Ladies and gentlemen of the Internet… Welcome to Blogmas 2023! For the next 25 days, expect to find some fun and informative holiday themed blog posts here at The Confusing Middle. For Day 1, I thought it would be fun to delve into the history of Christmas, one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays around the world. Join me on a journey back in time as we unwrap the origins and traditions of this festive season.

The Roots of Christmas

Christmas, as we know it today, is a delightful blend of traditions from various cultures and time periods. While it’s now synonymous with the birth of Jesus Christ, the holiday’s roots reach much farther back in history. The celebration of the winter solstice, for instance, was an ancient Roman festival known as Saturnalia. During Saturnalia, people exchanged gifts, lit candles, and feasted. Sound familiar?

The Christian influence on Christmas as the birth of Jesus can be traced back to the 4th century. The date, December 25th, was chosen by the early Christian church, likely to coincide with existing pagan festivals, making the transition to Christianity more comfortable for the masses. Over time, various regions incorporated their own customs, giving birth to the diverse tapestry of Christmas traditions we have today.

Decking the Halls

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! The iconic Christmas tree, a symbol of hope and life during the darkest season, was first popularized in Germany in the 16th century. Martin Luther is often credited with adding candles to trees, creating a magical glow that’s since become a hallmark of the season.

Tinsel, ornaments, and twinkling lights soon joined the party. Each family brings its unique style to tree decorating, from minimalist chic to the tackiest of tinsel extravaganzas!

Santa Claus: From Saint to Jolly Old Elf

Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, has a rich history. The real Saint Nicholas, a bishop in ancient Myra, Turkey, was known for his kindness and gift-giving. His feast day, December 6th, inspired the practice of leaving shoes out for small gifts, which has now transformed into hanging stockings by the fireplace.

The transformation of Saint Nicholas into the jolly, rotund Santa Claus we know today can be attributed to the iconic 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” which popularized Santa’s reindeer and sleigh. Coca-Cola’s 1930s marketing campaigns also played a significant role in solidifying the modern image of Santa.

Personal and Family Christmas Traditions

Speaking of traditions, I want to take a moment to share a few cherished Christmas traditions from my own family. Every year, our family would get together at my grandmother’s house to share in an over the top dinner, followed by some time reflect on the true reason for our Christmas celebration, the birth of Christ, and, of course, the gift exchange. Things will be a little different this year and from now on, as my grandmother passed away in October. My hope and prayer is that the traditions she held together with all of us for so long will continue in her absence as a way of honoring her memory.

Now, dear readers, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear about your favorite Christmas traditions. How does your family celebrate the holiday season? Please share your stories and experiences in the comments below. Let’s make this a festive space for everyone to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas.

In the meantime, I hope this journey through the history of Christmas has added a sprinkle of extra holiday spirit to your day. So, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and let the magic of Christmas fill your heart.

Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday season!

Feature Photo by Matheus Bertelli