Cultivating Christmas Traditions

The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may focus on the religious meaning, while others simply find pleasure in the traditions and aesthetics of it all. From the catchy tunes playing on the radio to the hallmark holiday figures and every glimmering snowflake in between, it is hard to ignore this enormous holiday. I have fond memories of Christmas from when I was a child and into my adulthood. I look forward every year to the nostalgic and cozy time spent with family, baking, gift-giving, and the snowy weather. But where did all these traditions come from? Why do we decorate a tree? Who is Santa, and why does he eat cookies? We are exploring these questions and more!

Christmas Traditions

Decorating Trees and Greenery

From Christmas trees to wreaths to garlands, millions of people decorate for the holiday by bringing a bit of nature indoors. Decorated Christmas trees originated in Germany, and the tradition was brought to the United States by European settlers in the early 1800s. The practice was confined to Germany or viewed as a foreign custom until England’s Queen Victoria encouraged her husband, Prince Albert, to decorate a tree in 1848. The news of the fashionable queen embracing the tradition spread quickly, and suddenly, everyone wanted a decorated tree in their home to celebrate the season.

Wreaths

Greenery, like garlands, goes back even further in history. For centuries people all over Europe would bring the evergreen branches and boughs into their homes to brighten up the space during the dark days of the winter solstice. Since the winter solstice usually lands within a few days of Christmas, the tradition was meshed in with the Holiday. Wreaths have been used for decoration since ancient Greek and Roman times, but they weren’t connected to Christmas until much more recently. Nobody knows at what point Christians assigned meaning to the green wreaths, but today, they symbolize things like Christ’s crown of thorns and eternal life.

Santa Claus

Who hasn’t heard of Old Saint Nick, right? Exactly. Too bad he’s fake… or is he? Santa Claus of today’s stories might be mythical, but Saint Nicholas of Myra was a real dude! While there is not much in the way of reputable historical records about the details of his life, this is certain: he was a kind-hearted catholic bishop who saved many people’s lives and is known for his soft spot for children. He didn’t fly around the world with reindeer, but he did have a reputation for generosity toward children that gave rise to all the wild legends we know today. He is the patron saint of children in the Catholic Church, and the tales of his gift-giving have transformed him through centuries of storytelling and various cultures into Santa Claus.

The 1823 poem by Clement Moore, known as The Night Before Christmas, solidified this idea of a jolly old man who snuck into homes and left presents for well-behaved children. By the late 1800s (there is some dispute as to when exactly), department stores and grocery stores started hosting men dressed as Santa to bring in more business and allow children to excitedly meet the legend himself.

Cookies

Ancient Norse mythology first inspired kids to leave things out for Odin and his horse during the Yule season. Then, in the Victorian Era of England, it was seen as good hospitality to leave something out for a visitor arriving at night. Santa was no different. Over the years, each culture would leave out different things as an offering to the generous gift giver in hopes that he would return the favor and leave a present for the children. Today, American children leave a plate of Christmas cookies out, and ever since dairy companies started marketing toward that season, a glass of cold milk has accompanied them!

For around 150 years, Americans have associated the Christmas season with cookies! Baking competitions, cookie exchange parties, and families baking together are common occurrences in the month of December. In the 1930s-50s, cookie swaps, a ladies-only event, became highly popular. Today, men, women, and children can appreciate a good cookie, but don’t forget the milk!

Poinsettias

The iconic Christmas flower, the poinsettia, is relatively new when it comes to Christmas traditions. These plants are native to Central America and were brought to the United States in the 1820s by the Botanist and Mexican Ambassador Joel Poinsett. Yet, it wasn’t until 100 years later that a horticulturist named Paul Ecke had a stroke of genius to turn this unique bract flower into neat and bushy houseplants for Christmas decor. By 1986, it was the best-selling potted plant in America.

Christmas Movies

Watching a Christmas movie or two each December is an American staple tradition. The only problem is, in my experience, every family has their favorites they stick to! These include A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, The Grinch (which version is your favorite?), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, Love Actually, Christmas With the Kranks, and many more! Which ones does your family watch? They all feature classic American Christmas Traditions and have some kind of good-hearted message attached. The tradition likely started concurrently with the rise of television and movie theaters. Whether you’re seeking a classic Christian message, a comedic take on the whole enterprise, or a nice sappy romance, you can find it in Christmas movies!

Exchanging Gifts

One of the most significant holiday traditions is gift-giving! Believe it or not, the origins of this one come from the Roman festival called Saturnalia. The people would exchange gifts as part of the celebrations surrounding the god of agriculture, Saturn. When Christmas began to be celebrated in December to appeal to pagan communities, the gift-giving tradition was incorporated into the holiday. However, Christians might rightfully argue that the tradition also comes from a biblical source: the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus with gifts. In remembrance of that sacred day, Christians began giving gifts to their family, friends, and loved ones. Over the centuries, the tradition has been molded and shaped. Don’t forget that seeds make great Christmas gifts! They are low-waste and will continue to give to your recipient for months and months!

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that the garden is a source of endless wonder and joy, even in the stillness of winter. Celebrating holiday traditions enriches our lives and spreads warmth and inspiration to those around us. May your holidays be filled with the simple pleasures of nature, the satisfaction of growth, and the hope that comes with each new seed planted. Here's to a season of peace, gratitude, and the enduring beauty of the garden.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!