The Elements of Christmas

For years now I've been wanting to write this post to make a deep dive study on the seasonal tradition of Christmas. I've often had this discussion with my dad on not only the history of Christmas but the various elements of the season. It's without question the most popular holiday in the world, celebrated at the end of the year While it is essentially one primary day, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th it has become a seasonal celebration that often spans the entire month of December, to even 2 months deep (from mid November into mid January). The proper Christmas seasonal range can be debated, but for now I'd like to make a deep dive on what exactly Christmas is about.

Christmas is no doubt different for everybody, based on their own personal experience with friends and family. For me it's a time of tradition, reflection, thankfulness, and spending quality time with your most loved ones. I think for most it's meant to be a happy time of peace, joy, and comfort that it just rubs off on everybody. Of course there are no doubt exceptions and challenges that come with the seasonal feasts, specifically the bigger social gatherings. I'll get more into that later. But ultimately I would say that Christmas is a positive experience, that uplifts most people with a sense of familiarity and affection for one another.

But what is it that makes this season the most popular and widespread across the world. What is that makes it such a warm, fuzzy, and delightful time for most people. Well for starters it's derived from a very long historical tradition of religion and astronomical proportions. Throughout this history it has grown into various layers of themes, symbols, and elements. I'd like to break down the historical evolution of the development of Christmas, followed by the breakdown of these Christmas elements (such as the tree, the nativity, Santa Claus, and so forth). But first I need to start by getting personal and share my annual Christmas experiences. 

Christmas for me

The month of December has always brought double celebration for me since my birthday happens to fall on December 19th. As a child it was mostly season for presents but has now grown into so much more as an adult, and I can still genuinely say I enjoy this time of the year. As far back as I can remember the season began around Thanksgiving time for my family. My dad simply loves Christmas and has always gone the extra mile to get the most out of the season. This primarily begins with the decorations of the house, both inside and outside covered with lights, trees, ivy, and ornaments. But then there's the musical element to really put you in this holiday spirit. Finally there are the social gatherings with friends and family beginning with Thanksgiving, our family party in Michigan, birthday celebrations, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years, and even into the Kings Day.

I think what makes my family's Christmas celebration so unique is the infusion of Venezuelan and American customs. One of the most noteworthy of these customs is the building of a large indoor nativity set, also known as a "pesebre". However my dad has taken it to new levels, often with elaborate mountains, trails, caves, and even rivers and waterfalls. Other Latin traditions include listening to the music known as "Gaitas", and preparing seasonal food such as hallacas, majarate, pan con jamon, and pernil. Mix with these traditions are the usual ones of gift exchanges, candy, eggnog, movies, cookies, shopping, Christmas carols, going to mass, and so forth. There's just so much to this season that makes it such a joyful time. 

 As a kid my parents would give us each $10 to buy presents for one another, and from that point on it became fun to not only receive but to give people gifts. I remember each year it seemed we received some big final present such as a basketball hoop or a video game console. Over the years the magical experience of the present exchange has somewhat lessened, but there's still a magical ambience to it all. For me this now comes from the decorations that simply illuminate each room with a mystifying wonder. Then there's the traditional Christmas songs and movies that really bring home a sense of comfort and familiarity (see Favorite Christmas Songs and Favorite Christmas Movies). Then there's just everything else such as the delicious food, sitting by the fireplace, and just spending time with family. It's truly a magical time, and always quite difficult to let go of in mid January. 

The History of Christmas

So it should come as no surprise that the original purpose of Christmas was a Christian holy day to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. The term "Christmas" literally means Mass for Christ, while "holiday" means holy day. This story of Jesus' birth, also referred to as the Nativity Story, can be found in the gospel books of Luke and Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. The general premise was that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem due to a mandatory census. Mary was pregnant with Jesus at this time and they arrived to the small town with nowhere to stay but a manger. Upon the birth of Jesus Christ, a star rose over the manger, and angels proclaimed the birth of a new savior. He was later visited by various shepherds and wise-men to give him praise. 

