Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays on the planet. Yet so few of us really know why we celebrate the way we do or where our traditions originated. Every aspect of Christmas has some historical significance or stems from earlier customs. In fact, Christmas was celebrated long before the holiday itself was established. Many of the traditions we hold onto today began during Pagan winter celebrations, particularly the winter solstice.
The Christmas tree originated from these celebrations when an evergreen tree—representing life and hope—was brought indoors and hung upside down during the winter solstice festivities. Holly and mistletoe also have their roots in these traditions. Holly was used to decorate doors and windows to keep out the bad spirits that came with the extended darkness.
Christmas has faced bans in both Europe and the early United States. However, these bans were largely unsuccessful, and Christmas celebrations are now widely observed around the world. England had the longest ban on Christmas festivities. The British Parliament prohibited Christmas in 1643, and the ban was reinforced in 1649 and 1660, which outlawed all Christmas parties and caroling. The intent was to make Christmas a solemn holiday, permitting only prayer and worship services.
The ban on Christmas carols did not go over well; people continued to sing them privately. Christmas carols are filled with hope and inspiration. In 1818, “Silent Night” was written to compensate for a broken organ that couldn’t be repaired in time for Christmas services. The Austrian priest, determined to have music for Christmas, wrote three verses to “Silent Night” and composed a guitar accompaniment in one night.
Christmas and Easter have historically vied for the title of the holiest holiday, with Easter typically being considered more sacred. The early Puritans in the U.S. settlements attempted, but ultimately failed, to establish Thanksgiving as the most significant holiday of the year.
While we typically don’t celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, the Christmas season officially ends on January 6th, known as the twelfth day. This day commemorates the three kings entering Bethlehem with the Magi. The Reformation of the church eliminated the original twelve days, reducing it to just two: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some people are now trying to revive the tradition of the twelve days with family and church celebrations.
Originally, Christmas carols were not considered appropriate for church and were only permitted outside of religious Christmas celebrations. St. Francis of Assisi was the first priest to introduce Christmas carols into the church. Today, the term “Christmas carols” typically refers to church-related songs allowed in houses of worship, while other forms of Christmas music are classified as Christmas songs.
Christmas has the power to bring out the best in human nature. More money is donated to charities during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. During World War I, at midnight on December 24th, 1914, the Germans ceased fire against the allied troops. They laid down their weapons, shouted greetings, and joined the allied forces in celebration. After several days of merriment, gift giving, sharing, and soccer playing, both sides returned to their trenches and resumed the war.
Random acts of kindness are most common at Christmastime. History is filled with examples, such as the impromptu truce initiated by the German troops. Christmas miracles and legends are just a small but intrinsic part of the holiday’s traditions. Among all these customs, the one that stands out as the truest, longest-lasting, and most significant is the tradition of human dignity and kindhearted action.
