Modern Christmas Gifts - History of Christmas.

Modern Christmas is celebrated according to the beliefs, history and traditions of families.  The celebration can be sacred or secular, frivolous or fanciful, quiet or rowdy and anything in between.  It evolved from various traditions representing Paganism, St Nicholas and particularly Christianity.  It has become a day for family reunions, connecting with friends and honouring the birth of Christ, generosity and celebrating the changing seasons. Since Christmas has come to mean different things to different people, the symbols bear the weight of more than one interpretation. 

Symbols such as the Christmas tree with decorations of fairy lights, tinsel and baubles, mistletoe over the door way and holly, Santa Clause with his sleigh full of gifts to stuffing the stockings, and religious celebrations of midnight mass, joyous Christmas carols and the sending of cards. To many Australians, the main events of Christmas are gift giving followed by the feast. The table is laden with fruit, nuts, sweets, bonbons, candles and floral table decorations. The home is decorated with flowers, mistletoe, spruce garlands, fairy lights and Christmas wreaths. 

The Christmas festival began approximately 380 years after Christ and since then several non-Christian elements have crept into the observance of Christmas.  The use of lighted taper candles reminds us of the Jewish feast of purification and the giving of gifts was a Roman custom, whereas the yule tree is a remnant of old Teutonic nature worship.  Gradually by the middle of the 16^th century, the Christmas festival sank into mere revelry, forcing change via a Reformation. This Reformation brought in a refinement to the celebration of Christmas by emphasising its Christian elements.  Ancient authorities are not agreed as to whether the birth of Jesus Christ really occurred on December 25 but what seems to be important for most Christians is the meaning and celebration of His birth.

Another significant figure in today’s Xmas story is the emergence of Santa Clause. Nicolas was born in Patara to wealthy parents who raised him as a devout Christian.  His parents died when he was young. He dedicated his life to serving God and his inheritance to helping those in need.  He became known for his generosity, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.  The anniversary of his death on December 6, AD 343, became St Nicolas Day.  In the 16^th century in Europe the stories and traditions surrounding St. Nicholas became very unpopular.  Eventually Christmas day and St. Nicholas day merged.  Nicholas became known as ‘Father Christmas’, ‘Pere Noel’, ‘Christ Kind’, ‘Kris Krindle’ and later 'Sinterklaas'; which became the Santa Clause we know today.

In 1863, Santa Clause was portrayed in a suit of stars and stripes by artist, Thomas Nast.  Soon other artists copied the images.  In 1931, Coco Cola used the image of Santa Clause in a promotion for their drink. The world soon adopted the image of a jolly man in a red and white suit. The celebration remains spiritual for some or a day to exchange gifts, recall memories and enjoy good friends and even an opportunity to boost the economy for others.   

From all of the team at Botanique Florist Gold Coast, we'd like to take this opportunity to wish all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Author: Margaret A Campbell.