Five Christmas Traditions Explained

There are a number of traditions that millions of people take part in each year. Here are a few in no particular order.

1.Christmas trees! Each year millions of family erect and decorate a Christmas tree. The origins of this tradition come from the ancient Pagan world. Ancient people believed that the Christmas tree was sacred because it remained green, even in winter, and the tradition of decorating the tree is said to have originated with protestant reformer Martin Luther, who decorated the tree to replicate the few of the stars through the trees in the forest.

2.Hanging stockings! The tradition of hanging stocks was born of necessity. This was the only way to dry them after they became wet from the snow. It is said that the tradition of leaving gifts in the stockings came from the real St. Nicolas, from the 4th century leaving gold coins for the poor in there stockings at night while they were sleeping.


3.Giving Gifts! Now some people may not care why as long as they get them, but the tradition of giving gifts also came from the ancient pagans. They would exchange gifts at the winter solstice to as a symbol of fertility of the land. It was believed that the winter solstice marked the end of an illness for the earth and that the earth would get better as spring came.

4.Poinsettia Flowers! Poinsettia Flowers became a symbol of Christmas in the late 1800’s. The US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, returned from a trip to Mexico with a festively colored red and green flower. This winter blooming flower was named after the ambassador and seemed perfect for Christmas. They were a standard by 1900 and the tradition continues today.


5.Eggnog! Eggnog gets its name from the word grog, which was what seamen used to call any drink made with Rum. Eggnog is actually older than the tradition of Christmas and dates back to the 17th Century in Europe. It is similar to another drink called Wassail, but the base of eggnog is always eggs, and with wassail it was some kind of fruit. George Washington was famous for making eggnog that would challenge the most capable drinker.

Now that you know some of the most common traditions of Christmas, go celebrate with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas from ProWriters4You!!