Every year people around the world people observe traditions for Christmas. Many of them have fascinating origins and so I thought it would be worthwhile to explore where some of the most prominate traditions came from. Some will be obvious like Santa Claus, but others more obscure and worth taking a look at.
The Nativity Scene
The Nativity Scene is assembly of the newborn Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph, The Magi, An Angel, Shepherds, and animals at a manger. Nativities vary in details, but some history on the actual event should lends some light. The actual manger was carved out stone in floor, not a wooden crib. The Magi or Wisemen did not arrive at the birth, but actually showed up three years later in Egypt to pay Christ homage. The Shepherds were not just sheep herders, they were ecclesiastics training to become Jewish priests. The angel was not a woman, but Gabriel who appears as a man. The Nativity's purpose to remind believers of God's love, and to teach new generations about the real meaning of the Christmas holiday (holyday). The reason the Nativity sets and scenes have events jumble together rather than separated is because it tries to fit all the major events of Christ's birth like collage into one scene. The Nativity Scene is also known as the crèche and can refer to either paintings of Christ's birth or the living displays, plays, and exhibits at churches.
Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree has a very troubled past. Originally the Druids and Celts would seek out a tree with spirits (demons) inside and cut it down to put in their homes. Knowing this origin of the tradition can be major turn off for a Christian. But thankfully the Germans in the Middle Ages decided to Christianize the tree. It was decided that the evergreen tree represented everlasting life and that since Jesus died on a cross, it is fitting that we bring in a tree to remind us of his death. Later people added candles to represent the "Light of the World." Martin Luther approved of the Christmas Tree and supported its use for the holiday.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus has a very strange and complicated origin. The norse legends indicate that the person known as Santa Claus is Oiden the Gift Giver. Apparently the norse god once was benevolent when he wasn't hunting or hewing people down with bloodlust. Another tradition is that Santa is really St. Nicholas who gave gifts to orphans and the poor at Christmas Time. St. Nicholas was in Turkey and he would leave coins in the slippers the families (another tradition) left out on the porch. Still there are some who think Santa is the name Satan scrambled or possibly Saturn respelled.
Gifts & Presents
Gift giving is one of the most beloved aspects of Christmas, especially for children. Its origins trace back to when the Magi (Wisemen) brought Jesus Christ gifts of gold, spikenard, and myrrh. Another tradition is that St. Nicholas gave gifts to the poor in Turkey and that he had slack in which he carried them. This is what caused the legend of Santa Claus' red sack. Giving presents has become obligatory these days. People rush out to the stores to try and find that special gift for their loved ones. Unfortunately, what was suppose to be from a heart of charity and love for a neighbor has become a byproduct of commercialism. Still there are many Christians who keep to the heart of gift giving, which is "it is better to give than to get (receive)."
Stockings
Stockings come from the tradition of St. Nicholas putting coins in the slippers of Turkish children. The tradition as evolved to use a larger stocking to be stuffed with smaller presents. There are some accounts that claim St. Nicholas did stuff small presents into the slippers, but if that is so then the presents must have been quite small like candy and etc.
Snowman
Snowmen come from the Middle Ages. Originally at the onset of winter and snow, people would gather the white powder and create sculptures. There were competitions and it worked somewhat like how admiring different lights on houses today works. Tradition says that couples would stroll the village looking at the different snowmen their neighbors had created. One wonders how ornate they might have been; perhaps a Richard The Lionhearted Snowman or Sir Snowalot?
Caroling
Caroling finds its tradition begin in Christianity. The first Christmas Carol or hymn can be found in Rome during the 4th century and it is called "Veni redemptor gentium." Since then classics have been written and played like "Noel," "Joy to the World," "Silent Night," and "The 12 Days of Christmas"; all of which pay homage and remember Jesus Christ' birth (The Reason for the Season). More secularized carols have come into practice that honor the folklore and mythos of the holiday as well as the staples and season; examples being "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer," "Santa Baby," and "Let it Snow." Since there is the Christian and Secular traditions (which often get blended together), caroling can take two forms; one requires a choir in a Church singing and the other is were neighbors go from door to door singing. The tradition in either case is meant to be merry and inspire good cheer.
