The Beginnings of Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas span from December 25, the day designated as the birth of Jesus Christ by most members of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches to the baptism of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the three Wise Men, known as Epiphany on January 6. The story of Jesus Christ is based on Matthew 1:18 - 2:12 and Luke 1:26-56. Roman Catholics apparently celebrated Christmas, also known as the Feast of the Nativity, from approximately 336 AD. The term Christmas appeared in the English language around 1050 coming from the Old English phrase Christes maesse, the "festival of Christ." The shortened version of Christmas - Xmas - is thought to have come into use in the 13th century. The X may stand stand for the Greek letter chi, an abbreviation of Khristos (Christ), and also represents the cross.

It is believed that the pagan celebration of winter solstice during the 4th century that was ultimately replaced by the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Before Christmas, the Romans are known to have celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring Saturn, the ancient Roman god of agriculture. The festival usually lasted from December 17 - 25 on the Julian calendar, during which the Romans set aside all business and warfare, gave gifts, temporarily freed their slaves and feasted. They also celebrated the lengthening of daylight after winter by honoring the Persian god, Mithras, the ancient god of light. The festivities lasted to January 1, the festival of Kalends, marking the day of the new moon and the first day of the month and year.

Historians do not know what date is the actual birth date of Jesus and it is thought the date of December 25 was used to give meaning to the pagan festivals, replacing the festivities honoring Mithra. Hoping to draw pagans into religion, the Catholic Church let the pagans continue their celebrations at the same time as the celebrations of the birth of Jesus.

The intertwining of Christian and pagan beliefs led to the current day celebrations and traditions. For example, the hanging of mistletoe stems from the ancient European belief that the plant held magic powers of life and fertility, to bring peace, protect against disease and to bring love.

In some English areas, Christmas was celebrated by gambling, overindulgence in food and drink, the presence of mummers or revelers dressing in costume and going from door to door asking for gifts of food and drink, and waits, musicians or carolers pad to perform at Christmastime. The Puritan faction in both England and later in the North American colonies objected to the behavior and the holiday has gradually modified over the years.

Santa Claus is a European tradition brought to New York by Dutch settlers in the 18th century. Originally Sinter Klaas was a stern religious figure riding a white horse through the air in the company of a an elf who punished disobedient children, depending on the country. He has been modified in North America, to a fat, jolly, gift-giving, old man with a troop of happy, helping, toy-making elves to help him pass out gifts from an airborne reindeer-draw sleigh.

The Christmas tree tradition originates from Germany. During the 17th century the tree was a pagan symbol of fertility that became Christian symbol of rebirth. Legend has it that Martin Luther, the founder of German Protestantism, was walking in a forest on Christmas Eve. He was amazed at the starlit beauty of the fir trees and brought one inside to decorate it with candles to remind his children of the beauty of God's creation. Prince Albert of Germany gave his wife, Queen Victoria of England a Christmas tree as a gift, reportedly the first Christmas tree in England, and the tradition spread from there.

The Christmas card originated in the Middle Ages (5th century to 15th century) when Europeans handed out wood prints of religious themes for Christmas.  In the mid 1800's an English illustrator, John Calicott Horsley, created the first Christmas card depicting a family celebration with the message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." The card sold well and the custom of giving cards spread throughout the country.

Christmas Celebrations

Australia -  Many spend the day at the beach considering that it is summer in Australia. Many bar-b-que. Santa may come in the evening and presents are exchanged or Santa may come Christmas Eve. Carols by Candlelight is an annual event in the days leading up to Christmas in cities and towns all across the nation.

Canada- Since Canada is made up of a culture including French, English, German, Ukrainian, and First Nations, their traditions are quite diverse. Christmas begin with the start of Advent. Homes are decorated with trees, wreaths and more. Creches or manger scenes are also used. Children write Santa and visit him at local malls. Santa arrives on Christmas Eve leaving gifts. Families gather for dinner which could be turkey, goose or duck.

Denmark - On December 1st one traditions has Danes putting rice pudding in the attic for the pixies to eat. This is said to keep them from playing tricks on them. On December 11th when children begin their Advent Calendars. Roasted pig is the most common dinner item. After dinner they get dessert and that is always risalmande and the one who gets the almond gets a little present. Dancing around the Christmas tree is traditional in households after dinner then receiving of presents

England - In October children usually write letters to Father Christmas. English houses are decorated two weeks before Christmas. The tree is decorated with tinsel, fairy lights, tartan ribbons and baubles. The home is usually decorated with statues of Father Christmas, wreaths, mistletoe, holly and more. 'The Night Before Christmas' is traditionally read on Christmas Eve. Children leave mince pie and pie for Father Christmas. Around noon loved ones begin to arrive and dinner is eaten. Turkey is the traditional dinner item. At 3:00 HM Elizabeth II gives a speech. It is considered bad luck to leave the Christmas tree up longer than two weeks after Christmas.

Finland - Christmas begins the night of the 23rd as adults prepare for the morning. For breakfast on the 24th porridge is eaten. There's an almond hidden in the porridge and it's said that whoever gets it will be very lucky or get married the next year. Kids give special treats to their pets. Ham is often eaten for dinner. Father Christmas comes after dinner passing out gifts. Christmas is more of a day of peace as people go to church and visit with loved ones.

