Christmas is probably one of the most awaited times of the year especially by children. The day is important because it is the day Jesus Christ was born and is celebrated in so many ways.

There are different Christmas customs and traditions around the world. Most of the time, people are eager to prepare for the yuletide season and even months before the celebration, there are already lots of symbols that will tell you that the yuletide season is already coming.

One or two months before December, there are already symbols almost anywhere that will tell you that it is Christmas again! These symbols can be found in churches, on the streets and even in your own household. Do you know why they are important? Here are just some of the Christmas symbols and their significance.

Angel

As written in the Bible, an angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. Angelic symbols are often used for Christmas decorations and these come in different forms.

Three Wise Men

The three Kings traveled just to offer Jesus their gifts. These men believe that Jesus is the King of Kings and this is why they gave him three precious gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Star

The three wise men followed the star of Bethlehem for them to reach Jesus.

Manger

Because no one in the city allowed the Holy family to stay in their houses and the hotels are also fully booked, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. The manger is where Baby Jesus slept.

Candles

God sent Jesus to light the earth and redeem the sins of people. Candles are representation of the light that He gave mankind.

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are greetings sent by people to their loved ones.

Gifts

Because the three wise men have given their gifts to Jesus, Christmas has become the season of gift giving.

Christmas Caroling

Christmas is characterized by singing, dancing and merrymaking. It has been a medieval custom for people to sing carols during the Holidays.

Christmas Tree or Evergreen Tree

The Christmas tree and evergreen tree for the pagans are both Christmas symbols that are decorated for the Yuletide Season.

Christmas Lights

Usually, lights are placed on Christmas trees and other decorations. This represents the light of the world.

Mistletoe

A sprig of plant is hung at Christmas time or on the door. It is said that two people must kiss if they found themselves standing under it.

Poinsettia

This flower blooms during the Yuletide Season; thus, it is known as the Christmas flower.

Reindeer

These are animals that help by Santa Clause distribute his presents to kids.

Santa Claus

He is a fat man in a red suit who gives gifts on Christmas gifts. They often say that kids must be good throughout the year so that they will receive a gift from Santa Claus.

There are so many Christmas symbols that will remind you that Christmas is already near.

However, it is not enough that you just see them. It is also important that you understand what each is trying to tell you. Better yet, it would be nice to know what the real meaning of Christmas is.

All over the world, Christmas is one of the most famous and well loved religious celebrations.

Majority of the people who celebrate the yuletide season actually consider it the most highly anticipated holiday. You might just be one of the people who really love Christmas but do you know how it all started? Are you well aware of the history of Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ whom Christians regard to as the savior and redeemer of sins. Although the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth is not known to mankind, every year, it is celebrated on December 25. This belief unites the Christian and Pagan traditions which have so many similarities. Up until now, there are Catholic beliefs that are influenced by the Christian and Pagan traditions.

Today, there are modern traditions that are not really indicated in the history of Christmas. Some of these things are the Christmas tree, gift giving, holly, Santa Claus, Christmas Eve and even the Nativity Scene.

Winter Celebration

If you will trace the history of Christmas, it will bring you back to winter solstice celebration. This is also a Pagan tradition that was abandoned in 1200 AD. Merrymaking and gratification characterize the winter celebration of the Pagans. Later on, Jesus Christ was born which marked the real history of Christmas.

History of Christmas as written in the Holy Book
Based on Biblical accounts, it was said that the history of Christmas started when Mary and Joseph came to the land of Bethlehem but no one was able to provide them a decent place to stay for the night. They found a stable and with animals surrounding the place, Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus Christ. No one knows about this until an angel appeared to the shepherds and told them that the King of Kings was born in the stable. The shepherds who were staying out in the fields over the night were the first people to see Baby Jesus Christ lying on the manger. At a distant place, the Star of Bethlehem was seen by the three wise men that followed it until they reached Jesus Christ. The three wise men offered their gifts – gold, myrrh and frankincense.

This is how Christmas started and the date of the celebration was decided upon by the Romans.

Although, Jesus’ date of birth is not certain, the truth is that He was born and His existence is enough reason to celebrate. Jesus’ message is clear and through the history of Christmas, He wants the people to remember what He is trying to say.

The real meaning of Christmas depends on the person’s beliefs and philosophy in life. There is no standard way of celebrating the holiday. It would be your decision how you want to spend the time and who you will spend it with. You just have to know about the history of Christmas. It is just important that you are aware of how it started for you to know that once in a gloomy night, a child was born in a manger to save you from the sins of the world.