The Story of Christmas and Winter Celebrations

We have heard over the years not to forget the meaning and spirit of the holiday - not just gifts. In that spirit let's take a fun journey through time to learn about Christmas and other winter holidays. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let's dive in!

The Birth of Christmas

Long ago, in the 3rd century, church leaders decided to celebrate Jesus' birthday on December 25th. They chose this date because it was already a popular Roman holiday called Saturnalia. During Saturnalia, people would feast, give gifts, and decorate their homes with wreaths.

Over time, Christmas started to include traditions from other cultures too. For example:

• Vikings gave us the tradition of using mistletoe

• Saxons introduced the idea of bringing trees into our homes

Today, Christmas is a time for family, giving gifts, and enjoying special foods. In many countries, people decorate Christmas trees, sing carols, and wait for Santa Claus to bring presents.

Other Winter Celebrations

Hanukkah

• Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days.

•  It celebrates a miracle that happened over 2000 years ago when a small amount of oil burned for eight days in a temple. 

• During Hanukkah, families light a special candle holder called a menorah and eat yummy fried foods like potato pancakes.

Winter Solstice Celebrations

Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. Here are a few examples:

• In England, people gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise through the ancient stones.

• In China, families celebrate Dong Zhi by getting together and eating special rice balls called tang yuan.

• In Scandinavia, they celebrate St. Lucia's Day with girls wearing white dresses and wreaths with candles.

When Christianity reached Europe:

Pagan and Wicca traditions were incorporated into Christmas, creating the holiday we celebrate today

They are related but distinct. 

Wicca, a modern religion, incorporates ancient pagan traditions, including the celebration of the Winter Solstice, which they call Yule.

Wicca is a relatively new religion, founded in the mid-20th century. 

• Wiccans celebrate 8 major holidays or "sabbats," including Yule on the Winter Solstice (around December 21st). This celebration focuses on the return of light and the rebirth of the sun.

People sometimes fear Wicca due to misconceptions and historical associations:

• Confusion with witchcraft: Wiccans often call themselves Witches, which can evoke negative stereotypes.

• Wiccan rituals and beliefs are often misinterpreted or exaggerated by those unfamiliar with the religion.

• The term "witch" has been associated with persecution..

However, 

• Wicca is a peaceful, nature-based religion that emphasizes harmony with the earth and the changing seasons. 

• Modern Wiccans celebrate Yule as a time of renewal, hope, and the return of light, much like many other winter holidays around the world

Pagan Winter Solstice (Yule) is a Celebration of Light and Renewal

The winter solstice, celebrated as Yule by pagans, is a profound holiday, the shortest day and longest night of the year, on December 21st.

Yule:

Yule is fundamentally about hope and renewal. 

• As the darkest day passes, pagans celebrate the imminent return of sunlight and the promise of longer days ahead. 

The holiday is similar to what we do on the New Year. It represents:

• Reflection on the past year

• Setting intentions for the coming months

• Honoring the natural cycle of darkness and light

Traditional Yule Practices:

Pagans celebrate Yule through various meaningful rituals:

• Lighting candles to symbolize the returning sun

• Burning a Yule log to bring light into the darkness

• Decorating with natural elements like holly, evergreens, and pinecones

• Creating altars with symbolic objects

• Staying awake to witness the sunrise

• Performing ceremonies that honor the sun's rebirth

Many modern Christmas traditions, like wreaths, decorated trees, and gift-giving, have direct connections to these ancient pagan practices. 

We hope you share these traditions with your families so that we remember that people celebrate differently, and it is rich in history and meaning. 

Merry (or Happy ) Holiday, Christmas, Yule, or Wicca. May you share them with people you love!