Christmas is one of the most beloved and globally celebrated holidays, with deep roots in the cultural history of humanity. The history of Christmas begins with Christian civilization, where December 25th is celebrated as the day of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, this choice was not random, but a deliberate effort to incorporate and replace an older cultural event.

Midwinter and the winter solstice have always been a festive period in the history of humanity worldwide. Many people were happy during the winter solstice, when winter "stayed" behind them and longer days with more sunlight would come.

Indicatively, winter holidays have existed worldwide since ancient times and eventually many of the traditions of these holidays became associated with Christmas. In Scandinavia, the ancient Norwegians celebrated Yule from December 21st, at the winter solstice, until January, while the Celtic Druids organized a two-day solstice festival during which they lit candles and decorated their homes with wreaths and holly.

Medieval Christmas Celebrations

Over time, Christmas gained wider popularity and evolved with the emergence of new traditions. In medieval England, Christmas represented a twelve-day period of celebration, where music, gift exchange, and decorations played a central role.

The rich celebrations were mainly expressed by the monarchs, such as Henry III, who, in a 13th century Christmas feast, offered about 600 cattle to his guests. Universities, on their part, bestowed the title of "King of Christmas" or "King of Beans" to a chosen student, who "ruled" over his fellow students during the festivities. Even the more modest celebrations included hymns and carols.

The influence of Germany on Christmas

England did not have the exclusive monopoly on Christmas. Celebrators around the world incorporated customs from their winter festivals into their holidays, with Germans possibly playing a leading role.

In the global scene, Germany is considered a pioneer in creating a worldwide symbol of Christmas, the Christmas tree. This evolved from the pagan tradition of decorating trees with branches. The German version, known as "Tannenbaum", an indoor pine tree decorated with candles and gifts, played a crucial role in the 19th century. During that period, the British royal family, with German roots, set up a Christmas tree, starting a global trend.

Germany is also the inspiration for many other traditions, such as nutcrackers and Christmas markets.

The US is falling in love with Christmas

Meanwhile, as migration flows towards the USA in the second half of the 19th century brought new traditions. As Christmas historian William D. Crump writes in The Christmas Encyclopedia, this created "a kind of Christmas melting pot, with assimilation of various cultures into more uniform and widely celebrated holidays at home with family".

One of these cultural images brought by immigrants was Santa Claus.

Christmas Today

Today, Christmas is an opportunity for family connection, love, and generosity. Their rich and diverse history continues to evolve, maintaining the magic and positive energy that make them unique.

The Christmas tree, gifts, Santa Claus, and other symbols of this season reflect the desire for generosity and the joy of giving and receiving. Beyond the traditional religious significance of Christmas, this time reminds people of the importance of kindness and compassion towards their fellow human beings.

Overall, Christmas is an opportunity for renewal, optimism, and love, while also encouraging the exchange of wishes and connection with loved ones. It is a time that reminds us that solidarity and respect are the true gifts we can offer to the world around us.