While the story took place in the year 0 (where the Roman calendar pivots from AD-Anno Domini to BC- Before Christ) the feast day did not really begin to take shape until the 2nd century. Many years after the death of Christ, the Christian church was beginning to take shape and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Early theologians such as Augustine of Hippo began to deduce that December 25th was the most logical date as to when Jesus might have been born. This date was also chosen in accordance with the winter solstice, which happens to be the longest night of the year. Which would poetically explain the illuminating presence of stars and magical aura over Bethlehem that night. 

Another key Christian date tied to this event was the Epiphany, that commemorates Jesus' baptism as well as the visit of the 3 wise-men (also referred to as the 3 kings or magi). Various regions, primarily in the east, sought to put more emphasis on this Holy day celebrated on January 6th, rather then the actual Birth of Christ. However by the middle ages, Christmas once again took center stage as the defining holy day of the Advent season. The date took further significance when Charlemagne was crowned king in the year 800 AD on Christmas Day. Other kings later followed this tradition, to align themselves with Christ the King, such as William the Conqueror in 1066 AD.

Also during this team was the celebration of Yuletide feasts primarily in the Scandinavian and Germanic regions. While the feast originated as a pagan winter holiday it later transformed into a Christian one by 800-1100 AD. Many customs of this wintery feast where later adopted into our Christmas season, such as the Yule Log, evergreen decorations, mistletoe, feasting, decorating, gift-giving, and even their bearded god of Odin who later came to represent Santa Claus. By the 1200-1300s kings such as Richard II were hosting royal Christmas feasts where the Yule Boar was the traditional meal. By the 1500s Christmas music became to emerge with court composing madrigals to chorus lead carols of song and dance.   

Throughout the 1600-1700s Christmas began to lose some of it's popularity due to stricter customs brought on by the Protestant Reformation. However by the mid 1800s it returned to mainstream celebration thanks to the popular literature of Washington Irving or Charles Dickens. It was Dicken's novel, A Christmas Carol (1843) which established many of the joyful spirit of Christmas that we know of today. For example the term "Merry Christmas" was born from this classic book, as well as family gatherings and giving to charity at this time of year. Also during this time the Christmas Tree made it's debut and was further popularized by Queen Victoria in 1841. From this point on decorating Christmas trees within households became a common element of the season.

Perhaps one of the most iconic figures of Christmas today is of course Santa Claus (sadly even more so than Jesus Christ). However his evolution has been a very curious one, first commemorating Saint Nicholas who was known for his gift-giving to the poor during the 4th century. From that point on he became considered the patron saint of gift giving. Over time however the image of a saintly figure slowly transformed into one free of religious restrains in the personification of Father Christmas, primarily in England. The Germanic tribes considered Odin as their patron of Christmas, who later inspired the development of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other eastern European nations.       

Perhaps the most popular version of Santa Claus today is the depiction of a chubby old man, dressed in red fur pajamas, with a long white bear. He is a jolly character who lives in the north pole, and rides a sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver presents to children on Christmas Day. This concept first originated in American periodicals, illustrations, and advertisements in the late 1800 to early 1900s. Soon he became a household name of Christmas celebrated in books, songs, advertisements, and eventually movies. He was especially used as a marketing ploy to get people to shop more for Christmas presents. To this day his story has become quite a multi-layered one with many various elements that I'll get further into in this next section.   

The Elements of Christmas 

The Nativity Story

• 
  Baby Jesus- The main reason for the holiday is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. According to biblical legend he was born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem. 

• Mary- The mother of Jesus, she was visited by the angel of Gabriel who told her she would carry the child of God. She was the most pure of women and remains the most important female figure in Christian tradition. 
  

• Joseph- He was the husband of Mary, not the biological father, but the adopted father of Jesus. He provided for his family and courageously protected them amidst an unusual scandal of this mysterious birth of Christ. 
  

