Worldwide Christmas Traditions

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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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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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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Just Who Is the “True Love” In the 12 Days of Christmas ?

We all know that The 12 Days of Christmas is a song we sing during the holiday season, but what in the world does it really have to do with the holiday? How can someone's “true love” and a partridge in a pear tree really have anything to do with the date of Christ's birth? Here's the scoop...

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Have You Ever Wondered What Christmas in Guatemala is Like?

Christmas traditions are as much a part of the geography and climate of a particular region as anything else. There are an abundance of unique Christmas traditions, and one that I find particularly fascinating is the Misa de Gallo that occurs in Guatemala.

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Christmas Music Makes a Great Gift Too!

Christmas music certainly provides a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday season. The Christmas season just wouldn’t be the same without Christmas music. Try to incorporate Christmas music into your life every day from now until Christmas.

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Differences Between Christmas in the United States and England

Christmas is an incredibly popular holiday in England and in all of Britain, in fact. In England, they celebrate Christmas somewhat differently than in the U.S., and many Christmas traditions that are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in England never quite made it to the United States.

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Eggnog is an Annual Christmas Tradition with Interesting Roots

If you love the great beverage options that are a part of the Christmas season, you might be wondering about the history of eggnog. There are many beverages associated with the winter months, particularly during the holiday season. During December many of us enjoy hot apple cider, hot cocoa, and, of course, eggnog. Below you’ll find some interesting information about the history of eggnog during the Christmas season.

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Christmas Presents are the Current Focus of Christmas

Even those individuals who don’t know much about the history of Christmas presents realize that the importance of Christmas presents has changed over the centuries. It was once common even in wealthy families for children to get just one Christmas present. The emphasis many Americans put on lots of presents is incredibly common.

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What is Christmas Eve Holy Supper?

The Christmas Eve Holy Supper is a central part of holiday celebrations for some families, and how it is celebrated varies depending on country, specific religious affiliation, and even family. Some countries have a much more elaborate fast in addition to Christmas Eve Holy Supper, and one such lengthy fast is called the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

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Two Christmas Food Customs that Began in England

There are two Christmas food customs that originated in England are almost always associated with the Christmas season: mince meat and fruitcake. If you live in the U.S. you’re acquainted with eating pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving or perhaps pear pie or apple pie at Christmas, but you might have never heard of mince pies. In England, mince pies are a regular part of the annual Christmas celebrations. Curious about what mince pies are and how they play into the Christmas tradition? Well I'm happy to share that with you!

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Who are the Gubas?

The Gubas performance is a century-long tradition that is still celebrated in certain parts of our nation. The Gubas performance is comprised of male parishioners of an Orthodox Christian church. They travel to the homes of members of their parish on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which for some remaining Orthodox churches still following the Julian calendar occurs on January 6th and January 7th. So what do they do when they're there? Read on to find out.

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Geography and Climate Play a Role in Choice of Christmas Food

Traditional Christmas food varies throughout the world. The difference in the type of food is based primarily on the geography of the region. There are vast differences in the type of food enjoyed for this holiday throughout the world. Christmas food is as diverse as the cultures and customs present around the world.

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What Ever Happened to the Christmas Fast?

A Christmas fast used to be a commonly practiced part of the Christmas season. Some Christians such as Roman Catholics practiced a Christmas fast on Christmas Eve. Abstaining from meat was very common. Orthodox Christians also eliminated dairy as well. Nowadays, the practice of following a Christmas fast is not widely practiced.

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Where Did The Mummers Play Originate?

A Mummers play is an important Christmas tradition in England and other English-speaking countries. But what is a Mummers play? It sounds kind of funny, doesn't it? If you want to know what a Mummers play is, why you should see one and how they got started, you need to read this.

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The Day after Christmas is Still an Important Part of the Christmas Season

In England and other English-speaking European countries, the day after Christmas is known as “Boxing Day.” Those of us in the U.S. who need to brush up on our history knowledge might be curious about how the day after Christmas became known as “Boxing Day” in England.

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Why Doesn’t Anyone Make Christmas Pudding Anymore?

Christmas pudding is a long forgotten culinary tradition of our annual holiday celebrations. If you read any novels set in the 1800s, you might have seen references to Christmas pudding. Christmas pudding was once a mainstay of Christmas celebrations, but in the year 2006, making Christmas pudding has all but vanished.

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Why Do We Ring Christmas Bells?

With Christmas nearing, you might be wondering about the history of Christmas bells. You might already be acquainted with some of the tradition and legends behind some other Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree, but the exact history behind Christmas bells might have peaked your curiosity.

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Learn about the Most Popular Christmas Candy-Candy Canes

One of the most popular confectionary staples of the Christmas season definitely has to be the candy cane. The candy cane has an interesting history in addition to being a tasty holiday treat. If you’re a candy cane fan, you definitely want to read this.

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Whatever Happened to the Yule Log?

