Last Updated 7/9/2005

Happy Christmas (War is Over)

(Ono-Lennon) (Lyrics)

My favorite time of year! I’ve always loved decorating things, so Christmas gives me a great big excuse to cover just about everything! Lights, evergreens, ribbons, garlands, & sparkles! Clings on the windows and ornaments on the tree!

Some people might say that doesn’t begin to touch on the real meaning of Christmas. For Christians that really should be the true reason to celebrate December 25th, but did you know that Christmas didn't start out there? It was moved to the winter solstice, or Yule, which on the old Julian calendar fell on the 25th) in order to coincide with the older festivities that welcomed/lured back the sun (Son) on this, the longest night of the year.

Of course many of the traditions that went along with those older festivities ended up being transferred to Christmas.

Lights (candles, torches, bonfires...) were a way to lure back the sun. Bayberry, an inescapable scent around the holidays also has to do with the luring of the sun. The bay tree (or laurel) was sacred to the Roman sun god Apollo, and therefore using it's leaves, berries, and/or scent were ways in which to honor him.

The significance of evergreens is fairly obvious. When most of the plant life has been harvested, has died, or has gone dormant, they were a reminder that the earth still held life. And since it was too cold in many places to celebrate outside, boughs, branches, and trees were brought inside. Some also believed that this was a way to honor the spirits that dwelled within them.

Consider taking a look at The History of Christmas, Sacred Plants of Winter Solstice, and Pagan Roots of Modern Holidays for more on these subjects. (These links will open in new windows)

No matter what your personal beliefs,
Always find a reason to celebrate!

Check out my other Christmas pages!

Santa Claus Yes Virginia... - the famous letter Christmas Recipes Santa Songs Olive, the Orphan Reindeer - a lovely story by Michael Christie

And for some more information on Christmas traditions,
check out my Halloween Traditions page.
Some of our Christmas traditions started out there!

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