Christmas - The Spirit Of Commemoration?

All over the world, people celebrate Christmas.was absorbed into Christian traditions in spite of it
Although this holiday is obviously associated withhaving nothing to do with the birth of Christ. A
the Christian faith, the date and customs arefurther change was to move Saint Nicholas' day,
much older. In the very beginning of the Catholicwhich had been observed on December 6, to
Church, the heads of the church recognized itDecember 25.
would be easier to "write over" existingThe tradition of Christmas trees varies in
celebrations instead of attempting to wipe themdifferent parts of the world. In Germany,
out. Most people would agree that of all the pagantraditionally people visit the woods and decorate
holidays assumed by the Roman church in itslive trees with candles and ornaments, whereas in
earliest attempts to convert the world tothe United States living trees are cut and brought
Christianity, the changing of Christmas from theindoors. Considering live trees dry out and can be
pagan renewal celebration to the birth of thedangerous, they have been substituted in many
Christian Messiah has been one of the mosthomes by artificial trees. These are convenient to
successful. This holiday is now recognized even inuse, resemble live trees and can be pre-decorated
countries that are not predominantly Christian.with colored lights.
In spite of Christianity dating from the time ofThe origin of carols dates back to the Middle
Christ the celebration of Christmas started only inAges. During this time gifts and feasting were
the Middle Ages and remarkably at its inception, itstrongly discouraged in favor of a peaceful
had nothing to do with the birth of Christ.celebration of the Nativity. This was in marked
Originally, Jesus' birth was celebrated in summer,contrast to the Bacchanalian festivities associated
however, considering numerous pagan festivalswith pagan observances, at which people
and holy days were celebrated in December, thisover-indulged. One school of thought today is
was moved to December also. Babylon, Egyptcritical of the practice of giving presents which, it
and Germany celebrated fertility rituals in thesays, has too much significance and takes away
same month. Significantly the birth of the sun Godfrom the spirit behind the celebration.
Mithras, the largest enemy of Christianity, wasRegardless of the origin, in the western world
December 25th. Hence the shift.Christmas is a widely celebrated event, as a spirit
The Celts in the British Isles believed all greenof generosity appeals to people of all faiths,
plants to be holy, above all, mistletoe and holly.reaching across the divide and bringing them
Consequently these two became a part of thetogether. The fun shared by young and old alike
Christmas customs. Originating in the Scandinavianat this time is best enjoyed in giving rather than
observance of yule festivities, decorating a treereceiving, for in giving we honor God's Gift to the
and burning the yule log were also included. Thisworld, and grow more generous.