Celebrating the holiday of Christmas has evolved over the years just like we have. In fact, many studies show that the first ever celebration of Christmas was from 336 AD on December 25. But, iconic Christmas characters such as Santa Claus weren’t around until the 19th Century until a minister named Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem for his daughters called “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas”: the poem is better known today as “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” This poem is what popularized the idea of Santa Claus as it described a “jolly old elf” with a round belly and a broad face. Back over 100 years ago Christmas advertising was just a simple illustration in the newspaper or an ad on the radio to promote whatever deal or product that was currently happening. But nowadays, Christmas adverts are more often centered around digital campaigns along with complex storytelling.
Christmas is celebrated globally: beginning from its religious roots, the holiday has transitioned over time into its new commercialized modern form.
In the early 20th century Christmas was mainly a religious holiday that was always centered around family. Celebrated with handmade gifts and decorations, the day was often spent with family and immediate loved ones. But over time, the rise of consumer culture dramatically reshaped the once personal holiday to a major shopping event filled with elaborate decorations and expensive gifts that are now becoming the norm.
Around the 1920’s families were focused on homemade decorations like ornaments made from natural materials. Gifts around this time were often practical and again handmade, and there was a very big emphasis on spending time with family.
Just like the gifts and decorations, advertising was often simple and straightforward. Today we still celebrate with some of those traditions like decorating our Christmas trees, giving gifts, hanging stockings, and much more.
Today, some newer traditions might be spending time watching your favorite Christmas movies, playing gift exchange games like Secret Santa or White Elephant, and maybe even do some online shopping with all of the holiday and new year deals that are happening.
Today, Christmas still has a blend of traditional and also modern elements. But despite all the changes, the heart of Christmas still remains the same, it’s still a time to spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a simple run of the mill Christmas or a more modern celebration, spending time with loved ones is what truly matters.