Christmas is a time when everything seems to shine a little brighter and feel more magical. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a season full of warmth, love, and joy that brings people together in a special way, almost like an inside hug. As we get ready for Christmas each year, we dive into traditions, decorations, and the excitement of being with loved ones. But at its core, Christmas is really about simple, meaningful things right? Like being kind, generous, and finding joy in giving.
For a lot of us, Christmas is all about those traditions that make the season feel special. Whether it’s putting up the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or singing carols, these little rituals connect us to our past and our families.
The Christmas tree isn’t just a decoration; it represents life and renewal. Even in the middle of winter, it stays green and tall. The decorating of trees started in Germany in the 16th century, when families brought evergreen trees into their homes and decorated them with apples, nuts, and candles. Today, Christmas trees are a big part of holiday celebrations everywhere. Each ornament and light on the tree tells a story.
Every year since I met my husband, we've had a real Christmas tree. We’d visit different tree farms, searching for the perfect one to bring home. Once we had kids, we continued, making it even more special by going to farms that offered wagon rides and warm apple cider by the fire. It became a cherished time for our family. And now, my daughter continues this tradition with her husband and son, creating those same magical memories for her own family.
Another close to our hearts is the Christmas dinner. This meal is more than just food; it’s a gathering of family and friends to enjoy favourite dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and maybe even Christmas pudding. But it’s not just about the food; what really makes this meal special is the time spent together. Sitting around the table sharing not just food but also laughter, stories, and love.
One of the best parts of Christmas is the joy of giving. Whether it's a thoughtful gift, a homemade treat, or just a kind word, giving makes us feel happy in a special way. It’s truly magical to see someone smile when they open a gift, knowing it was picked out with care just for them.
But Christmas isn’t just about giving to those we know and love. It’s also a time to reach out to those who are less fortunate. Many people get involved in charity work during the holidays, whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating to a food bank, or participating in toy drives. This kindness shows the true spirit of Christmas and reminds us that it’s not about what we get, but what we give.
Then there is Santa Claus, the jolly man who brings gifts to children around the world. He and the world famous story is based on a real person. Saint Nicholas was a bishop from Turkey in the 4th century, known for his generosity, especially to kids.
One of the most magical things about Christmas though is the lights. The tradition of putting up Christmas lights dates back to when people used candles to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Back then, candles marked the return of longer days and the promise of spring.
When December rolls around, it’s fun to see the neighborhoods light up with twinkling decorations, making the streets look like a fairy tale. The lights brighten our spirits. Even in the darkest days of winter, there is light and warmth to be found.
Driving around to see Christmas lights with family or friends is special. It is one of my family’s favorite things to do in December. Years ago, we'd bundle up the kids and take my grandmother as well out for a tour – it was something she really looked forward to every year. And now, we are doing the same with my mother. It adds a little more magic to the season.
Christmas is a treat for the senses. The sounds, smells, and sights all come together to create that special holiday feeling. For example, Christmas carols can remind us of our childhood and fill us with warmth and nostalgia. Songs like "Jingle Bells" or "Silent Night" have a way of lifting our spirits and bringing us closer together.
Fun fact: “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the song was intended for a Thanksgiving church service, but it became so popular that it became a Christmas classic instead.
Another common piece - Christmas scents – the smell of freshly baked cookies, the aroma of a real Christmas tree, and the comforting scent of cinnamon and spices. These smells bring back memories of past Christmases and remind us of the simple joys that make this holiday so special.
As the year comes to an end, it’s also a time to reflect. As we look back, we think about the good and bad times, the joys and challenges. It's a chance to appreciate the happy moments and learn from the tough ones.
It’s also a time to think about our relationships—to reconnect with loved ones, repair broken bonds, and reach out to those we’ve lost touch with. Christmas is a time for forgiveness and understanding, a time to set aside our differences and come together.
At the heart of Christmas is a story – the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, this is the true meaning of Christmas, a celebration of the arrival of the Savior, a time to pay attention to the message of love, peace, and goodwill that Jesus brought to the world. Even for those who do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, the story of Jesus’ birth carries themes of hope, love, and the power of a single act to change the world.
The nativity scene, showing the manger, the star, and the visitors, reminds us of the humble start and its big impact on the world. This story has been told for over 2,000 years and still inspires and uplifts us today.
Some interesting tidbits about Christmas:
The Origin of Stockings: The tradition of hanging stockings comes from the legend of Saint Nicholas. The story goes that he once threw gold coins down a chimney, and they landed in the stockings that were drying by the fire. Ever since, people have hung stockings on Christmas Eve, hoping for a little holiday magic.
The First Christmas Card: The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant in the UK. He commissioned an artist to design a card showing a family celebrating together, with the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
"Silent Night" Peace Treaty: During World War I, on Christmas Eve 1914, British and German soldiers in the trenches along the Western Front spontaneously declared a truce. They sang "Silent Night" together, exchanged small gifts, and even played soccer. This heartwarming event became known as the "Christmas Truce" and is a powerful reminder of the hope and peace Christmas can inspire.
Rudolph’s Red Nose: The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in 1939 by Robert L. May, an employee of Montgomery Ward, a department store. What started as a promotional giveaway for children turned into a loved Christmas tale, with Rudolph’s shiny red nose guiding Santa’s sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve.
The Yule Log: The tradition of the Yule log dates back to ancient Scandinavia, where a large log was burned in the hearth to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Today, the Yule log is a delicious chocolate dessert known as the "Bûche de Noël," which is shaped like a log and enjoyed during the holiday season.
Candy Canes: The candy cane, with its distinctive red and white stripes, was originally made as a symbol of Jesus. The shape represents a shepherd's crook, and the red stripes symbolize the blood of Christ. The peppermint flavor is also said to represent the purity of Jesus. The candy cane is the most popular holiday treat.
These little bits of history and tradition are rich with meaning.
For those who find themselves alone at Christmas; this time of year can be especially tough. But even in the quiet moments, no one is truly alone. The spirit of Christmas can still bring comfort and light, whether through a cherished memory, a kind gesture from a stranger, or simply the peacefulness of a winter’s night. Self-care and reaching out to someone who might also need a friend can lift spirits. Love and kindness are the true gifts of the season—gifts that you carry within you, wherever you are.
Interestingly, Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, with each culture adding its own special touch. In Sweden, Christmas kicks off with St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th. Girls wear white robes with red sashes and crowns of candles, honoring St. Lucia, who represents light and hope.
In Mexico, the festive season includes Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Every night, people walk through the streets, singing carols and ending with food, music, and piñatas.
In Japan, where Christmas is more of a fun, secular holiday, it’s became a tradition to enjoy KFC on Christmas Eve. This started with a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, making fried chicken a popular Christmas treat there.
And, in Australia, Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer! Instead of snow, Australians enjoy the sunshine, often spending Christmas Day at the beach or having a barbecue. Santa is sometimes seen in swim trunks and sunglasses!
Despite these different traditions, the spirit of Christmas is universal. They all share a common spirit of joy, love, and togetherness that defines Christmas everywhere.
In the end, Christmas is about the spirit that it brings – love, kindness, and generosity. It’s about making memories with those we love, about giving of ourselves to others, and about finding joy in the simple things. It’s a time to slow down, to appreciate the beauty around us, and to remember that even in the darkest days of winter, there is light and warmth to be found.
So, hold on to that spirit, cherish the traditions, find joy in giving, and know that the true meaning of the season is love, in its purest and most generous form.
Wishing you all a very peaceful and joyful Christmas!