Christmas is one of the more favored holidays, worldwide. Millions of people celebrate every year; whether it is with friends, family, or other loved ones, many partake in the joyous event. It could be anywhere from baking small treats to opening enormous gifts. There are many Christmas traditions all around the world, they are all different and very unique in their way.
Decorating is one of the biggest parts of all holidays, but especially Christmas. Decorating for Christmas originated in 500 BC- 401 BC. Historians believe that Romans were the first in history to decorate for Christmas. Decorating for Christmas was part of a pagan festival, referred to as Saturnalia, which was celebrated in mid-December.
Christmas decorating is still a huge part of Christmas. It is a perfect way to spread holiday cheer and spend quality time with friends and family. Decorations range from wreaths, trees, lights, inflatables, and many more. You can buy decorations anywhere during the season, so why not go out and buy some to spread the holiday cheer?
Christmas baking could range from small cookies, like the Peanut Butter Blossoms, to a Tiramisu Cake. Baking brings the family together for the cold holiday and spreads a warm fuzzy feeling all around, making fond memories. However, the most important Christmas treat is the cookies we leave for Santa. You remember it, hustling to make cookies for him and his reindeer. It brought joy knowing that the renowned Santa Claus himself was eating the cookies you made. (Even if he wasn’t real!)
Christmas movies are a huge part of the holiday season. People all around the world enjoy sitting down with family and friends to watch Christmas movies. Christmas movies are made to warm the soul and get people in the mood for Christmas. They are known to have happy endings and include warm and comforting themes which makes them great to watch during the holiday season.
Gift giving became very popular around the world when ‘The Night Before Christmas’ poem and ‘A Christmas Carol’ novel came out. By the end of the 19th century, gift-giving was the new thing. Giving gifts helps strengthen our relationships with others, and makes people feel appreciated. Gifts are not the only way we can make people feel appreciated, just telling them you care is enough sometimes. However, anything new is welcome!
Even before Christianity, it is thought that Christmas carols existed to keep up people’s spirits. Groups still sing Christmas carols presently to spread the holiday cheer, but also they associate it with the Christian faith. Singing carols is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and make sure people know the reason for the season.
Let’s not forget the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born by the Virgin Mary, in a stable in Bethlehem. An angel appeared to a couple of wise men and told them that baby Jesus was born. The angel told them to follow the stars to him, and it led them to the stable he was in. They came to Him with gifts, they knew he was the new and true King. At the time King Herod was the ruler of Judea and was threatened by Jesus’ presence. Jesus is the reason for the season!
The town of Herrin itself has many small-town Christmas celebrations and traditions! Such as the lighting of the tree and meeting Santa. Another big part of Herrin’s Christmas is the blue tree along Highway 148 between Energy and Herrin. This tree has been a tradition in Herrin for many years, it is made to represent the reason for the season and remind people of the beauty of Christmas.
Merry Christmas from the Tiger Journalists!
