Christmas Traditions - Old or New Create Christmas Memories

Family traditions are important throughout the year - birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, etc. -but Christmas traditions are probably the most popular. Decorating the Christmas tree, making an Advent Wreath, setting up the Nativity scene, hanging a Christmas Wreath or writing a letter to Santa Claus are just a few of the traditions that create early memories. Those childhood memories are brought to life every holiday season when we share those traditions with our family and friends.

Most Christmas traditions did not originate in the United States; they have been around for centuries in some form and we (the USA) have borrowed and/or modified most of these traditions. So, let's explore some of those traditions!

The flexibility of traditions is one of the most exciting aspects. We all have the ability to modify existing traditions and make them our own. Or, even more exciting, we can start from scratch and create a new and unique Christmas tradition to add to the old standbys. Read on for some ideas on starting your own Christmas traditions.

HOW LOVELY ARE YOUR BRANCHES

Although the actual history of the Christmas tree may be somewhat hazy - there are several versions - it is most definitely a huge part of modern Christmas tradition. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees stand proud in homes, malls, places of business and, of course, the White House. Trees may be fresh or artificial, short or tall but they all send the same message - Christmas is here!

RIGHT DOWN SANTA CLAUS LANE

For centuries there has been some form of the guy we call Santa Claus. He has been traveling around the world using many aliases and wearing a variety of outfits to blend with the country he is in at the time.

So, how old is Santa Claus? That seems to be a closely guarded secret. Maybe Mrs. Claus knows. How many letters does he receive each year? Another mystery. We do know that whatever name he uses, no matter what he wears, Santa Claus brings some fun and magic to Christmas. We can all learn something from Santa about sharing and giving to others.

OUR KING WAS BORN TODAY!

For Christians, the Nativity is the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. The celebration of His birth is the true reason for Christmas. The Nativity scene depicts Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, in the manger. The shepherds, angels and the Three Wise Men are visitors who have gone to the stable to honor Jesus. Decorating homes and yards with the Nativity scene is a meaningful tradition for many Christians.

As we find with many historical traditions or events, there is more than one version and so it is with eggnog. Some believe that eggnog has a Christmas drink since the 1600's. Most agree that it came to the United States from England in the 1800's. We know for sure that eggnog now has many variations and it is definitely a Christmas tradition to serve eggnog at Christmas time.

One of the big questions: how many eggnog calories? There are many answers to this because it depends on the recipe used. Does the eggnog recipe use milk or cream, is it alcoholic or not? The story is told that President George Washington had his own special eggnog recipe that used whiskey, rum and sherry; a drink so strong that only a courageous few could drink it.

You'll connect with your readers. If you type a sentence here about why you love this video.

You'll connect with your readers. If you type a sentence here about why you love this video.

You'll connect with your readers. If you type a sentence here about why you love this video.

You'll connect with your readers. If you type a sentence here about why you love this video.

The Christmas fruitcake is another tradition brought to the United States from England. Unfortunately, many people have missed out on this sweet treat. They've heard all the "fruitcake jokes" or maybe actually tasted one that was dried out and flavorless. You need to try a good one and give fruitcake a chance. You'll find a few options below; my personal favorites are the Claxton fruit cakes (available year round) and the Trappist Abbey cakes. They will change your mind about Christmas fruitcakes.

Thanks for stopping by - feel free to leave your thoughts or comments and have a Blessed and Merry Christmas