Christmas Decorations and Customs
Traditional Christmas decorations
Christmas decorations vary from culture to culture, but there are some traditional Christmas decorations and customs that are common to many cultures.
Laura Legend’s explanation of traditional Christmas decorations and customs…
Perhaps the most common traditional Christmas custom is decorating a Christmas tree which originated in Germany and has become popular in many countries.
Christmas decorations that are put on a Christmas tree may be very different from one culture to the next and even from family to family.
Christmas lights are used as Christmas decorations on Christmas trees, in homes and even outdoors.
The use of nativity scenes, mangers with Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, the wise men and shepherds, manger animals, a star and angels, are traditional Christmas decorations that symbolize Christ’s birth as it is described in the Bible.
Poinsettias are popular Christmas decorations, especially in the United States. The red flowering plant, native to Mexico, blooms during the Christmas season. Poinsettias are available in other colors as well.
Christmas stockings are usually a part of Christmas decorations. It’s customary to hang stockings on the fireplace mantel and for Santa to fill them with goodies.
Balls or twigs of mistletoe are traditional Christmas decorations that are generally hung over a doorway. As the tradition goes, when people meet under the mistletoe they are to kiss.
Holly wreaths and garlands are traditional Christmas decorations. The pointy holly leaves are said to symbolize Christ’s crown of thorns and the bright red berries are symbols of Christ’s blood.
More popular Christmas decorations include angels, snow flakes and snow villages as well as tinsel and icicles.
Santa Clause, reindeer, elves, and similar things associated with the legend of Santa are traditional Christmas decorations.