Christmas Traditions

When was the first Christmas card sent? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Learn the origins
of Christmas and fun facts about some of our favorite christmas traditions and symbols.

There are lots of Christmas traditions that are practiced by a number of countries all over the
world during the holiday season. These traditions can be as diverse as the culture and religious
practices of each and every country in the world.

Read about some of the most common christmas traditions her.

Origins of Christmas

From the Old English 'Cristes Mæsse' ~ meaning the 'mass of

Christ' ~ the story of Christmas begins with the birth of a babe in
Bethlehem.

It is believed that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact
month is unknown. December was likely chosen so the Catholic
Church could compete with rival pagan rituals held at that time of
year and because of its closeness with the winter solstice in the
Northern hemisphere, a traditional time of celebration among many
ancient cultures.

Luke, Chapter Two

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all
the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born
this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto
you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Santa Claus

The origin of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century with Saint
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, an area in present day Turkey. By all
accounts St. Nicholas was a generous man, particularly devoted
to children. After his death around 340 A.D. he was buried in
Myra, but in 1087 Italian sailors purportedly stole his remains
and removed them to Bari, Italy, greatly increasing St.
Nicholas' popularity throughout Europe.

His kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims

he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him
increased. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Russia,
where he was known by his red cape, flowing white beard, and
bishop's mitre.

In Greece, he is the patron saint of sailors, in France he was the patron of lawyers, and in
Belgium the patron of children and travellers. Thousands of churches across Europe were
dedicated to him and some time around the 12th century an official church holiday was created
in his honor. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated December 6 and the day was marked by
gift-giving and charity.

After the Reformation, European followers of St. Nicholas dwindled, but the legend was kept
alive in Holland where the Dutch spelling of his name Sint Nikolaas was eventually transformed
to Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace, and Sinterklaas
would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. Dutch colonists brought brought this
tradition with them to America in the 17th century and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus
emerged.

In 1822 Clement C. Moore composed the poem A Visit From Saint Nicholas, published as The
Night Before Christmas as a gift for his children. In it, he portrays Santa Claus:

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly,
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Other countries feature different gift-bearers for the Christmas or Advent season: La Befana in
Italy ~ The Three Kings in Spain, Puerto Rico, and Mexico ~ Christkindl or the Christ Child in
Switzerland and Austria ~ Father Christmas in England ~ and Pere Noël, Father Christmas or the
Christ Child in France. Still, the figure of Santa Claus as a jolly, benevolent, plump man in a red
suit described in Moore's poem remains with us today and is recognized by children and adults
alike around the world.

Read even more abou christmas traditions andt Santa Claus

Christmas Trees

In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out,
with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. In the Middle Ages,
a popular religous play depicted the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion
from the Garden of Eden.

A fir tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden --
the Paradise Tree. The play ended with the prophecy of a saviour coming,
and so was often performed during the Advent season.

It is held that Protestant reformer Martin Luther first adorned trees with
light. While coming home one December evening, the beauty of the stars
shining through the branches of a fir inspired him to recreate the effect by
placing candles on the branches of a small fir tree inside his home

The Christmas Tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert from his
native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of
Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle,
popularized the tree throughout Victorian England. Brought to America by the Pennsylvania
Germans, the Christmas tree became by the late 19th century.

Read even more about Christmas Trees

Focus on Christmas Traditions in US

The variations of the Christmas traditions of USA equal the number active cultures that have
settled in the land. These cultural contributions were given a new lease of life by creative artists,
authors, poets and songwriters, and it was melded together by the power of secular and
commercialized media in record companies, radio stations, television, cinemas and now the
internet. The unwritten law of media is the presentation of a seemingly uniform celebration of
the Christmas traditions of USA. This is responsible for the world wide acceptance of a universal
Christmas image which they get from the media. Nevertheless, the celebrations are peculiar to
each region.

Christmas Stockings
 According to legend, a kindly nobleman grew despondent over the
death of his beloved wife and foolishly squandered his fortune. This
left his three young daughters without dowries and thus facing a life
of spinsterhood.

The generous St. Nicholas, hearing of the girls' plight, set forth to
help. Wishing to remain anonymous, he rode his white horse by the
nobleman's house and threw three small pouches of gold coins down
the chimney where they were fortuitously captured by the stockings
the young women had hung by the fireplace to dry. Read more about
christmas stockings

Mistletoe

Mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years

before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations.
They revered the plant since it had no roots yet
remained green during the cold months of winter.

