Surprising Origins Of Christmas Traditions
Learn why we eat cookies, give presents, and more.
Celebrating on December 25th
In the year 336, Roman Emperor Constantine, upset that the Pagans had not invited him to their very cool Saturnalia party, decided to hold his Christmas party on the same day. When his Saturnalia invitation arrived, he was pretty embarrassed, but he’d already put down a deposit for a thousand goats to roast, so December 25th stuck.
Snowmen
The first snowman was built in 1388 by Gerhardt Hintzenhausen as an advertisement for his new shop, “Karotten und Kohle” which sold only carrots and coal. While his business concept didn’t take off, his friendly fellow made of snow did.
Baking Cookies
This tradition originates all the way back to Jesus. Growing up, he was never allowed to eat sweets on his birthday. In fact, every year Mary and Joseph ignored Jesus’s special day as it brought up memories of an unpleasant night in a barn that almost cost them their marriage. Now, we eat the cookies Jesus never got to.
Christmas Trees
The modern Christmas tree dates back to 17th century Poland. A man learned of his wife’s affair with their neighbor, so in a…