Germany - Towns decorate in red and dark green with trees and lights but homes are generally sparsely decorated. There are large markets in most towns called "Christkindlmarkt". Glühwein is a favorite - a red wine, heated up over fire and served in cups. "Weihnachts Stollen", a fruit-cake made from yeast, which has rum and "marzipan" in it is baked. December 6th is "Nikolaus Tag" where children receive a chocolate Santa and toy. Goose is the most common dinner item.

Italy - In most homes Christmas starts after December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In part of the country trees are decorated but in others, Nativity figures are carved into trees. Meat is traditionally not eaten on Christmas Eve.

Ireland - Christmas begins early in Ireland. Plum pudding a Christmas day dessert is made a few early, as it takes a while to mature. Trees are decorated, wreaths are hung on doors, small nativities called cribs are set out. Gifts of money are given out before Christmas to people who perform services (I.E. mailman, garbage man). Stockings or pillow cases are hung at the end of beds for Father Christmas. Catholics attend midnight mass and Protestants attend a midnight service. Turkey or ham is generally eaten on Christmas. The 6th of January is when all decorations are removed.

Mexico - Mexicans often have a party before Christmas. It is called a “posada.” This is the celebration of the arrival of Mary & Joseph in Bethlehem. There is a ”piñata” which has candy and prizes in it. Often it includes fireworks. On Christmas Eve families gather for dinner which is generally a turkey. On Christmas morning children open gifts that Santa brought them.

Puerto Rico - Groups of carolers called Trullas sing on the streets. During the feast of Epiphany, children place water and maybe some grass under their beds for the wise men's camels, and in return, presents are left. Day of the Three Maggi Kings is January 6th and children parade through the villages in tribute to the Magi (Three Wise Men). The night before the children collect grass which they leave for the camels in boxes (one for each child). The next day the grass is gone and in its place there are gifts.

Russia - Russia begins by fasting until after church services on December 6th which is their Christmas Eve. Russia still uses the Julian calendar. A special porridge called kutya made of wheatberries is eaten symbolizing hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. On Christmas morning most go straight to church to attend Christmas day Liturgy. Then families gather and exchange gifts. The Christmas tree is usually taken down at the end on January after the feast day of the Baptism of Christ.

South America - Christmas is actually during the midsummer months in South America. Families gather outside for a meal. They often visit the beach for lots of swimming or head to the mountains for cooler weather. Christmas presents are exchanged on Christmas.

Spain - In Spain people observe the winter solstice (the beginning of winter) by jumping over bonfires which is said to protect against illness. This tradition is called Hogueras. On Christmas Even, when the stars begin to appear, small oil lamps are lit. At midnight families are called to the La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster). They eat only after midnight and celebrate into the late morning hours. Christmas day is spent in church and at gatherings. It is the Three Wise Men who leave gifts in the shoes of children.

Sweden - Christmas begins on the first Sunday of Advent when a candle is lit. Every Sunday until Christmas another candle is lit. Celebration begins on Lucia Day which is said to be the longest night of year. On Christmas Even the only work performed is the tending to livestock. Ham is traditionally served for dinner. The Christmas feast also includes a tradition called "dipping in the kettle" (doppa i grytan), in which the assembled family and guests dip bits of dark bread in a pot filled with drippings of pork, sausage, and corned beef. Gifts are brought by the Jultomten, a gnome who lives in the barn. Swedes attend church in the early morning of Christmas. Christmas is generally quiet and spent with loved ones. Christmas officially ends on January 13th.

USA - Since the United States is a melting pot of cultures there are endless traditions. Christmas begins in November with stores selling their goods. People shop till they drop. November 26th is the traditional start of shopping.

Children write letters to Santa and visit with him at local malls. Children are often in Christmas pageants, plays and musical recitals. Many children receive Advent Calendars on December 1st to count down until the big day.

Homes are decorated inside and out with lighted trees, wreaths, mistletoe and lighted outside displays. Many communities have specially decorated drive through areas. Children will often go outside and build a snowman if they have snow. Some decorate the day after Thanksgiving, other wait until a couple weeks prior to Christmas. Still others wait until December 24th to put their tree up.

There are still those who go Christmas caroling from street to street or they can be found in a city corner. The Salvation Army has bell ringers at many stores collecting money for the needy. Toys for Tots is another popular charity program throughout the US. Christmas cartoons are on T.V. throughout the month of December. Christmas cards are mailed to friends and family wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Some have their have dinner with family on Christmas Eve and exchange gifts then. Others gather on Christmas to feast anywhere from noon until late evening. Traditional dinners include turkey, goose, ham and duck. Many have a birthday cake for Christ. Many homemade goodies are made throughout the month such as gingerbread men & houses, fruitcake, pies, cookies and candies.

Children eagerly await the Santa who is said to come down the chimney on Christmas Eve and leave gifts under the tree and in the stocking of good children. Most children leave a plate of cookies or brownies & a glass of milk for him. He often leaves a note of thanks.

Many families attend church services on Christmas Eve (Mass for Catholics). Others attend Christmas morning services. Some enjoy watching football games and some enjoy backyard games even in the middle of the winter.