Christmas traditions began at different times, but one thing is for sure – they are indeed a mixture of a variety of ancient practices and way of life that we have grown accustomed to.  The Christmas season brings families together because of these Christmas traditions. The most common ones are practiced at, beneath, around Christmas trees. All of these customs in essence, are based on the beliefs of our forefathers.

Christmas Trees

Scouting for a live Christmas tree is still a popular tradition, despite the emergence of realistic-looking artificial Christmas trees. The tradition of setting up a tree during the holidays began millennia ago. Pagans used its branches for decoration during the Winter Solstice, and Christians consider it as a symbol of eternal life.

Decorating Christmas Trees

Originally, Christmas trees were decorated with roses, apples, colored paper and candies. Apples symbolize the Garden of Eden or the Paradise Tree, which was in a popular play in the Middle Ages about Adam and Eve. Eventually, Christmas tree decorations included symbolic items like tinsels, garlands and other ornaments.

Christmas lights replaced candles in representing the twinkling nighttime stars. Various items, like the Christmas balls, have been added as well. One of the most important elements in live or artificial Christmas trees is the star. Decorating the Christmas tree is a wonderful time for the family to bond.

Christmas trees with hanging candy canes are a common sight. Candy canes actually symbolize the shepherds’ crooks, which are an important element in the Nativity. The candy cane is a favorite holiday treat for children, and one of the most loved Christmas tree decorations.

Gift-giving under the Christmas Tree

Gifts are usually bought days before Christmas and placed under the Christmas tree. On the morning of December 25, each of the gifts is opened. This gift-giving tradition was popular in the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was an ancient celebration held during December. Because of its pagan origin, gift-giving was banned by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. But they eventually associated gift giving with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that were given to the infant Jesus. On top of that, gifts associated Saint Nicholas with Christmas, so it was in fact a good tradition to sustain.

Yuletide log

The Yule log was started by Germanic tribes as an indication of the beginning of the winter solstice. A large trunk of tree is stored over summer preparing it for burning at Yuletide. On Christmas Eve, this Yule log is placed inside the fireplace near the Christmas tree, firing up the still unburned parts, which were actually kept for such purpose. Some Yule logs have pine boughs and cones, creating a “crackling” sound while being burned. In some homes, the youngest is allowed to carry such special log.

The Yule log Christmas traditions remind us of the early days of Christmas and how it was celebrated. It also reminds people of the leaner times in which people still manage to have a positive outlook for the holidays. Using a Yule log gives much more meaning than the ordinary heating log.

Hanging Christmas stockings

Hanging Christmas stockings indicates the expectation of gifts. Legend has it that it started with a kind but poor nobleman who had three daughters, who were considered unworthy for marriage because they were poor.

Saint Nicholas, a generous man, heard of the girls’ troubles. He wanted to help but remain anonymous so he threw three small pouches of gold coins down their chimney. The pouches were unexpectedly caught inside the young ladies’ stockings, which they hung near the fireplace to dry. So began the tradition of hanging stockings by the fire for Santa Claus to fill them with gifts.

The traditions of Christmas usually have their beginnings in legends and lore, but their presence has remained strong throughout the centuries, evolving into the traditions we practice today.