by Paige Youmans
As the calendar turns, the realization that summer is gone inevitably sets in as we look ahead to cooler temperatures, wrapping up end-of-the year tasks, and extensive holiday planning. Some folks follow their family’s traditions and others blaze a new trail, creating and testing different experiences and activities. Christians observe the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day with celebratory traditions stemming from religious and secular origins. These rituals foster a sense of unity with the people we love and convey deep cultural values to younger generations. The staff of Our Town Magazine had a similar discussion which led to the origins of certain cultural traditions and innovative ideas that could evoke a different twist on typical celebratory activities.
Christmas Trees
Research credits 16th-century Germany with bringing a tree into the home as a symbolic decoration, and Protestant Reformer Martin Luther is credited with decorating the tree with lighted candles. The American version of the Christmas tree was first designed in New York in 1851 and has remained a consistent Christmas image. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 75% of US households, or 94 million homes, displayed a Christmas tree in 2021.
Many families set aside an entire day to search for the perfect Christmas tree, while others prefer the convenience of fabricated and themed trees made from various components such as wood, metal, plastic, or feathers. Within most towns and state capitols, a tree-lighting event signifies the start of the Christmas season.
Candy Canes
Dating back to 17th century Germany, this wonderful red and white peppermint candy is still the top-selling, non-chocolate candy in December. With the invention of the automated candy maker in the 1950s, this delicacy was quickly mass-produced to meet demand. For Christians, there is symbolism in this tiny piece of candy, as the red stripe represents the blood of Christ, and the white stripe symbolizes His purity. Also, since it has the shape of a shepherd’s staff, it has been interpreted to represent Jesus as the Shepherd and His followers as the flock.
Gingerbread Houses And Fruitcakes
Most people enjoy spending time together in the kitchen, and it is truly an honor to cook with cherished heirloom family recipes. Today parents purchase ready-to-build gingerbread house kits for their kids, while others enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade product. Germany is credited with the traditional gingerbread house constructed of cookie dough, based on the fairytale of “Hansel and Gretel.” Many people enjoy creating a variety of baked goods other than gingerbread houses, from yule logs to pound cakes to delicately decorated sugar cookies. Whatever your fancy, sharing the experience with others is what truly makes the time special.
The British are to be thanked for the introduction of the fruitcake, a mix of spices, brown sugar, nuts, dehydrated fruit, and brandy. Although some people look forward to the interesting combination of flavors and textures the traditional fruitcake yields each year, the dessert has a history of being humorously criticized. Johnny Carson once jokingly remarked, “The worst Christmas gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.”
Not only are food and decorations reminiscent of Christmas, but also activities such as:
• Worshipping at candlelight services and pageants
• Participating in Christmas caroling
• Reading biblical accounts of the Christmas story and ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
• Driving through neighborhoods with elaborate Christmas decorations
• Attending holiday-themed performances by the Radio City Rockettes and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• Shopping for gifts, mailing handmade Christmas cards, and delivering presents
• Watching classic holiday movies such as “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
Emerging Traditions
As time has passed, we have witnessed the evolution of signature holiday traditions and new activities and adaptations, often dependent on the economy, logistics, time restraints, cultural advances, and religious preferences. Society has developed a few more conventional, trendy, supplemental rituals, including taking photos with Santa, hiding the elusive Elf on the Shelf, monitoring NORAD’s Santa Tracking application, tuning in to exclusive Christmas radio and television broadcasting channels, participating in “white elephant” gift parties, watching Hallmark Channel holiday movies, laughing at ugly Christmas sweater contests, and, of course, allowing classics such as “A Christmas Story” and “Elf” to play continuously on repeat.
For families with loved ones that live miles away from one another, road trip destinations with activities that enhance the Christmas experience have become popular. As some Appalachian areas are in active recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, several towns remain open with safe routes to view colorful foliage and enjoy seasonal festivities.
A few other popular US destinations are Leavenworth, Washington, which boasts 21 miles of twinkling lights, handbell concerts, carolers, and sledding, or New York, New York which hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, or of course, the famous New Year’s Eve ball-drop countdown event held in Times Square.
The Gift of Generosity
“It’s more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35, NKJ) Moments of giving are opportunities to teach; take time to introduce youth to the practice of gifting or serving the less fortunate without expecting something in return. Kids replicate what they are exposed to; allow them to help with donating a gift for a child, adopting a family to provide a holiday meal or presents, or extending a sincere invitation to those without holiday plans or nearby family members to spend Christmas with you and your family. The time and effort invested in volunteering to help others can be a gift in, and of itself. However you choose to celebrate, you can escape any potential for the “holiday blues” by enjoying the company of others and being a part of the many public and private festivities available in or out of town. As you partake in seasonal activities and share a mug of piping hot chocolate or spiced eggnog with friends and family, Our Town Magazine wishes you the merriest and most blessed holiday season. In the words of Santa himself, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
