Don’t you love December?
It is the month of Christmas cheer and gift giving is here. From Gingerbread houses to lights on Christmas trees. Twinkling lights on every tree that fills plenty of hearts with a festive glee. The glow of Christmas snow, hearts are warm and many spirits will grow. Bringing joy to young and old, the magic of this special season’s glow. But where did this Christmas cheer begin?
Christmas originated in 336 CE in the church of Rome. There was a festival where people would feast and exchange gifts with each other. A festival that had been celebrated on December 25th of the incarnation of the word of God, in the birth of Jesus christ. Christmas in English means “mass on Christ’s day.” In the dictionary, Christmas means an annual festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus and is now known as a legal holiday for exchanging gifts. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th due to the christianizing of the “day of the birth of the unconquered sun.” A holiday that had been popular in Rome celebrated the winter solstice to show the resurgence of the sun.
What does the bible say about Christmas? In the bible, Christmas is not referred to as Christmas, but as Christ’s Mass. To start, The birth of God’s son – Jesus, was born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem due to the fact that there wasn’t any room for them at the inn. Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus were visited by wise men that brought them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
How did Gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, Candy Canes and Eggnog originate with the Christmas holiday? How did it become a tradition for many?
Gingerbread houses started when German settlers brought gingerbread house making to the Americans. It then turned into a mass-marketing powerhouse. Professional gingerbread bakers also saw an opportunity and started creating a fancy fairy-tale gingerbread house.
Where did Christmas cookies come from? Putting out cookies for Santa began in the 1930s. Parents would try to gradually (but firmly) establish a sense of thankfulness in their children. However, cookie decorating dates back to about the 14th century. In Switzerland, springerle cookie molds were carved from wood and people used them to make impressive Biblical designs into cookies. In the 1600s, bakers used a mixture of sugar and egg white to top the cookies with frosting.
Why are Candy Canes associated with Christmas? In 1874, A German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard, had a beautiful small blue spruce tree with a peppermint treat on it. This soon was added into the wonderful Christmas tradition.
In conclusion, Christmas has a great origin story and many fun traditions that come with the holiday! Whether it’s baking cookies or drinking eggnog, the Christmas holiday and its traditions are quite gratifying.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!