Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the western world. It is a time when families get together, exchange gifts, and have Christmas dinner. The holiday has many traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations.

The Christmas celebrations are meant to bring peace, happiness, and good tidings to everyone who celebrates them. Some of the most popular customs include giving gifts, decorating a tree, exchanging gifts, and putting up decorations.

So, why do we celebrate Christmas the ways we do?

What’s the Origin of the Christmas Tree?

Christmas trees are a tradition that has been passed down since medieval times. The origin of the Christmas tree can be traced back to paganism and pagan winter solstice traditions. It began as a reminder of the spring that was to come.

Why Do We Decorate the Christmas Tree?

Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, but it is also a time for decorating the Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree has been passed down from generation to generation.

The Christmas tree is traditionally decorated with lights, tinsel, and ornaments representing the various Christian celebrations during the 12 days of Christmas.

While tinsel was traditionally used to reflect the glow of candles (or, nowadays, lights), baubles came from the tradition of hanging fruit and nuts on the tree. Today, we use ornaments of all kinds, plastic baubles or chocolate baubles, to decorate the tree. Although, in my house, we always seem to lose a chocolate bauble whenever someone walks past the tree. Strange, that.

Why Do We Give Gifts?

The answer to this question lies in the history of Christmas. The story goes that baby Jesus was born in a manger on Christmas day, and he was visited by three wise men who brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Now, we give our family and friends gifts to show our love and appreciation for them.

When Did Christmas Pudding Become a Thing?

Christmas pudding is a British dessert made of dried fruit, spices, suet, and breadcrumbs. It is usually served during Christmas time in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The first Christmas pudding was actually more like a soup than the dessert we know today. It contained porridge with beef, mutton, raisins, currants, prunes, wines, and spices and was known as ‘frumenty’.

Nowadays, it’s a sweet dish enjoyed by many. Packing it with plump organic vine fruits, mixed with zesty spices and lemon and orange juice before steaming slowly, is how Roots & Wings created their delicious Organic Christmas Pudding in Ceramic Bowl.

What is Boxing Day?

Some people think Boxing Day is so-called because of the number of empty boxes they usually have lying around their homes the day after Christmas. Actually, it appears that it originated from the custom of thanking servants and tradesmen with Christmas boxes of money or gifts for their hard work throughout the year.

Today, it’s become a day for super sales across retailers. Check back to see what great offers we have on Boxing Day for you to snag a bargain.

What’s an Advent Calendar For?

An Advent calendar is a tradition that people follow to celebrate the coming of Christmas. Advent calendars are typically made up of 24 small doors, each hiding something related to Christmas or wintertime. However, nowadays, you can get advent calendars containing everything from beauty items to tea.

The idea of the Advent calendar is to count down the days until Christmas and open one door each day, revealing a special gift or treat.

It’s a way to keep children excited about what’s coming in December and an activity that adults can enjoy.

What’s the Significance of a Stocking?

Stocking is a traditional Christmas decoration made of cloth or paper. It is filled with small gifts that are meant to be given to children on Christmas morning. The tradition of stockings by the fireplace dates back to when children would leave their shoes near the hearth, hoping that Santa Claus would fill them with gifts during his visit.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time for giving, joy, and celebration. Many people will spend this holiday season with their loved ones, feeling the Christmas spirit worldwide. The holiday brings together people from different walks of life and cultures to celebrate peace and love.

From the team at HealthPharm, we wish you the merriest of Christmases!