| All over the world, people celebrate Christmas. | | | | was absorbed into Christian traditions in spite of it |
| Although this holiday is obviously associated with | | | | having nothing to do with the birth of Christ. A |
| the Christian faith, the date and customs are | | | | further change was to move Saint Nicholas' day, |
| much older. In the very beginning of the Catholic | | | | which had been observed on December 6, to |
| Church, the heads of the church recognized it | | | | December 25. |
| would be easier to "write over" existing | | | | The tradition of Christmas trees varies in |
| celebrations instead of attempting to wipe them | | | | different parts of the world. In Germany, |
| out. Most people would agree that of all the pagan | | | | traditionally people visit the woods and decorate |
| holidays assumed by the Roman church in its | | | | live trees with candles and ornaments, whereas in |
| earliest attempts to convert the world to | | | | the United States living trees are cut and brought |
| Christianity, the changing of Christmas from the | | | | indoors. Considering live trees dry out and can be |
| pagan renewal celebration to the birth of the | | | | dangerous, they have been substituted in many |
| Christian Messiah has been one of the most | | | | homes by artificial trees. These are convenient to |
| successful. This holiday is now recognized even in | | | | use, 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 of | | | | The origin of carols dates back to the Middle |
| Christ the celebration of Christmas started only in | | | | Ages. During this time gifts and feasting were |
| the Middle Ages and remarkably at its inception, it | | | | strongly 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 festivals | | | | with pagan observances, at which people |
| and holy days were celebrated in December, this | | | | over-indulged. One school of thought today is |
| was moved to December also. Babylon, Egypt | | | | critical of the practice of giving presents which, it |
| and Germany celebrated fertility rituals in the | | | | says, has too much significance and takes away |
| same month. Significantly the birth of the sun God | | | | from the spirit behind the celebration. |
| Mithras, the largest enemy of Christianity, was | | | | Regardless 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 green | | | | of 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 the | | | | together. The fun shared by young and old alike |
| Christmas customs. Originating in the Scandinavian | | | | at this time is best enjoyed in giving rather than |
| observance of yule festivities, decorating a tree | | | | receiving, for in giving we honor God's Gift to the |
| and burning the yule log were also included. This | | | | world, and grow more generous. |