The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have

magical healing powers and used it as an antidote for
poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits. The
plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is
said that among Romans, enemies who met under
mistletoe would lay down their weapons and
embrace.

Scandanavians associated the plant with Frigga, their

goddess of love, and it may be from this that we
derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe.
Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the
promise of happiness and good luck in the following
year.

Holly, Ivy and Greenery

 In Northern Europe Christmas occurred during
the middle of winter, when ghosts and demons
could be heard howling in the winter winds.
Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers
since they remained green through the harsh
winter, were often placed over the doors of homes
to drive evil away. Greenery was also brought
indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood
during the long, dreary winter.

Legend also has it that holly sprang from the

footsteps of Christ as he walked the earth. The
pointed leaves were said to represent the crown of
thorns Christ wore while on the cross and the red
berries symbolized the blood he shed.

Poinsettias

A native Mexican plant, poinsettias were named

after Joel R. Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico
who brought the plant to America in 1828.
Poinsettias were likely used by Mexican
Franciscans in their 17th century Christmas
celebrations. One legend has it that a young
Mexican boy, on his way to visit the village
Nativity scene, realized he had no gift for the
Christ child. He gathered pretty green branches
from along the road and brought them to the
church. Though the other children mocked him,
when the leaves were laid at the manger, a
beautiful star-shaped flower appeared on each
branch. The bright red petals, often mistaken for
flowers, are actually the upper leaves of the plant.

The Candy cane

It was not long after Europeans began using

Christmas trees that special decorations were used
to adorn them. Food items, such as candies and
cookies, were used predominately and straight white
candy sticks were one of the confections used as
ornamentation. Legend has it that during the 17th
century, craftsmen created the white sticks of candy
in the shape of shephreds' crooks at the suggestion
of the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in
 Germany.

The candy treats were given to children to keep

them quiet during ceremonies at the living creche,
or Nativity scene, and the custom of passing out the
candy crooks at such ceremonies soon spread
throughout Europe.

According to the National Confectioner's Association, in 1847 German immigrant August

Imgard used the candy cane to decorate a Christmas tree in Wooster, Ohio. More than 50 years
later, Bob McCormack of Albany, Georgia supposedly made candy canes as treats for family,
friends and local shopkeepers. McCormack's brother-in-law, Catholic priest Gregory Keller,
invented a machine in the 1950s that automated the production of candy canes, thus eliminating
the usual laborious process of creating the treats and the popularity of the candy cane grew.

More recent explanations of the candy cane's symbolism hold that the color white represents
Christ's purity, the red the blood he shed, and the presence of three red stripes the Holy Trinity.
While factual evidence for these notions does not exist, they have become increasingly common
and at times are even represented as fact. Regardless, the candy cane remains a favorite holiday
treat and decoration.

Christmas cards

A form of Christmas card began in England

first when young boys practiced their writing
skills by creating Christmas greetings for their
parents, but it is Sir Henry Cole who is credited
with creating the first real Christmas card. The
first director of London's Victoria and Albert
Museum, Sir Henry found himself too busy in the
Christmas season of 1843 to compose individual
Christmas greetings for his friends.

He commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley for

the illustration. The card featured three panels,
with the center panel depicting a family enjoying
Christmas festivities and the card was inscribed
with the message "A Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year to You."

Read more about Christmas Cards

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

 The Chicago-based Montgomery Ward company, department store
operators, had been purchasing and distributing children's coloring
books as Christmas gifts for their customers for several years. In 1939,
Montgomery Ward tapped one of their own employees to create a book
for them, thus saving money. 34-year old copywriter Robert L. May
wrote the story of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in 1939, and 2.4
million copies were handed out that year. Despite the wartime paper
shortage, over 6 million copies had been distributed by 1946.

May drew in part on the story "The Ugly Duckling" and in part from
his own experiences as an often taunted, small, frail youth to create the
story of the misfit reindeer. Though Rollo and Reginald were
considered, May settled on Rudolph as his reindeer's name.

Writing in verse as a series of rhyming couplets, May tested the story as he went along on his 4-
year old daughter Barbara, who loved the story

Sadly, Robert Mays wife died around the time he was creating Rudolph, leaving Mays deeply in
debt due to medical bills. However, he was able to persuade Sewell Avery, Montgomery Ward's
corporate president, to turn the copyright over to him in January 1947, thus ensuring May's
financial security.

