Beyond Santa ~ why we celebrate...

Like many children growing up, year after year I watched a Christmas tree go up and be decorated. Once I had my home, I too put up a Christmas tree, without much thought. 

Do you Know why we put a Christmas tree up?

The symbolic meaning of Christmas trees originates in pagan culture where evergreen represents life, rebirth, and stamina needed to endure the winter months.

The belief was that evil spirits were at their strongest during the cold months of December and January.  To ward off the naughty spirits, evergreens were brought into the home as symbols of protection. The evergreens were alight with candles, the idea here was to “light up” the darkest, coldest conditions and thereby keep away evil spirits.                   It wasn’t until around the 19th century that we find Christianity absorbing the bright, cheerful symbolism of the Christmas tree.  Christians had long held the fir as a symbol of the Tree of Life.  Early Christians knew their symbolism well, as they added candles and apples to their Christmas firs.  These candles represented the light of Christ.  The apples symbolized knowledge which spawned man’s original sin according to Christian belief.  Within the immortal symbol of the Christmas tree and the light of Christ absolves the “fall of man”.

The wreath has significant meaning for all the season. It's circular shape represents eternity,as it has no beginning and no end ~ representing unending circle of life. The evergreen, symbolizes growth and everlasting life.  

The ancient Druids are the first society in known history to have worn sprigs of holly and mistletoe. These priests of yesteryear believed that holly, with its glossy, shiny prickly leaves of green adorned with red berries, remained green all year due to their magical properties. The Druids considered Holly sacred. Many speculate the holly berries have given us our green and red colors of Christmas.

Holly branches have thorns ~ when used in a wreath holly represents the thorns on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. The bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us.


Red at Christmas reminds us of the fire of the Spirit. Green represents nature, and the ongoing life. Spirit unites with nature, in the Incarnation.

As you prepare for the Christmas celebrations ask little ones if they know why we use these symbols in our celebration. It will be a great time to teach them Santa is not why we celebrate. 

  .        The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long, long ago- The shining hope of mankind.

·         The Color Red: The first color of Christmas, symbolizing the Savior's sacrifice for all.

·         The Fir Tree: Evergreen- the second color of Christmas shows everlasting light and life. The needles point up to heaven.

·         The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold, signifying that all are precious in His eyes.

·         The Candle: A mirror of starlight, reflecting our thanks for the star of Bethlehem.

·         The Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.

·         The Candy Cane: Represents the shape of the shepherd's crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.

·         The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal value of love… having no end.

Do you know the answers to these questions...

Why we exchange gifts? Why turkey? When is the proper time to light the Christmas lights?

If you know the answers please share. If you have other questions why we do something to celebrate Christmas please ASK, I'll do my best to find an answer. Over the next few weeks I will be posting what I have discovered about these questions.