Decorated Christmas trees originated from Germany in the Middle Ages.

Modern Christmas traditions that originated from other cultures: Christians consider Jesus a gift from God, and also seek to remember the Magi who brought gifts to the newborn Messiah. Gift giving, originally a Druidic practice, has likewise been assimilated into Christmas celebrations. An early pagan tradition of lighting candles to ward off cold and evil spirits has been adopted and adapted by Christians who see Jesus as the Light of the World. Several modern Christmas traditions hail from cultures and belief systems around the world. Other biblical scholars refer to early Christian writings to suggest Jesus was conceived on the same day he died-most likely March 25, with December 25 falling nine months later. The most-often touted theory of how we came to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 is that the date was borrowed from the pagan celebration of Saturnalia. Yet, the actual date might derive more from rabbinical and Christian traditions. Some of the first documented Christmas festivals occurred during the reign of Constantine, a Roman ruler who converted to Christianity.Įlements of early Christmas celebrations that developed during this time may well derive from pagan traditions. The Bible makes no mention of Jesus’ birthday, nor are there any biblical references to the earliest Christians celebrating his birth.

Take, for instance, the date we traditionally celebrate Christmas. But some of our most treasured Christmas traditions have been adopted and adapted from multiple cultures and faith systems. Many Christmas traditions are firmly rooted in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christmas in America has become a beautiful amalgamation of traditions from around the world-many dating back to the first century and earlier. This is just an example of one family’s practices. Then Santa got to work arranging stockings and gifts, taking nibbles from cookies and carrots (kind of a gross combination if you ask me), and jotting a note in red crayon for the kids commending their (mostly) good behavior over the past year. Lastly was a reading of The Night Before Christmas, all before an early bedtime. We would come home to open just one gift, put on our pajamas, and cuddle up with popcorn and hot chocolate while watching Elf. We enjoyed decorating cookies for Santa and attending a candlelight service at church where the pastor read the story of a babe in a manger from Luke. In my family, Christmas Eve was a time of intentional family togetherness focusing on the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas Traditions in 2021 Posted by Rhonda on December 18, 2021Ĭhristmas Eve has always been my favorite day of the year.

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