• The 3 Wise Men- On the Epiphany, nearly a week after the birth of Christ, 3 magi from the Middle East followed a unique star to visit the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The Magi are also referred to as kings, and wise-men as they were wealthy scholars and astrologers. They brought gifts to give him praise, such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  

• The Shepherds- In contrast to the wealthy kings that visited the birth of Christ, the shepherds represented the lower class peoples. These local shepherds were visited by the angel Gabriel who sought to proclaim this birth, not just for the wealthy but for all mankind. 

• 
  The Angels- The angel Gabriel was the key messenger of God, who delivered the news to both Mary and Joseph that they would carry the son of God. Other angels also helped spread the news of the birth of Christ throughout Bethlehem. 

• The Star of Bethlehem- One of the iconic scenes of the Nativity Story is the brilliant shining star in the sky over the manger of Jesus Christ. It was this unique star that inspired the 3 wise men to travel from afar to find it's source. 

• Mass Attendance- It is quite traditional during Christmas season for both practicing and non-practicing Christians to attend mass either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It is one of the largest mass attendances of the year (next to Easter) and people usually dress well for the event. 

Decorations

• The Christmas Tree- Originating from German and Scandinavian traditions, this evergreen tree has become another iconic symbol of Christmas. It is a symbol of eternal life that was practiced by the Norse, Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. The decorating of the tree evolved from apples and sweats, to candles, to ornaments, and electrical lights. It was first made popular by Queen Victoria in the 1840s. 
  

• 
  Ornaments- Christmas ornaments are shiny sparkly balls of glass that are hung on the Christmas Tree. They come in all shapes and sizes and through their reflection they help illuminate the decorative allure. 

• Christmas Lights- Evolving from candles, Christmas lights have become a new essential of decorations. These strings of bulbs can be wrapped around the tree, inside, and outside the house to enhance the holiday ambience. 

• Ivy and Garland- Also originating from the Scandinavian Yule traditions, this garland ivy can be used to decorate the trees, or the upper walls of one's house. While it's origin is of the evergreen form, these days it comes in all colors and creates a festive atmosphere.   

• Wreaths- Continuing with the evergreen theme of the Yule festival, are Christmas wreaths. Traditional these are hung up on doors with lighting, pine cones, or red ribbons to share a welcoming spirit. 

• Mistletoe- Another plant that derives from the Yule Scandinavian traditions is the mistletoe. This plant of berries if often associated with romance and kissing during the Holiday season.

• Trains- A more modern custom of decoration is the toy train around the Christmas tree. This can often depict Santa Claus' Polar Express who drops presents off under the Christmas Tree.  

Santa Claus

• Santa Claus- He is the most iconic figure of Christmas, known as the gift-giver. Also referred to as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, or Kris Kringle. He is most commonly depicted as a chubby old man, with a red robe, glasses, and a long white beard. He is a jolly all-knowing magical figure who is especially popular among the children. He carries a big red bag of presents, and comes down the chimney on Christmas night to deliver presents. He loves cookies and milk. 

• Reindeers- Santa travels on a magical sleigh pulled by the flying reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. 
  

• North Pole- Santa lives in the North Pole, a wintry fantasy land where he works to prepare for Christmas Day year round. 

• Elves- Santa is accompanied by his magical elves in the North Pole who help him make the millions of toys to be delivered to children on Christmas day. 

• Mrs. Claus- The wife of Santa Claus, she is often depicted as an older lady wearing glasses and similar red robes as Santa. 

Gift-Giving

• Presents under the tree- One of the most primary events of Christmas time is the gift exchange. After all Christmas is essentially a birthday party, and thus gifts are seen as the main jubilant event. Presents are often wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This is especially a fun time for children but also among friends and loved-ones. 

• 
  Shopping- Of course this responsibility usually falls on the parents or the adults but it is a necessary aspect to providing gifts. Christmas shopping can often be quite chaotic and overcrowded with merchant sales such as Black Friday these days. 
  

• Charity- Alongside giving gifts to friends and family it is also encouraged to share with those less fortunate during this time. Hence the Salvation Army is always ringing that bell outside most stores to collect contributions. 

