Traditions of Christmas & Explanations
Mistletoe
Mistletoe was sacred to the Druids, and was worshipped by them. They also used it to cast spells, the principal belief being that if they held it over a woman's head she was powerless to resist, and they could then have their way with her sexually. From this comes our custom of hanging it over doors and the tradition that if a girl is caught under the sprig of mistletoe she may be kissed and may not resist.
Yuletide, or the Twelve Days of Christmas
The period of twelve days, now counted as the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th), was originally the period in which twelve daily sacrifices were offered to the Yule Log, honoring the fertility god Jule (Yule). When we s/files/storyimages/"Yuletide Greetings", this is what it means; we are sending greetings in the name of this Scandinavian fertility god and his festival.
Santa Claus
Many pagan societies have worshipped a hearth god, clad in red, who came down the chimney to bless those who pleased him and to curse those who didn't. Food and drink offerings were left for him on hearth or mantel, and effort to please and appease him.
Santa Claus, as we know him, is a composite of many (un-Christian) traditions, taking the form in which we now depict him only about 100 years ago. He is clearly supernatural, attended by a host of supernatural elves (spirits), is able to travel over the entire surface of the Earth in a few hours (also climbing down millions of chimneys and back up in this time), and knows whether we have "been naughty or nice." He is known to bless with gifts those who have found favor and are rightly related to him, and to leave bundles of switches for those with whom he isn't pleased.
In the fourth century there is believed to have been a bishop in Asia Minor remembered for his gifts to children. Because his name was Nicholas, the name "Saint Nicholas" has been blended into the Santa Claus tradition; but there is nothing even remotely Christian about this red-nosed, fat-bellied, pipe-smoking "jolly old ELF." He is completely pagan in origin, and has displaced Jesus in the awareness and affections of children, becoming the undisputed spirit, symbol and centerpiece (idol) of Christmas.
The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree has nothing at all to do with Jesus, His birth or His life and since earliest times evergreen trees have been worshipped as symbols of life, fertility, sexual potency and reproduction, and were often brought into the house and set up as idols. The Bible speaks specifically to this pagan practice and condemns it (Jer. 10:1-5); c) Although some Christians hang Christian symbols on them, most feature snow, icicles, elves and Santa symbolism and have nothing at all to do with the coming of the Savior to redeem lost mankind.
History of Christmas Celebrations
In colonial America there were no Christmas celebrations; and as recently as 100 years ago such observances and celebrations were against the law (as being pagan and a reproach to the Lord) in many parts of the United States, including most of New England. Now it is against the law in many places to display any Christmas symbolism that is not pagan (e.g. the banning of nativity scenes in many parts of the country)! Santa, elves and fairy craftsmen from the black forest are alright; but the family of Jesus, wise men and shepherds are prohibited especially in New England.
Here are some ideas you and your family can enjoy during the holidays:
Blessing Book
Each family member writes down blessings from the past year in a book. It is a decorated notebook or journal book that is used each year until the pages are full.
Christmas Story
Read the Christmas Story before opening gifts
Ornament Exchange
Everyone brings a single Christmas Tree Ornament for the exchange. We draw numbers to determine who gets to pick first. Then you could vote on the "Most Original" and "Most Beautiful", etc.
Community Service
Choose service workers who have to work on Christmas like police, firemen, doctors and make them homemade gifts and lots of goodies and take it to them.
Cost Cutter, yet meaningful
Only give three gifts at Christmas to represent the three gifts given to Jesus. This cuts down on the commercial part of Christmas and the kids get three things they really want instead of a bunch of little stuff that they lose or break in a few days.
Christmas Picnic
Fix picnic, along with a cake, and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Sing happy birthday, and talk a little about why Christmas is so important.
Memory Cloth
Take a white linen tablecloth and during Christmas have the family sign the cloth. Embroider the names onto the cloth. Next year, use the same cloth and have those who show up next year sign it. This is a great way to keep the memories of Christmas over the years.
