There’s something about Christmastime that makes us hang onto those bygone traditions that have been passed onto us from one generation to another. In a world that nowadays has to have the latest and the greatest innovations in most everything and in a world where technology seems to advance at nearly warp speed, for some reason, when it comes to the holidays, many of us tend to embrace the old fashioned customs with relative ease. The activities that we associate with our own childhood memories as well as remembering those traditions of a generation or two that have gone before us are those that will endure, and are most favored by the masses.
The Christmas Tree: Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the most universally accepted Christmas traditions out there and is one that is exuberantly participated in throughout the entire world. The type of actual tree used may vary somewhat from place to place, but in spite of all the technological marvels that seem to abound, the real old-fashioned fir tree is still the stand out favorite. Yes, we do need to water it, vacuum up the needles that fall from it, and depending on how long yours is up before Christmas, it can and will dry out a bit. People seem to accept the failings of having a real tree inside their homes over the holidays, however, and year after year, this tradition remains nearly unchanged and continues to be one of everyone’s favorite parts of Christmas celebrating.
Santa Claus: The legend of Santa Claus may be the most popular Christmas tradition of them all. Santa Claus folklore states that if you are a “good” kid, a fat guy in a bright red suit will deliver toys to your home on Christmas Eve. If you’ve been “bad”, you may end up with a lump of coal as an alternative gift, which is Santa’s way of admonishing you to be better next year. Santa Claus (or one of the many other pseudonyms he is known as throughout the world) has been around in one form or another for many years. The “real” Saint Nicholas, who lived back during the 4th century, was known for his benevolence and acts of kindness. St. Nicholas shared his fortune with the poor and the needy (check out The History of Santa Claus) If you want to create the perfect Santa Claus look this holiday season, be sure to take a look at our how to video on How to Create a Perfect Santa Claus Look.
Christmas Stockings: Children everywhere will hang up their stockings near the fireplace or someplace else on Christmas Eve, in hopes that Santa Claus will come down the chimney on Christmas Eve and fill those stockings up with toys and goodies. Legend states that thousands of years ago, St. Nicholas of Myra snuck into the house of a family and hid gold coins inside the stockings that were drying near the fireplace in order to save one of the daughters from being sold into slavery. This story also has been told with St. Nicholas tossing the coins in through the window, where they accidentally landed in the stockings that were hanging on the mantel. In any case, it’s an ancient piece of folklore that apparently has stuck with us well enough that many of us will be buying those perfect little stocking stuffers for all those fortunate enough to be found on our Christmas gift lists.
Decking the Halls: (And decking just about everything else, too!) Decorating one’s home, inside and out, is a very popular Christmas tradition that has gotten more and more popular as well as elaborate as the years go by. Simple wreaths and strings of Christmas lights have been further enhanced with giant, charming and whimsical inflatable Christmas yard art that totally lights up the yard with a festive Christmas spirit, giving a magical seasonal greeting to all that pass by. It’s not uncommon in various communities to have certain homes so amazingly decorated that people will make a pilgrimage just to visit and see these Christmas decoration and light displays.
Feasting! Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a special Christmas feast involving lots of delicious holiday fare. The traditional Christmas dinner includes foods such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and lots and lots of pumpkin pie! Christmastime has to be most everyone’s favorite time to really eat, drink and be merry!
Whether you are celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas or starting some new holiday traditions of your own, be sure to visit our Santa’s workshop for those last minute costumes and decorations that are sure to add your own unique touch to your family’s holiday celebration!