• Stockings- Sometimes considered an appetizer to the main event of presents, stockings offer additional gifts to children. They are hung over the fireplace, sometimes with family names on them. They are often filled with candies, snacks, and sometimes even smaller presents. 

• Cards- Another tradition that appears to be fading, is the sharing of Christmas cards. People would often write letters and share pictures with loved ones wishing them a Happy Holiday season. 

Winter

• Snow- Since Christmas season usually falls in December the element of snow and winter are central to the festive theme. This setting also comes from the Yule celebration that was also celebrated during the winter season of Scandinavia. 

• 
  The Fireplace- The fireplace serves as a very cozy symbol of Christmas time, during the cold winter season. The Yule Log is seen as a large piece of wood that can burn thru the night to keep the house warm. The fireplace and mantlepiece are also usually decorated with ivy, ornaments, and Christmas stockings. 
  

• Frosty the Snowman- This iconic winter character associated to the Christmas season was first introduced in a 1950s song by Jack Rollins. The story is that he was a magical snowman who came to life and played with the children, before the hot sun would melt him away. His story was further expanded during the 1969 animated movie.   

• Jack Frost- He is the mythological Norse figure of the harsh cold of winter, on par with Old Man Winter often depicted as a hero or a villan. His ties to Christmas can be found in various books, songs, and movies all pertaining to the freezing cold weather. 

• Yule Festival- This was a celebration observed by the pagan Germanic and Norse tribes during the winter season. It marked the winter solstice where the pagans shared food, drink, songs, and even sacrifices dedicated to their gods such as Odin. It is believed that similar sacrificial events were practiced among the Anglo-Saxons during Christmas time, known as the Modraniht (Mother's Nights). These pagan practices were eventually converted to Christianity, however many of their festive customs carried over into Christmas season. 

European Elements

• Nutcracker figures- This is an iconic German tradition of Christmas time that depicts a toy soldier figurine. They are often depicted with colorful uniforms, hats, black mustache, long white beards, and carrying weapons or drums. They symbolize good luck and protect the home against evil spirits.

• 
  Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet- The 1892 classical ballet by Russian composer Pytor Tchaikovsky has become synonymous with the Christmas season. It is actually an adaptation of E.T.A Hoffman's story of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King where a young girl witnesses her toy Nutcracker come to life on Christmas Eve. The music of this ballet is quite beautiful and has become considered classic Christmas music. Watching the play is also considered a Christmas event to do.
  

• Christkindlmarkets- In Germany the tradition of Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkets (Christ Child Market) is also a common Yuletide custom that began as far back as the middle ages. Often held in the town square this is a Christmas festival where the community will brave the cold weathers to celebrate the Christmas season thru food, drinks, shopping, and carol singing. 

• Christmas Pyramid- Also known as the Weihnachstpyramide, is another German custom during Christmas time that originated during the Middle Ages. This is a unique piece of craftsmanship that celebrates the nativity with candles and a rotating carousel. 

• The Befana: In Italy, their Santa Claus is depicted as an old witch-like woman referred to as Befana, who delivers gifts to children during the Epiphany. 

Christmas Music

• Madrigal/Renaissance music- Some of the earliest form of seasonal Christmas music if the chamber choral arrangements of the Renaissance age. This is truly delightful and relaxing meditive music to be enjoyed during the season. 

• Christian songs- The songs we sing at mass such as "Away in a Manger" or "What Child is This" pertain to the Nativity Story during Christmas time. 
  

• 1940s-1950s Classics- The famous radio hits of the 1940s-1950s by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, or Nat King Cole are some of the most definitive of Christmas songs. 

• Mainstream Pop songs- Modern day songs we hear on the radio such as Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You". 

• Christmas Caroling- A Christmas tradition of singing Christmas carols door-to-door. This tradition also known as wassailing dates back to the Yuletide feast during the Middle Ages where peasants would go door-to-door singing and offering the cider drink of wassail. 

