What is the true spirit of Christmas? How everything we thought we knew might just be a load of hogwash
Quite a few of the rituals we associate with Christmas have origins that many of us wouldn’t consider ‘festive’
Although the weather has cooled, many of us haven’t been feeling the Christmas spirit like we used to. With political turmoil, environmental anxiety and maybe financial stress hitting us more severely this year, it is no wonder the spirit of Christmas hasn’t made its mark.
But it turns out that quite a few of the rituals we associate with Christmas might just be a load of hogwash anyway. A little digging and you may be surprised to find that everything we thought we knew about the most wonderful time of year is as artificial as peppermint candy canes.
1. ‘Christmas’ used to be someone else’s holiday
Much like how Ostara – or Easter, the pagan Germanic goddess of spring and dawn – had her holiday appropriated by the story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, it seems Jesus also shared his birthday with the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.
Saturnalia was when the ancient Romans would celebrate the god of agriculture with private gift exchanges and other cheerful activities.
2. You don’t need a Christmas fir tree to celebrate Christmas
Many might know the story of how Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, introduced the queen – and consequently, the mainstream – to the Christmas tree in 1848. Decorating the Christmas tree became popular among middle class families during the 19th century.
And while it is true the Christmas tree in its contemporary form is credited to the prince, the concept of celebrating with evergreen trees dates back thousands of years.