Christmas Traditions

The event of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Day is the celebration of this event which has religious significance for Christians the world over. However, there are traditions associated with Christmas that we practice here in the United States that began in other parts of the world and most of them are centuries old.

Christmas Gifts

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is centered on St. Nicholas. He was a wealthy merchant and depending on the version, was from Italy, Greece, or Turkey. He gave gifts to children. It is not really documented as to whether he gave these gifts just at Christmas or at other times of the year. He is now known as the patron saint of children.

Holly and Mistletoe

Holly predates Christianity back to the time of the Druids. Displaying holly in your home brought good luck to the home.

Mistletoe also dates back to the Druids. It was believed that mistletoe had healing properties and was used on wounds. It was also believed that it would bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It was also seen as a sign of fertility and was used at wedding parties.

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was started in Scandinavia. It was considered to be a plant of peace and harmony and was associated with Frigga, the goddess of love.

Christmas Cards

The tradition of sending Christmas cards was started in Britain in the 1840s when Britain started its public delivery of mail. It cost a penny to send a letter. In the 1860s the Royal Mail discounted cards sent in unsealed envelopes to half-a-penny. Christmas cards with nativity scenes and religious icons were traditional. Modern cards include more contemporary scenes and themes.

Christmas Poinsettia

The Poinsettia plant was brought to the United States in 1828 by Joel Poinsett. He was the first U. S. ambassador to Mexico. Mexicans consider the leaves of the Poinsettia plant to be a symbol of the star of Bethlehem.

Candy Canes

Candy canes became a Christmas symbol through an unusual way. They were given to children in Germany to keep them from acting up in church. Over time the candy cane has become a symbol in Christianity embodying the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Christmas Carols

One possibility of the origin is that when the Christ child was born, a group of angels, shepherds, and Wise men visited Jesus at his birthplace. They worshipped him and sang to proclaim praise to him.

The word carol is believed to have originated from the French word "caroller" which describes a circle dance with singers. The tradition of singing Christmas carols probably originated in England. Wandering musicians would go from town to town, visiting castles and the homes of rich people. They would give impromptu performances.

From the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries the carol was popular as a dance song. They were sung as processional songs at festivals and were used as part of religious mystery plays in Europe. The characteristics of the carol were that the words expressed should celebrate a topic that was seasonal, have verses, and a chorus arranged alternately, and have music that was suitable for dancing.

Carols were banned in 17th century England when Oliver Cromwell was in power. They became popular again in the mid-19th century.

Christmas carols became popular in the United States because as with many of our traditions, it is part of the link between the United States and England.

Christmas carols have many musical forms including religious and popular music. Carols such as "Joy to the World" are sung in churches. Popular music carols include Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and Nat King Cole's "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." Fun songs such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" are popular during the season.

Around mid-November, radio stations start playing Christmas carols and usually on "Black Friday" the day after Thanksgiving when the traditional Christmas shopping season begins, you will see groups singing carols in the malls and shopping centers.

These traditions are what make the Christmas season memorable and bring joy to many people.