History of Christmas & its traditions

BY ANNABETH JOHNSON / Multimedia Journalist

Stockings are hung above the fireplace, the Christmas tree is covered in ornaments and bright lights are spread all across town covering yards with Christmas spirit, but these holiday traditions have not always been around. 

Christmas can be defined as the annual celebration on Dec. 25 of the birth of Jesus Christ as a religious and cultural celebration for Christian believers. 

Before the birth of Jesus Christ, people of European descent celebrated the winter solstice which signified the end of the most challenging days of winter.

The Norse people of Scandinavia celebrated the end of the winter solstice which began on Dec. 21 and lasted through Jan. 1. This period between these months is called Yule. 

In the Norse traditions, fathers and sons would collect large pieces of wood and set them on fire. The people would indulge in a celebratory banquet until the fire burned out which could last around 12 days. 

The Norse people believed that every spark of the fire represented an individual pig or calf that would be born in the next season of the new year. 

The first Christmas story, that most are familiar with today, can be observed in the Gospel of Luke 2:7-14 in the Holy Bible. The beginning of Luke states that in those days Ceasar Agustus, the Roman emperor, demanded all his subjects return to their place of birth to be taxed and complete a census. Because of this, Joseph and Mary, to whom he was engaged, traveled from Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem.

This was God’s plan to have His Son, Jesus Christ, be born of a virgin in the city of Bethlehem. 

“7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 ‘Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men,’” Luke 2:7-14.

From these verses, one can observe Jesus’s birthplace at Bethlehem. The gospel of Luke recounts the first Christmas holiday that is still cherished today.

Christmas is celebrated by billions of people all across the globe through numerous traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings, gift-giving, seasonal music, stringing colorful lights and enjoying a classic meal together with loved ones.

The tradition of Christmas tree decorating consists of adorning a pine tree with ornaments including lights and a star or angel resting on top. 

Most people often hang their stockings on the mantles above fireplaces or walls and may fill them with trinkets to be opened on Christmas morning. 

Gift-giving is a part of the Christmas holiday. The reason why people give gifts is because God gave the gift of His Son, Jesus, to redeem mankind back to Himself after the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. Families often exchange gifts on Christmas morning.

Christmas would not be complete without the signature Christmas songs that are only played once a year during the winter season, making them more special. 

Christmas lights are one of the most beautiful traditions of the holiday season. They adorn neighborhoods, parks, houses and more. The colorful lights emphasize the joy that comes through the Christmas holiday. 

Finally, Christmas is to be spent surrounded by the people you love making memories together over a holiday feast of an assortment of all kinds of foods.

The month of December has been shaped by history to be one of celebration and community in the cherished traditions of Christmas. 

So enjoy all the holiday festivities and always remember the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Merry Christmas Texans!