The tradition of the Yule log has a long and interesting history. Even though the Yule log is not a common part of modern-day Christmas celebrations in the U.S., it’s still interesting to see where this tradition got its start and how it evolved throughout the centuries. In fact, if it were up to me, the tradition of the Yule log would be brought back in full force. Wondering what the Yule log tradition is? I’ll let you in on the secret…

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Why are Red and Green Christmas Colors?

The colors red and green are commonly associated with Christmas and might as easily be referred to as Christmas colors. Of course, we all enjoy these Christmas colors, but you might be wondering how red and green became synonymous with Christmas. If you’ve ever wondered why we deck everything out in these festive primary shades, you’ll be happy to know we have the answer.

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How Does Santa Deliver Presents to Houses without Chimneys?

Christmas is a magical time of year and for young children, part of that magic involves an annual visit from Santa Clause. Historically, Santa Clause always entered homes through the chimney. Almost all children’s stories showcase Santa making a grand entrance through the chimney down into the fireplace. (Good thing those fires weren’t lit!) We do know that Santa will only come if children are sleeping, that much never changes. But Santa can be extremely flexible entering homes that don’t have a chimney and fireplace. Young children without a fireplace need not worry that Santa will skip their house. There is no one more accommodating than Santa! Just how will Santa make an appearance this Christmas for homes that don’t have fireplaces and chimneys? Read this to find out!

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Give a Black Diamond (Coal) This Holiday Season and Keep a Centuries-Old Tradition Alive

If you find yourself on a tight budget this holiday season, why not give black diamonds in lieu of white diamonds? A black diamond (known as coal in certain parts of the country) is the perfect way to give a unique and creative gift while putting a smile on someone’s face.

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The myth of the Christmas cookies

Christmas cookies are fun to make and certainly fun to eat. But Christmas cookies are also a part of the holiday magic as children leave Christmas cookies out for Santa.

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Canadian Christmas traditions for a white Christmas

White Christmas traditions can be loads of fun. Even if you don’t like snow, a white Christmas can be enjoyable.

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Do you want to know where the idea of 12 days of Christmas came from?

Everyone is familiar with the song about the 12 days of Christmas, but many don’t know the meaning of 12 days of Christmas or even that celebrating 12 days of Christmas is truly a tradition.

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Have you ever wondered how the Christmas mistletoe tradition came about?

Mistletoe sprigs are decorations that inspire kissing during the holiday season. While meeting under the mistletoe can be sweet and romantic, it is interesting to explore the history behind the tradition.

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Merry Christmas versus happy Christmas

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” are words commonly heard during the holiday season and are often printed on Christmas cards and gift wrapping. Have you ever wondered why Merry Christmas, rather than Happy Christmas is used as a Christmas greeting?

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The origin of the Christmas wreaths tradition

Christmas wreaths can be seen on the door of just about every home around Christmas time. There are many types of Christmas wreaths and they are certainly a nice addition to your Christmas decorations, but have you ever wondered about the origin or meaning of Christmas wreaths?

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A few of the world’s most fabulous Christmas displays

Christmas displays such as manger scenes or fabulously decorated Christmas trees can be found in many communities. Visiting various Christmas displays year after year can be a wonderful family tradition.

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7 outstanding ideas for creating a memorable Christmas decorating tradition that is fun for the whole family

Christmas decorating is something that people either look forward to or dread. It doesn’t have to be a burdensome event. Getting the whole family in on Christmas decorating and making it a holiday tradition can be fun, exciting and memorable.

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Christmas candle lighting around the globe

Christmas candle lighting is a custom in many cultures. The Christmas candle traditions have decreased some since the invention of electricity and Christmas tree lights; however, the tradition of the Christmas candle is still alive in many cultures.

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Test your knowledge of holiday traditions like the Christmas cactus

-Have you ever heard of a Christmas cactus?
-What is a Christmas cactus?
-What is the origin of the Christmas cactus?
-What does a Christmas cactus look like?
-How do you care for a Christmas cactus?

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Ever wondered why reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh?

Reindeer are a huge part of the story of Santa. Children love the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer who lights the way for Santa’s sleigh.

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Isn’t the Christmas tree skirt a wonderful idea?

A Christmas tree skirt is something that doesn’t get a lot of attention. The Christmas tree skirt hides the Christmas tree base and makes a nice undercover for placing gifts on, but have you ever wondered where the idea of a Christmas skirt came from?

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The origin of the Christmas stockings

Christmas stockings are an interesting part of Christmas traditions. Who would have ever thought of putting gifts in a sock, or in the modern day version, the Christmas stockings?

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The origin of the Christmas stockings

Christmas stockings are an interesting part of Christmas traditions. Who would have ever thought of putting gifts in a sock, or in the modern day version, the Christmas stockings?

Continue reading "Christmas Stockings and the Bag of Rocks" »

How to make your very own unique and special Christmas traditions that stir hearts and make memories

Christmas traditions are many; however, Laura Legend says some of the very best Christmas traditions start with your own family.

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