WINTER 2023 (2) - Flipbook - Page 10
HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS
TRADITIONS:
As we gather around decorated trees and
cozy hearths during the holiday season, it's
fascinating to unravel the rich history behind
some of our most cherished Christmas
traditions. American families, like many
across the globe, have embraced these
customs that have evolved over centuries,
bringing joy and warmth to our homes. Let's
take a nostalgic journey through time and
explore the origins of some of Homestead's
favorite Christmas traditions:
1. Christmas Trees: A Timeless Tradition
openings revealing Bible passages or small
gifts.
Over the years, these calendars have
evolved into secular versions with surprises
ranging from chocolates to mini bottles of
wine, adding an extra layer of excitement to
the holiday season.
3. Gingerbread Houses: A Sweet
Tradition
The art of crafting gingerbread houses can
be traced back to Germany, where the
tradition gained popularity after the Brothers
Grimm penned "Hansel and Gretel." While
Queen Elizabeth I decorated gingerbread
cookies, it was the Germans who
transformed this into an edible architectural
tradition. Today, pre-packed kits make it
easier for Homestead families to create their
own delicious gingerbread masterpieces.
The tradition of adorning Christmas trees
has deep roots in Germany during the
Middle Ages. German and European
settlers later brought this festive custom to
America in the early 19th century,
cementing the Christmas tree as a symbol
of holiday cheer and togetherness. Today,
the twinkling lights and ornaments on our
4. Ugly Christmas Sweaters: A Playful
trees continue to create a magical ambiance
Trend
for Homestead families.
2. Advent Calendars: Counting Down the
Days
The whimsical practice of counting down to
Christmas with Advent calendars originated
in Germany in 1903, thanks to publisher
Gerhard Land. Early versions featured daily
9
Blame it on our neighbors to the north 3 the
Ugly Christmas Sweater trend emerged in
Vancouver, Canada, in the 1980s and
gained momentum in 2001. This ironic and
playful tradition has become a staple at
holiday parties, bringing laughter and a
sense of camaraderie as families don their
quirkiest knitwear.
