Unwrapping the Origins of Christmas Traditions We Love

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

The celebration of Christmas is a long-standing tradition spanning nearly two millennia, but
where exactly did the customs we cherish today come from? Here are some fascinating
historical origins of popular Christmas traditions:

1. Father Christmas
   Before the figure of Santa Claus in his iconic red suit with his jovial spirit – popularised by
   Coca Cola – we had Saint Nicholas, a 4 th -century bishop famed for his charitable work and
   power to perform miracles. This figure inspired the concept of Father Christmas, who
   emerged in the 17 th century as a symbol of faith and goodwill during a time when Puritans
   sought to suppress Christmas celebrations. Over time, Father Christmas evolved into a
   figure who brought families together and encouraged gift-giving. particularly during the
   Victorian era when festivities became less about parties and drink and instead focused more
   on family and children. The modern version, known as Santa Claus, was shaped in the
   United States where he became the mythical figure who travels down chimneys to leave gifts
   for children.
2. Stockings
   The tradition of Christmas stockings also traces back to Saint Nicholas, who was said to
   have dropped money a sock drying by a fireplace to help a poor family in need. This act of
   kindness inspired the tradition where children would hang stockings on the 19 th of December,
   Saint Nicholas’ Patron Saint Day, in the hopes of receiving treats. Oranges, commonly found
   in stockings today, were popularised by poorer families symbolising the gold coins placed
   into the socks by Saint Nicholas, although it is now becoming more popular to place
   chocolate coins inside stockings instead.
3. Holly
   In the Middle Ages, holly was placed at a home’s threshold to ward off witches. Throughout
   history, holly has symbolised eternal life and protection. The Christian Church later adopted
   the plant as a sacred symbol, associating its leaves with Christ’s crown of thorns and its red
   berries with the blood shed during his crucifixion.
4. Turkey
   Turkey, now synonymous with Christmas, wasn’t always the centrepiece of the festive meal.
   Introduced to Britain in the 1500s from Mexico, turkey was a favourite of King Henry VIII,
   however, it was incredibly expensive so remained a luxury item for hundreds of years, with
   most families opting for goose, offal, or fish. It wasn’t until the 18 th Century, as the British
   Empire expanded that turkey became more readily available for the masses, replacing
   goose as the main dish at Christmas.
5. Mistletoe
   The tradition of kissing under mistletoe – a semi-parasitic and toxic plant – dates back to old
   pagan beliefs. Pagans believed kissing under the mistletoe would ensure fruitful love and
   ward off evil spirits. Victorians later embraced this custom, believing it brought good fortune
   and promoted fertility in romantic relationships.
6. The Christmas Tree
   The Christmas tree originated in Germany and become popular in England during the
   Victorian era, thanks to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. However, the first
   Christmas tree in England was erected by Queen Charlotte in 1800 at Windsor Castle.
   These evergreen trees were initially decorated with fruits such as apples, oranges, berries,
   along with candles – a significant fire hazard! Fortunately, today, modern decorations like
   twinkling lights and shatterproof baubles have made the tradition safer and more festive.
7. Baubles
   Another German invention, baubles were created in 1847 by glassblower Hans Greiner.
   Seeking a long-lasting alternative to the perishable tree decorations like fruit, Hans crafted
   glass apples to hang on the tree. This decoration was beloved in his village of Lauscha that
   the idea spread widely. An American businessman, who liked the idea so much, began mass
   producing these glass ornaments to sell in stores, and by the 1940s, baubles had become
   the staple for Christmas tree decorating worldwide.
8. Boxing Day
   First celebrated in the 1800s, Boxing Day began as a tradition where wealthy families would
   fill boxes with gifts to give to their household servants or donate to the poor. Since servants
   typically worked on Christmas Day, they were given a holiday and gifts on the following day.
   In modern times, Boxing Day has evolved into a day for sporting events and much-needed
   rest after the festivities of Christmas day.