The Story Behind Some of the Most Beloved Traditions of Christmas

 Most of us are rather familiar with many traditions of the Christmas season, but few of us know the true reason or the history behind these beloved traditions and how they first came to be.  Following are just a few of some of the common things we associate with Christmas.

Advent Wreath Advent wreaths and calendars originated in Scandinavia and Germany and are widely used today to count the days before Christmas arrives. Small "windows" are opened on the calendars or within a decorative wreath each day to reveal a special image. Advent wreaths and calendars originated in Scandinavia and Germany and are widely used today to count the days before Christmas arrives. Small "windows" are opened on the calendars or within a decorative wreath each day to reveal a special image.

Christmas Cards As everyone knows, the Christmas card industry rakes in billions of dollars each and every year as people all over the world send their wishes for a joyous season to one another. The very first Christmas card was drawn in England in the 1800s and the idea became popular after Queen Victoria began sending them to family and associates. As everyone knows, the Christmas card industry rakes in billions of dollars each and every year as people all over the world send their wishes for a joyous season to one another. The very first Christmas card was drawn in England in the 1800s and the idea became popular after Queen Victoria began sending them to family and associates.

Christmas Carols The earliest Christmas carols date back to the fourth century and were religious in nature. This medieval music was finally replaced by the more lighthearted carols we are used to today after the renaissance took place in Italy. The earliest Christmas carols date back to the fourth century and were religious in nature. This medieval music was finally replaced by the more lighthearted carols we are used to today after the renaissance took place in Italy. Songs written by many composers such as Mendelssohn and Handel were adapted for use as Christmas carols. Perhaps the most well known carol of all, Silent Night, was written in Australia by a priest named Joseph Mohr and the music was composed by the church's organist Franz Gruber. Songs written by many composers such as Mendelssohn and Handel were adapted for use as Christmas carols. Perhaps the most well known carol of all, Silent Night, was written in Australia by a priest named Joseph Mohr and the music was composed by the church's organist Franz Gruber.

Holly Holly is an evergreen shrub known by its dark red berries and shiny green leaves with pointed tips and has long been a symbol of life and rebirth during the darkest of winters. While the berries are poisonous to humans, holly has been used for centuries to ward off evil spirits and harsh winter weather. Holly is an evergreen shrub known by its dark red berries and shiny green leaves with pointed tips and has long been a symbol of life and rebirth during the darkest of winters. While the berries are poisonous to humans, holly has been used for centuries to ward off evil spirits and harsh winter weather.

Mistletoe Mistletoe, much like holly, is an evergreen plant, which fascinated the ancient peoples who marveled at the colorful growth even during the coldest winter months. The plant was soon associated with peace and harmony where even the fiercest of enemies would come together and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season underneath the white and green mistletoe. Mistletoe, much like holly, is an evergreen plant, which fascinated the ancient peoples who marveled at the colorful growth even during the coldest winter months. The plant was soon associated with peace and harmony where even the fiercest of enemies would come together and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season underneath the white and green mistletoe.

Poinsettia The poinsettia plant as we know it first saw its origins in Christmas tradition in the country of Mexico. Legend says that a young boy knelt at a small altar in his village's church on Christmas Eve saddened because he had nothing to offer the Christ child on his birthday. The poinsettia plant as we know it first saw its origins in Christmas tradition in the country of Mexico. Legend says that a young boy knelt at a small altar in his village's church on Christmas Eve saddened because he had nothing to offer the Christ child on his birthday. The boy prayed for a miracle and a green plant with brilliant red leaves sprung up at his feet and was then known as the Flower of the Holy Night. Years later in the 1800s, a doctor named Joel Roberts Poinsettia from South Carolina who was the American ambassador to Mexico brought the plant back to his home which soon became known as the Christmas flower. The boy prayed for a miracle and a green plant with brilliant red leaves sprung up at his feet and was then known as the Flower of the Holy Night. Years later in the 1800s, a doctor named Joel Roberts Poinsettia from South Carolina who was the American ambassador to Mexico brought the plant back to his home which soon became known as the Christmas flower.

The Yule Log The Yule log is steeped in many years of tradition and superstition. According to legend and history, a new log must be lit with last year's log and must then be burned continuously for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. The Yule log is steeped in many years of tradition and superstition. According to legend and history, a new log must be lit with last year's log and must then be burned continuously for the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

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