Christmas Movies

• Comedies- Watching movies during Christmas time is a great family tradition to relax, surrounded by loved ones, Christmas decorations, and the fireplace. Seasonal comedies such as "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone" or "Jingle All the Way" are some of the most popular Christmas films. 
  

• Dramas- While some people enjoy the comedies others enjoy the more dramatic storylines of Christmas as portrayed in films such as "Miracle on 34th Street" or "It's a Wonderful Life".

• Animations- Christmas is especially a time for children to enjoy and for this reason there are many popular animated films such as "Polar Express", "Rudolph the Red Noised Reindeer" or "Frosty the Snowman". 

• Familiar Favorites- However there is also a case to be made that it does not have to be a movie about Christmas yet rather a movie that is greatly enjoyed by the family. The idea here is that it brings the family together and creates a nostalgic or jubilant emotion. For me this would include some of my all time favorite movies such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Amadeus, or Gladiator which bring me great comfort during the holiday season. 

Christmas Activities

• Board games, card games, and video games- Whether it be busting out those new presents with one another or partaking an old classical family game. Board and card games give family and friends a great chance to interact with one another during the holidays. Even video games can be fun interaction as long as they are multiplayer and everyone gets a turn. For my family this includes Spades, Monopoly, or Mario Kart. 

• Ice Skating or Sledding- I think getting outdoors during Christmas time is important. Although it's cold that's why we have sweaters, hats, and gloves. There are many outdoor activities that can be shared with family such as ice skating on a frozen lake, building a snowman, a snow fort, having a snow fight, or going sledding. After spending some time get indoors and get warm by the fire. 

• 
  Puzzles- One of my favorite activities during Christmas time is working on puzzles. This began for me as a kid where my dad would always open up a new puzzle after we exchanged presents. It's a fun time to interact with family and share stories while you work together. It can also be a very relaxing time to listen to Christmas music or even Walt Disney music (a tradition in my family). 
  

• Shows and Performances- There are many Christmas specific shows, plays, and concerts that happen during the Christmas season. Such as the Nutcracker ballet, the Radio City Rockettes, or the Tran Siberian Orchestra. Even catching a play of the Nativity Story or Dicken's Christmas Carol would make for a great experience during the season.

• Look at Christmas Lights- I have always enjoyed Christmas decorations and especially the outdoor ones. I think hanging lights up outside can be challenging, but also a very rewarding way to share Christmas spirit. It's also enjoyable to drive around at night (or walk around) to enjoy the outdoor Christmas lights. 

• Running a Christmas Race- Another tradition that has taken shape over the years for my family is running a 5k race during the season. While it is of course cold outside, it makes for a great achievement and it's usually for a good charity cause. Plus it's always nice to receive a T-shirt or a medal. 

Christmas Food

• Main dishes- There are all forms of Christmas meals to be shared on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Some of these dishes are similar to the Thanksgiving meal such as turkey, ham, duck,  potatoes, green beans, and bread rolls. From my Colombian heritage this includes the meal of pork roast, known as pernil, the corn-floured hallacas, and pan con jamon. 

• Snacks- Flavored popcorn such as caramel corn or cheese popcorn is a Christmas staple often given as a gift in a big bucket. Various forms of nuts are also a traditional Christmas snack (hence the association to the nutcracker). 

• 
  Desserts- Just as with Thanksgiving, desserts are a must for the large social gatherings. Common traditional Christmas desserts include sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and fruitcake. Colombian desserts my family often makes are flan known as quesillo, majarete, arroz con leche, guava bread. Other American staples include fudge, pies, rice krispies, puppy chow, and so forth. I myself contribute to the banquet with my traditional cooking of butterscotch cookies.
  

• Candy- Traditional Christmas candy often includes mints, candy canes, and various other hard candies that fill the stockings. Boxes of chocolate (sometimes filled with cherry) are also a common exchanged gift. 

• Drinks- Iconic Christmas drinks include one of my all time favorites eggnog. There is also peppermint flavored drinks that could be added to coffee or liquor. Hot chocolate is also a tasty beverage on a cold day.