The Traditions of Christmas

We all know the story of Christmas, but I want to focus on today's popular Christmas traditions like hanging up stockings, eating certain foods and so much more. There are so many questions to ask about this, like where did these traditions come from and when did they first start?

First up: hanging stockings on your mantle. Why did people originally do this? Well, it started when Saint Nicholas would go around and put gold coins in your stockings if you were good, and that would be the only gift you received. But later, gifting numerous presents became popular, which no longer fit in stockings. So that idea died down. Stockings were then used as a way to show the growth of your family.

Next up is seasonal flavors, especially peppermint. There are many different seasonal flavors, but peppermint has always been advertised as the most popular. The peppermint candy originated in a time before air conditioners. Candy wouldn't melt in the cold winter weather, but in the summer, the heat would make it sticky and eventually melt, so peppermint was mainly eaten and made in the winter. Peppermint soon became associated with the holiday time. Peppermint was the easiest way to flavor the candy since mint, which the peppermint flavor comes from, was abundant and able to grow in most climates. Peppermint is now put into everything, like warm drinks and all different types of sweets. It's used all over the world in so many ways. 

Another popular tradition is the use of garlands to decorate. If you don't know what garlands are, they are long vines of greenery. Garlands came from ancient times and were put on tombs to symbolize a person's life and represent the good they have done, But they are now used as Christmas decorations. They are hung both indoors and outside, and represent beauty, respect, devotion, and peace. Garlands are a general category; you can have many different types of garlands with things like cranberries and popcorn. They can just be green, real, fake, or have shimmers. There are so many different options to decorate your house with. 

This time of year is about family, friends, and all of the traditions you do with them. Have a wonderful holiday season!