Christmas
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays!
Christmas
Christmas and New Year are winter’s most atmospheric holidays – a time for light, togetherness, and new beginnings. How much do you know about Christmas and New Year? Do you know why we hang mistletoe in the doorway, why we eat Christmas ham, or how midnight became a symbol of a fresh start? Test your knowledge in a quiz and see if you’re ready for the season’s most sparkling celebrations!
Christmas has roots long before Christianity. As early as ancient times, people celebrated the midwinter blot, a festival to welcome the return of light as the days began to grow longer. When Christianity spread, the celebration was adapted to mark the birth of Jesus, and old traditions such as the Yule goat, the Christmas tree, and the candles were given new meanings.
Today, Christmas is as much about togetherness as it is about tradition. We decorate our homes, light candles, gather around the Christmas table, and exchange gifts. Santa Claus — whose modern form was shaped by advertising and American popular culture — still has his roots in Saint Nicholas, the generous bishop of Myra.
New Year’s Eve marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. In the past, people kept watch over the fire to protect themselves from evil forces; today we do it with fireworks and sparkling drinks. Making promises for self-improvement in the coming year is a tradition that has existed for thousands of years — even the Babylonians made New Year’s vows to their gods.