May's story "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was printed commercially in 1947 and in 1948 a
nine-minute cartoon of the story was shown in theaters. When May's brother-in-law, songwriter
Johnny Marks, wrote the lyrics and melody for the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", the
Rudolph phenomenon was born. Turned down by many musical artists afraid to contend with the
legend of Santa Claus, the song was recorded by Gene Autry in 1949 at the urging of Autry's
wife. The song sold two million copies that year, going on to become one of the best-selling
songs of all time, second only to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas". The 1964 television special
about Rudolph, narrated by Burl Ives, remains a holiday favorite to this day and Rudolph himself
has become a much-loved Christmas icon.

Hanukkah

Commencing on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev,

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of
the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrians.

In 168 BC, members of the Jewish family Maccabee led a revolt

against the Greek Syrians due to the policies of Syrian King
Antiochus IV which were aimed at nullifying the Jewish faith. Part
of this strategem included changing the Beit HaMikdash - the Holy
Temple in Jerusalem - to a Greek temple complete with idolatry.
Led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews won victory over the Syrians in
165 BC and reclaimed their temple.
 After cleansing the temple and preparing for its rededication, it was
found there was not enough oil to light the N'er Tamid, an oil lamp
present in Jewish houses of worship which represents eternal light.
Once lit, the lamp should never be extinguished.

A search of the temple produced a small vial of undefiled oil -- enough for only one day.
Miraculously, the Temple lights burned for eight days until a new supply of oil was brought. In
remembrance of this miracle, one candle of the Menorah - an eight branched candelabra - is lit
each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, which means dedication, is a Hebrew word when
translated is commonly spelled Hanukah, Chanukah, and Hannukah due to different translations
and customs.

The tradition of receiving gifts on each of the eight days of Hanukkah is relatively new and due
in part to the celebration's proximity to the Christmas season.

Kwanzaa

Doctor Maulana Karenga, a Professor at California State

University in Long Beach, California, created Kwanzaa in 1966. It
is a holiday celebrated by millions of African-Americans around the
world, encouraging them to remember their African heritage and
consider their current place in America today. Kwanzaa is
celebrated fom December 26 to January 1 and involves seven
principles called Nguzo Saba: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-
determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba
(Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

In the Kwanzaa ritual, seven candles called Mishumaa Saba are

placed in a Kinara, or candleholder, which is then set upon the
Mikeka, a mat usually made of straw.

Three green candles are placed on the left, three red candles on the right and a black candle in the
center, each candle representing one of the seven principles of the celebration. One candle is lit
each day of the Kwanzaa celebration, beginning from left to right The colors of Kwanzaa ~
black, red and green ~ also have a special significance. Black symbolizes the faces of the African
people, Red symbolizes the blood they have shed, and Green represents hope and the color of the
motherland. The name itself - Kwanzaa - is a Swahili word meaning "fruits of the harvest."

ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS: Members of the All Things Christmas List at
eGroups share their favorite Family Traditions for the Holiday season.

Christmas eve
The day before Christmas is known as the Christmas Eve. Thus 24th December is the Christmas
Eve celebrated all over the world. The midnight mass celebration is conducted on the Christmas
Eve. In the Western Christian churches, the Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the Christmas
season. The Christmas vigil services are celebrated in the afternoons or the evenings on the
Christmas Eve. This service marks the beginning of the Christmas day.

All the churches through out the world celebrate the midnight mass. However in the present
times due to time restrictions many churches celebrate the services in the late evenings. The
catholic churches also organize a candle service on the Christmas Eve. Some churches organize
skits depicting the nativity scenes. The protestant churches also organize prayer services on the
Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus at Christmas Eve

The BBC broadcasts a carol singing all over the world that is a symbol that Christmas
celebrations have begun in the UK. On the Christmas Eve the entire family and the relatives
gather to enjoy a wonderful dinner along with singing and dancing. There are different
specialties prepared on the Christmas Eve in different parts of the world.

Preparations of turkey, fish, chicken, salads and other varieties are prepared. It is a popular belief
that on the night of the Christmas Eve Santa Claus visits the hoses and stuffs the stockings hung
on the fire place with presents. Different parts of the world have different gift-givers. In some
places it is the Baby Jesus who gives presents weeks before the Christmas day. In many
countries the gifts are opened on the Christmas Eve itself. In US and UK children open their gifts
on the Christmas morning. The Christmas tree is set up on this day in most of the families. Some
set up their Christmas trees weeks before the Christmas Eve at the time of the thanks giving day.