Candle Lighting
The tradition of candle lighting is found in almost every culture. Pinpointing it for the sake of Christmas is difficult, but the most likely explanation is found in the Advent Candles. Advent is the celebration of the days leading up to Christ's Birth on December 25th. Tradition has it that a family light the first candle during the first week of December, then the next the following week until Christmas Day when the last candle is lighted. Advent candles are often placed in Advent candelabra with four or five spaces for the taper candles. The tradition of the candle lighting most likely is to denote that Jesus Christ is the "Light of the World," and that He fills our hearts with warmth, cheer, and happiness.
Christmas Lights
The origin of the Christmas Lights comes from the Christmas candles originally put on the evergreen tree. Eventually people decided that it would be fun to use electricity to power bulbs on stand on a tree. Then people decided to tint or paint the bulbs different colors so that the tree could dazzle with different lights. This was a tradition created out of creativity and safety; after all using candles on an evergreen tree is major fire hazard. Subsequently, people thought that if they Christmas lights look good on the tree, they could very well look great outside on the house. Christmas lights come in variety of kinds ranging from the original C9 lights (featured), colored or white mini-lights, icicle lights, and so on.
Christmas Wreaths
Wreaths have long history in the civilization of man. They have been used by almost every culture for different celebrations. The Cesars even honored champions of the chariot races or notable poets with a wreath-like crown. As for Christmas the tradition for festive decoration like the evergreen tree. The Christmas wreath came from the Advent Wreath which dates back to the 16th century. In 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern invented the wheel like wreath to teach children about the coming birth of Jesus Christ. Johann would place one candle in every Sunday for Advent. He would put one white candle for the Sunday and then red candles for the days between. The Advent Wreath is made of evergreen stems to represent everlasting life through Jesus Christ and the circular pattern of the wreath is to represent God; in the Middle East a perfect circle has always represented the Creator.
Christmas Ornaments
The first ornaments used for the Christmas tree were edible: apples, candy canes, and pastries in the shape of stars, flowers, and hearts. The traditional glass bulb ornaments were created in Germany by a Hans Greiner in circa 1570-1609. To create the glass bulb that now can be found in so many shapes, sizes, and shades of color; artisans would heat the tube of glass over a fire and then shape it much the way other glass objects are shaped. After glass was chilled, silver nitrate was swirled into it.
Peppermint Candy Canes and Gingerbread Men
The Peppermint Candy Canes comes from St. Nicholas. The design is based on his bishop rook or staff with the shepherd c shape design. The red stripes signify the blood of Jesus Christ and that "by his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). Gingerbread men originate from making cookies that look like St. Nicholas. Then eventually people who wanted Christmas to become more secularized (sigh) decided to make the gingerbread man look less like a bishop and more like a stick figure man. Another tradition says the gingerbread men began as biscuit men and could be found in Queen Elizabeth I's courts.
Christmas Films
Watching Christmas movies is a major tradition among those who celebrate the holiday. This is certainly a new tradition when compared with those already covered, but worth taking a look at.
The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story is a fully featured length film that tells the story of The Birth of Christ. This adaptation of the Bible tells the whole account from Mary meeting Gabriel and accepting the Will of God to The Birth of Jesus and the exodus to Egypt. The Nativity Story captures moments that are not in Bible, but likely happened. One incident has Joseph speaking to Mary and saying, "I wonder if I will be able to teach him anything," a good question and one I can see Joseph asking. The scale and cinematography of the film is well done, on par with Roma Downey's Son of God and The Bible Series. Definitely worth seeing this Christmas to get a succinct and chronological account of the Birth of Christ.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic film. For many it is tradition where they watch Charlie Brown choose a sad looking Christmas Tree and Linus helps everyone learn about the true meaning of Christmas by reading The Birth of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter two. Snoopy and Woodstock bring in the laughs, but the whole message of the cartoon is timeless and will warm the heart of any Grinch.
