Spirituality and Christmas

by Terry Lockett |

WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holiday on the planet. Yet, do we really know why we celebrate the way that we do? Do we know where our family traditions came from? Do we know the true meaning of Christmas?

The Christmas tree originated during the time of Pagan winter celebrations when an evergreen tree, which represented life and hope, was brought inside and hung upside down. Holly and mistletoe have their roots in the winter solstice traditions as well and hung on doors and windows to keep out bad spirits.

The tradition of Christmas stockings began in Germany. Originally stockings were meant to hold five small gifts, one for each of the five senses: taste, smell, touch, sight and sound. Embroidering the stockings with names kept Santa’s confusion at bay.

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is when he assisted a father with his three daughters. The three young sisters were destined for a life of poverty because their father didn’t have the dowry to offer for the care and honor of his daughters in marriage. St. Nicholas gifted the family with enough gold to ensure their marriages. St. Nicholas was devoted to assisting the lives of those in need. He rendered the most basic teachings of giving and caring. His joy was in the spirit of giving, the spirit of touching people’s lives and making a life long difference in the quality in which people lived.

Christmas has the capability of bringing out the best of human nature. Random acts of human kindness are most common at Christmastime. Out of all the traditions the one that reigns truest, longest, and most complete is the tradition of human dignity and kindhearted action.

What gift will you give at Christmas time this year? What family tradition will you pass along to the next generation? How will you inspire your friends and family this year? What does Christmas mean to you?

References:

1. www.professorshouse.com/family/holidays/christmas.aspx
2. www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1290