Robin's Reflections on Personal Growth

Christmas is a holiday that many people all over the globe celebrate yearly. However, many do not know how and where some of the most common Christmas traditions originated. Although these traditions may be as diverse as the religious and cultural practices of different countries, many spring from a shared source. Here is some information about a few of the most common Christmas traditions and practices.

1. Santa Claus

The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to the 4th century to Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was known for his kindness and generosity, especially to children. Santa Claus was first depicted as an elf. In 1822, poet and writer Clement Mark Moore described the appearance of Santa Claus in the poem “The Night Before Christmas” as a man wearing a red suit with a hearty laugh. The poem also spoke of the miracle of Santa Claus’ entrance through the chimney. Later on, in the early 1900s, the image of Santa used in a Coca cola advertisement was a plump and jolly old man with a beard and a red suit. Eventually, young children from all over the world learned to believe that on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus rides on his reindeer-drawn sleigh with a bag full of toys that he gives to children who have been good throughout the year. Santa Claus has been known by different names including Father Christmas in England and Pere Noël in France.

2. The Christmas Tree

The tradition of the Christmas tree began with the pagans’ celebration of Winter Solstice. The pagans worshiped the beauty of trees and believed that evergreens had the ability to drive away demons, evil spirits and illnesses. The pagans referred to these trees as paradise trees. They decorated these trees with apples, paper flowers and nuts. Today, millions of homes set up and decorate living or artificial trees with ornaments to symbolize the holiday season. Martin Luther is thought to be the first person to ever put lights on his Christmas tree. He said that he wanted to share the beauty of stars lighted up the fir trees at night with his family.

3. Christmas Stockings

According to common legend, there was a kindly man who lost all hope when his wife died, causing him to squander his fortune foolishly. Because of this, his three young daughters were left without dowries and faced a life of spinsterhood. Saint Nicholas heard of their plight and set forth to help. Wanting to remain anonymous, he rode his white horse to the girls’ house and threw three pouches of gold coins into the chimney. The stockings that the girls had hung by the fireplace to dry caught the pouches of coins. From there, the tradition of putting up Christmas stockings by the fireplace became more and more popular. Children believed that when Santa Claus visited on Christmas Eve, he would be filling the stockings with goodies.

These are just three of the most common Christmas traditions practiced by different cultures across the globe. Knowing about their symbolism and evolution throughout the ages helps develop a better understanding and appreciation of Christmas holiday celebrations and their importance to the season.