holy as long as the brew lasted. In addition, ale was made the official drink of church holidays in many Saxon villages.

1975 saw tradition revived in modern American brewing. Early settlers brewed their own Christmas beverages, but Prohibition and commercialization of the industry wiped out most holiday brews. San Francisco's Anchor Brewing Co., often regarded as America's first microbrewery, produced a special brew from that year since. In 1986 Coors was the first national brewer to provide a seasonal brew, 'Winterfest'.

Many of the beers made for the winter include rich flavors such as chocolate, toffee, caramel, coffee, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and orange. The ingredients, along with augmented alcohol levels, create a rich warming sensation when consumed.

Homebrew wishes everyone happy holidays and would like to remind every one to enjoy holiday brews responsibly.

Chris Straub is a senior majoring chemical engineering and a Collegian columnist. He is also the great-great grandson of Straub beer's founder. His e-mail is cts150@psu.edu.