History of Christmas and the Holiday Season North Junior High School

Christian Beliefs Originally designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth also known as Jesus Christ. (Son of God) Originally designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth also known as Jesus Christ. (Son of God) Many non-Christians world wide celebrate the holiday as a “Secular” tradition. (Secular means non-religious) Many non-Christians world wide celebrate the holiday as a “Secular” tradition. (Secular means non-religious)

Secular Traditions Christmas Tree- historically can be found as far back as the 1400’s. –Sometimes burned in the town square. –Decorating started in the 1700’s.

Traditions….Christian or Not Exchanging gifts, decorating trees, and the burning of the Yule log were all winter traditions that began before Christ was born, but were eventually incorporated into the holiday that became known as Christmas, and became part of Christmas history. Exchanging gifts, decorating trees, and the burning of the Yule log were all winter traditions that began before Christ was born, but were eventually incorporated into the holiday that became known as Christmas, and became part of Christmas history.

History of Traditions Some believe that singing carols and gift giving originated in Scandinavia with a winter solstice celebration. Some believe that singing carols and gift giving originated in Scandinavia with a winter solstice celebration. Some believe that gift giving and garland and mistletoe were Roman traditions that started way before the birth of Jesus. It was at that time of year that people would visit each other and give gifts for future luck. Some believe that gift giving and garland and mistletoe were Roman traditions that started way before the birth of Jesus. It was at that time of year that people would visit each other and give gifts for future luck.

Santa Claus Saint Nicholas – Known for his gifts to the poor. (Turkish) (1000’s) Saint Nicholas – Known for his gifts to the poor. (Turkish) (1000’s) Father Christmas- British folklore about a man traveling around the countryside helping the poor. (1600’s) Father Christmas- British folklore about a man traveling around the countryside helping the poor. (1600’s) Santa Claus first named in a newspaper in the US. Combined several traditions. Santa Claus first named in a newspaper in the US. Combined several traditions.

Modernization of Christmas Christians fear the secularization of the holiday. Christians fear the secularization of the holiday. Secular celebrations are sometimes withheld from public formats. (School, Courthouses, etc.) Secular celebrations are sometimes withheld from public formats. (School, Courthouses, etc.)

Holidays Happy Holidays….Seasons Greetings…etc. Happy Holidays….Seasons Greetings…etc. Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah Happy Hanukkah Merry Kwanza Merry Kwanza