How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
Speaking of the Grinch.. Dr. Sues' How The Grinch Stole Christmas is another classic. The story revolved around a green Who who hates Christmas and those in Whoville. This ghastly green meanie is much like Charles Dickson's Scrooge who wants to ruin the fun for everyone else. The Grinch succeeds in his plan to steal all the Christmas decorations and presents, but what happens after is not what he expects at all and it has a profound impact on his holiday disposition. The original is a cartoon classic, but director Ron Howard did make a live action adaptation staring Jim Carry that takes the absurdity to new lengths and is a great commentary on the commercialism and materialism that often holds the Christmas holiday captive.
There are many of the films worth of mentioning such as A Muppet's Christmas Carol. There is also The Little Drummer Boy which is the old Claymation and puppetry film about a drummer who arrives at Jesus' birth to pay homage to the Christ. Some other classics are Santa Claus is Coming To Town (I do not recommend because of sorcery and a warlock), Jack Frost, and Rudolph The Rednose Reindeer (a true classic). There is also the beloved classics Miracle on 31st Street and A White Christmas. There are also Christmas cult favorites like Jing All The Way starring Arnold Swartzenegger.
Most of the holiday traditions have their roots in the Christian faith! As Christians we can rejoice that there are so many ways to express our love and devotion for Christ! As for the more secularized or formerly pagan traditions; those are left to each Christian's individual conscience and convictions. I know some believers who reject the Christmas tree because of its pagan origins, while other followers of Christ accept the evergreen tree because their motive is not the same as the druids of old and they use the tree merely as decoration. Whatever your Christmas traditions, may you be filled with the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ! Remember the reason for the season and if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, let me clarify that Jesus is no longer a baby but a grown man. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Christmas holiday celebrates this), grew up, at 33yrs of age Jesus began his ministry. Then Jesus was crucified by Pontius Pilate (Roman Governor) and died for the sins (wicked deeds) of all mankind. After three days, of which Jesus preached in hell, Jesus rose again from the dead (resurrected!). Jesus Christ is God and flesh (a man). If you believe in Him, "you will not die (go to hell) but live forever with Him and the two other parts of Him known as the Father and Holy Spirit. If you pray the following prayer you are accepting Jesus' invitation to be your Savior:
I believe Jesus Christ came in the flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. I repent of my sins (wicked thoughts, desires, and deeds/choices), please forgive me Jesus. I now accept you Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and ask you to enter my life, heart, and soul. Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer I want to congradulate you and say welcome to the family of Christ and Merry Christmas! I have some resources for you:
1. Pick up a Bible (best translations are New International Version/NIV, The Living Bible, and The English Standard Version.
2. Get baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead (see my blog posts on The Trinity),
3. Find Spirit Filled and devout Christians to meet with and spend time with.
4. Beware of religious churches that try to make you follow laws and men's ideas rather than follow Jesus Christ.
5. Pray regularly to Jesus Christ. Just talk to the Lord and listen with your mind, heart, and spirit. You can close your eyes or keep them open. Closing your eyes helps quiet yourself to hear Him and concentrate.
Here are some blog posts that will lead you to the next steps:
Here is a ton of information on what to do next (lots of the steps I already listed are in here):
http://sirjeffreypendragonblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/steps-for-new-jesus-followers.html?q=Steps+for+New+Jesus+followers
A quick guide to salvation (The Gospel) and how to share Jesus:
Here is a quick guide to how to understand The Trinity:
http://sirjeffreypendragonblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/trinity-issues-how-do-i-relate-to.html?q=Trinity
Here is a long dissertation on the Trinity I wrote:
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