By Sakshi Sah
Published Dec 16, 2024

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: Pexels

7 magical Christmas customs

Christmas, celebrated on 25th December, marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is called Yuletide in Germany, Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, and Noël in French.

Nativity scenes, showing baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph, are common during Christmas. Angels, Magi, shepherds, and animals like donkeys and oxen complete the scene.

Depicting the nativity

Groups go door-to-door singing carols to spread joy. These songs celebrate the spirit of Christmas and unite communities in festive cheer.

Singing carols for cheer

Homes are adorned with wreaths, candy canes, holly, mistletoe, and stockings. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is the centrepiece.

Festive decorations

Fruit cakes became popular when plums and cherries were preserved in sugar. This sweet treat is now a universal Christmas delight.

Fruit cake delight

The white stripes signify Jesus’ purity, red represents his blood, and the three smaller stripes stand for the Holy Trinity.

Symbolism of candy canes

Santa Claus’ story originates from St Nicholas, a monk admired for his generosity. His kindness inspired the modern image of Santa.

Santa’s story

Reindeers became part of Christmas lore through the 1822 poem “A Visit From Saint Nicholas”, now known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. 

Santa’s reindeers

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