Did We Always Give Christmas Presents?

Today is Christmas Eve and tonight and tomorrow the giving and opening of Christmas presents begins! But when, exactly, did this Christmas tradition start? I mean, I'm sure Jesus got presents on His birthday, but I highly doubt His family was giving presents to everyone around them to celebrate His birth. Here are some speculations about the tradition of Christmas presents.

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Posted by Laura at 2:18 PM | Permalink

Do You Know These 12 Christmas Myths?

Every holiday has its myths, but Christmas seems to have more than its fair share. Urban legends and old wives tales abound during this holiday season. Think you know fact from fiction? Here's the scoop on some of the most popular Christmas myths.

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Posted by Laura at 2:36 PM | Permalink

Who Sent The First Christmas Letter?

You've probably gotten at least one Christmas letter in your life. You know, the letters that people send out instead of greeting cards? They say what the person's been up to and how the year has been? Some people love them, others hate them -- the question is, who sent out the first one? When did the tradition begin? If you're wondering who's to thank (or blame) for the Christmas letter tradition, read on...

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Posted by Laura at 3:15 PM | Permalink

Who Put Up The First Christmas Nativity?

It just doesn't feel like Christmas until you see the Christmas nativity displays lighting up front yards, churches and businesses. But when was the first Christmas nativity scene set up? Whose idea was it? When did it become a Christmas tradition? The answers may surprise you.

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Posted by Laura at 2:55 PM | Permalink

Why We Send Christmas Cards During the Holiday Season

This year while you're preparing all of the Christmas cards that will be going out to friends and family you may take a moment to wonder why you do it and who started it all. After all, it's not like the apostles took it upon themselves to send each other greeting cards to remember the birthday of Jesus. Hey, Hallmark didn't even exist back then! So how did Christmas cards become a part of this Christian holiday? Here's where it all began...

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Posted by Laura at 7:52 PM | Permalink

The Story of The First Christmas Stockings

Each and every Christmas most of us hang stockings on the mantles of our fireplaces (or other places in the home if fireplace isn't present) and wait for the goodies to appear on Christmas morning. But when did this tradition begin? What do stockings and fireplaces have to do with the birth of Christ? Here's some insight into why we hang Christmas stockings during the holiday season.

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Posted by Laura at 7:15 PM | Permalink

Getting To the Bottom of Christmas Facts and Christmas Myths

If you celebrate Christmas you probably know the basics of the facts. Jesus lived, died and rose again to save us all. However, the way we celebrate Christmas and what we assume are Christmas facts may actually be nothing more than Christmas Myths. Wondering what's true and what's not? Here's the truth about some common Christmas myths.

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Posted by Laura at 8:47 PM | Permalink

Why I launched this website about Christmas traditions... and what you'll discover here

Around Christmastime, I'm always telling stories about Christmas traditions around the world. My husband says I can't walk by a Christmas decoration without telling everyone the history, origin and cultural significance of it.

My friends love to hear about Christmas traditions and customs and I'm frequently asked to take the floor at a Christmas party to liven up the crowd with some tales of Christmas lore. At the prompting of my friends and family, I have launched this website that is filled with stories, tales and myths about Christmas and Christmas traditions.

If what all my friends, family, in-laws and acquaintances say about me is right, you'll find extremely interesting and entertaining stories about Christmas traditions right here on this website.

Here's what you'll find at Christmas Lore...

You'll learn the origin of many of the Christmas traditions we practice today, as well as the significance of the tradition. You'll even get some great ideas for making your very own family Christmas traditions that will make each and every Christmas fun, special, and most importantly, memorable!

Throughout Christmas Lore you'll find Fun Facts, Did You Know?, Factoids, and other interesting and enlightening tales about Christmas lore and Christmas traditions.

You'll also find occasional posts from my friend, Noel Jameson. Noel has her own blog called Christmas Rants (which is great!), and I've asked her to stop by here occasionally to share here Christmas wisdom as well. Enjoy!