Christmas Traditions and Symbols
About Christmas Traditions and Symbols
Ah! Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. Christmas traditions and symbols abound. It has both a strong religious and traditional meaning and roots. The entire Christmas season is a time of family and giving. It is truly a time that comes but once a year. Most countries celebrate Christmas. It is steeped in holiday tradition, like no other event. Every family has its specific traditions, too. We have to stick to our family traditions, no matter how tired we are….no matter how busy our schedule is. Without them, it’s not Christmas at all.
Christmas Traditions - Trees are a Huge Symbol of the Season
Christmas Trees– Holiday traditions using Christmas trees originated in Germany. German immigrants brought this tradition with them to America. Tree decorations included popcorn strings and lighted candles. Those candles were indeed proved dangerous and the cause of many Christmas tree fires.
Finding the perfect Christmas tree- If your family is like mine, finding the perfect tree is a tradition all to itself. Like millions of others, we shun the ease of an artificial tree and do it the hard (fun) way. Neither wind, nor sleet, nor rain, nor hail, nor mud(!!!) will keep us from trudging through one tree farm after another in search of that perfect size and shape. More on Finding the Perfect Tree.
Christmas Traditions and Symbols
Mistletoe, is an international sign of peace, goodwill, and….love. One of the favorite holiday traditions of young lovers is the kiss under the Mistletoe. But don’t be surprised if you find mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa, sneak a kiss under the mistletoe. First, you have to get some sprigs of mistletoe. Okay, guys, it’s time to get your shotgun and bag some Mistletoe because a shotgun is commonly used to shoot sprigs down from high up in the branches of trees.
Christmas Bells The roots of bell ringing go back to ancient pagan winter festivals. At the time, people rang bells to ward off evil spirits. But, bells were too much fun to be limited to warding off spirits.
Yule Log– The tradition of burning the Yule log is steeped in tradition. While many holiday songs herald the traditions of the Yule Log, not too many families carry on the tradition in today’s society. Its roots run deep in European culture from over 1000 years ago.
Christmas Wreaths They are everywhere you look this time of year….why?
Cookies – Now, here’s a Christmas tradition you can really sink your teeth into. High in calories, high in fat, high in cholesterol. There is nothing better than homemade Christmas cookies for the holidays. Making holiday cookies is definitely a “family affair”. Cookies in all shapes and sizes, and no shortage of recipes. The more variety, the better. In many families, the best are ones the whole family can participate in. Among the favorites are cutouts. The kids can use a variety of cutouts and after they are baked shake on the colored sugars. Christmas Recipes
More Christmas Traditions
Poinsettias are a major symbol of the holiday season. Garden stores force millions of them to bloom just in time for the holiday season. The long-lasting blooms decorate homes, churches, workplaces, and more. Poinsettias are such important and impressive symbols, that a holiday in December is dedicated to them. See Poinsettia Day.
When do you open your presents? The majority of families find their presents under the tree on Christmas morning. And, the stockings hung last night by the chimney with care, are now carefully placed by the fireside by Santa, as he stuffed them too full of goodies to hang. In other families, Saint Nick comes on Christmas Eve. He usually sneaks in while the family is having dinner.
Did you know? In some families, it is traditional to wrap presents. But, not all families. Some family traditions have unwrapped presents in groups around or under the tree. Santa knows which families prefer unwrapped presents. It actually makes it easier for his elves
Fruitcake What’s that you say, fruitcake is a symbol of the season? Do people really eat it, or is it some form of holiday paperweight?
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Crunch
Ecards – Among the timeless Christmas traditions is sending Christmas cards to friends and loved ones. Send a free Ecard daily for just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Merry Christmas to all. And, to all a good night!
Holiday Insights, where every day is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.
