Merry Christmas

I was reading articles on MSN and stumbled across one that listed the origin of common holiday traditions. I found it interesting, and in light of the day, wanted to share.

I knew that the Christmas holiday was too raucous for devout Christians during the 1500s, but I didn't realize that the extensive public celebrations persisted into the 1800s. It wasn't until the 1820s that American citizens opted to turn Christmas into a more family-oriented holiday. It was also during this time that the jolly American Santa Claus emerged.

Ancient Egyptians first decorated houses with greenery during winter, and German immigrants introduced our country to Christmas trees.

Saint Nickolas was a real saint who was known for his kindness and generosity, dropping coins down chimneys "to preserve his anonymity and the dignity of his recipients."

Candy canes originated in Germany and were once straight striped sticks. Eventually, they were eventually bent on the end to remind children of a shepherd's staff. This was meant to keep them quiet during church.

Merry Christmas, everyone!