It’s Christmas, Ho! Ho! Ho!
Introduction to Christmas
Around AD 200, Clement of Alexandria There are those who have determined the year of our Lord’s birth and the day; and they say that it took place in the 28th year of Augustus, and the 25th day of Pachon… During the Reformation, Martin Luther declared that Christmas should be celebrated on Epiphany instead of January 6. In 1618, King James I issued his proclamation saying that all people were free to celebrate Christmas at any time during the twelve days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. This declaration did little to change the practice of celebrating Christmas on different dates
within each region of Britain.
How Did Christmas Start?
Early Christian communities held the first recorded celebration of what we now call “Christmas” during the winter season between November 1 and January 6. The date chosen reflected the belief that Christ would be born at this time. In addition to celebrating his birth, these early believers also observed other events associated with the life of Jesus, such as His baptism, the Last Supper; the crucifixion; and the
resurrection.
Contemporary customs in the West
In contemporary Western culture, Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday, emphasizing the nativity story. This has been so since the Middle Ages. Still, it became more widespread after the Protestant Reformation, which stresses the importance of individual conversion over collective salvation through faith in Christ. It also coincided with increased secularization, especially among Protestants who rejected traditional Catholic practices such as fasting and abstinence.
The Legend of St. Nicholas: The Real Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas was born on December 6 and lived for three years before his death at age thirty-seven.
He was an Orthodox Christian who worked with children to help them learn about God’s love. In 1626, Dutch immigrants settled along the Hudson River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. They brought with them traditions and customs from their homeland, including Sinterklaas. In this new land, people were eager to learn about these foreign holidays.
As word got out about the good deeds performed by St. Nicholas, more and more Americans wanted to celebrate him during Christmas. Over the years, the rumors started spreading, and he was known popularly as the protector of children. Therefore, it is popular among children that Santa distributes gifts around Christmas eve.
How is Christmas Celebrated?
One Gift on Christmas Eve
The first gift is traditionally given at midnight. The tradition began with a young man named Joseph, who gave his fiancé Mary an expensive ring and asked her not to tell anyone about it until after they were married. When she said to him that no one would believe them if he did this, he replied, “Then I will give you something better.” He then went out into the fields where he found two doves which he brought back to her.
Leaving Cookies Out For Santa
The cookies left out for Santa are an old-fashioned way that many families still enjoy today. It is said that if you leave your cookies out for Santa, he’ll bring them back with him when he comes down the chimney at Christmastime. Some people even put their cookies into little bags or boxes, so they’re easier to find later.
Christmas Tree
In early Christianity, trees were used as symbols of fertility and rebirth. The first Christian use of an evergreen tree may be found on the grave of Saint Stephen in Jerusalem. In his epitaph, he says: “I am not ashamed to call you my God; make me holy by your grace.” This inscription has been interpreted as referring to the resurrection of Christ. Evergreens also appear frequently in medieval art.
Christmas Lights
Decorate your home with the most beautiful Christmas lights. Go for various styles and colors to create a fantastic holiday display that will be sure to bring joy to all who see it! You can also purchase by color, style, or size to find just what you’re looking for.
Hanging Stockings
The stockings are hung by the fireplace or near the front door so that they’re ready when Santa comes calling. Kids love seeing their names written down on the list with all the others. They also like watching as Mom puts her name at the very bottom because she knows how much fun it would be if Santa came through while everyone was asleep.
Caroling
The final American Christmas tradition involves singing carols around town while walking from door to door. This is especially popular among families living near large cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver, Minneapolis, Portland, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, San Diego, Las Vegas, Riverside, Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach, Anaheim, Fresno, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, etc