This time of year, we can find many histories of the Christmas season, as some of us know it, beginning with the ancient Winter Solstice rituals held this time of year. People gathered to sing, light candles, and rejoice in the coming brighter days, signs of renewal, and the promise of fresh beginnings in the New Year.
Later, this season was marked by the Feast of Saint Nicholas, and for hundreds of years, this was the focus of celebrations, with gifts, and special foods. Some cultures placed candles on an evergreen tree.
Hundreds of years later, the Christian Catholic church observed a special Mass at this time of year, honouring the birth of Jesus. Worshippers would gather after Mass and eat together.
Many nations around the world incorporated into their festivities the ancient customs from these past traditions. St. Nicholas still played a big part for many people.
The church fathers, seeing that some revellers were becoming unruly over the holiday, began to place more emphasis on gatherings of family, to eat and exchange gifts, as a nod to the Three Wise Men.
In North America, Santa Claus emerged as the patriarch of gift giving, and Christmas became a broad blend of all of these traditions, with lights, food, Christmas trees, and more.
photo by Any Lane
Through the ages, Christmas celebrations have remained delightfully inclusive.
Each year, for the past 100 years or so, Toronto, a diverse city of over three million people, with hundreds of different languages and customs, has held a huge Santa Claus parade. In 2019, a half-million of us lined the streets, with many thousands more watching on TV.
According to a PEW research study, in the United States, 40% of residents observe Christmas as a religious holiday, while 90% of the whole population joyfully celebrate with social gatherings, special meals, gifts, decorations, etc.
Christmas specials and music dominate the media this time of year, adding to the shared nature of the festivities. (Interestingly, many of our popular Christmas songs were written by gifted Jewish composers and lyricists.)
I like to focus on the aspects of this season that are universal. Anyone can join in, regardless of their background, belief, or culture.