The Christmas Eve is also known as the Good Night in some parts and is celebrated by people
enjoying party until midnight. After the party they open the gifts presented to them. The party is
a get together of family and friends feasting on delicious meals and dancing and singing in
merriment. The food prepared for the celebrations vary with the regions of the world. We can
also relish on the desserts prepared from eggs, milk, almonds and honey. The Christmas Eve is a
day you spend along with your loved ones enjoying the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas
These days, it's common practice to wish "Merry Christmas" to one another around the 25th of
December, the day of Christmas. The origin of this practice is a little obscure. However, it's
believed that an English admiral first used the term Merry Christmas in an informal letter, way
back in 1699. In 1843, Charles Dickens used the same phrase in "A Christmas Carol." However,
notwithstanding the veracity of its origin, "Merry Christmas" has become a sort of universal term
to communicate joy and good wishes.

The term Merry Christmas doesn't have any religious bias and is often used by people of all races
and religious backgrounds, during Christmas time. It reflects that messages of love, joy and well
wishes can be communicated irrespective of belief systems. It's a greeting that makes total
strangers make instant connection. It's a message that dissolves anger. It's a message that
evaporates misunderstanding between loved ones and creates a bridge to the beginning of a new
relationship. It's amazing that these two simple words "Merry Christmas" can have this profound
effect.

In some places, people use a slight variation of the term "Merry Christmas." In Ireland and Great
Britain, some people prefer using "Happy Christmas" instead. However, the power and
significance of the phrase is not diminished at all because of a difference in phraseology, because
the intent of love and well being remains the same, no matter which phrase is used.

The phrase "Happy Christmas" was used by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and proceeded
to gain popularity in that part of the world. In fact, in the concluding lines of his now famous "A
visit from St. Nicholas", Clement Moore actually used "Happy Christmas." However, in later
reincarnations of it, "Merry

ere are many holiday greeting terms used across the world. But "Merry Christmas" remains a
very popular term in countries with large Christian population, like the United States, Great
Britain, Canada and Australia. Other terms that are used around the same time of the year as a
means of greeting are "Happy holidays", "Seasons Greetings" and, of course, "Happy
Christmas."

There are groups of people who are opposed to the use of "Merry Christmas" and would prefer
something more general term like the "Happy Christmas." However, it's interesting to note that
in 2005 a survey discovered that more consumers used "Merry Christmas" than "Happy
Christmas", primarily in the message of greeting cards.

The fact remains that no matter what term you use, it's the intent that matters. Use of words is
merely an audible method of sending a message. Words have no meaning in themselves, other
than the one perceived by the person who hears it. And when we are using something like
"Merry Christmas", is there any doubt about our intentions?

Christmas Equals Family Bonding Time

Since time immemorial, Christmas has been the season of spreading good cheer, of spending
time with your family and of sharing, caring and giving. Of love and compassion and of family
bonding. However, it is not a surprise that a large number of people nowadays do not spend
Christmas with their families. While some of them are too busy with other pursuits, the vast
majority of these people do not spend Christmas with their family because they do not like doing
it.

Instead of spending Christmas with their family, they prefer spending it alone or with friends and
colleagues. This is indeed a sad reflection of our times. But more than this, it is a wake up call
for all of us who have been blessed with a good family and great kids, but are too busy with our
professional lives to spend time with them.

Large picture: Christmas with family

It is therefore imperative that we take every opportunity to bond with our family and make the
most of our relations, and Christmas, no doubt, provides us with the best opportunity for bonding
with our family. So this time around, make sure that you take time out from your busy work
schedules in order to have a long Christmas at home. Trust me, your old parents and your young
children will really appreciate it. Stop treating Christmas as a time for socializing and designate
it as official family bonding time. Invite family like parents, children and their spouses and your
brothers and sisters with their families for Christmas.

Spend quality time with your kids before your extended family arrives. Christmas is a good time
to teach your family, especially children about values like love, compassion, giving and sharing.
Try to include the whole family in different Christmas activities like festival related cooking,
decorating the house and the tree and wrapping up gifts etcetra.
Come up with games that your family might enjoy. Build a snowman together with your kids. Go
ice skating. In fact, it is a good idea to go shopping together, where you can make your kids
choose their own gifts, but do the latter only when you have an unlimited budget.

The key here is not to get too involved in planning the feast and the party, but to give yourself a
break and to spend maximum time with your family. A family Christmas is the best kind of
Christmas and once you have had a good one, you will make it a point to enjoy every future
Christmas with your family.