| The Birth of Christmas Traditions | | | | secular figure was created by the writer |
| | | | Clement Moore in his poem, A Visit from St. |
| Throughout history, Christmas has been | | | | Nicholas. The commercialization of Christmas |
| celebrated by different cultures in diverse | | | | started to take place around World War II |
| ways. In ancient Babylon and Egypt, there | | | | when people had to shop far in advance to get |
| were mid-winter festivals that honored the | | | | gifts to soldiers overseas in time for the |
| ancient gods. The Romans celebrated | | | | holiday. Thus, the extended Christmas |
| Saturnalia, a festival dedicated to Saturn, | | | | shopping season was born. An even more |
| the god of peace and plenty. During this | | | | modern tradition is sending Christmas e-Cards |
| festival, which ran from December 17th to | | | | with Christmas photos of the family. This is |
| December 24th, public gathering places were | | | | a great way to reach out and communicate with |
| decorated with flowers and gifts and candies | | | | friends about the changes in your family and |
| were exchanged amongst slaves and masters. In | | | | spread holiday cheer from everyone. Some |
| Scandinavia, a period of celebration known as | | | | families even put humorous touches on the |
| Yule was held each winter at the end of the | | | | Christmas photos by dressing the family dog |
| growing season. During this time, the | | | | up in antlers! |
| population feasted on the summer's bounty. | | | | |
| The Celtic culture of the British Isles | | | | The Latest Christmas Tradition Ringtones Era |
| revered all green plants as symbols of | | | | |
| fertility and contributed celebrations | | | | By far the most recent Christmas tradition is |
| revolving around the decoration of homes with | | | | downloading Christmas ringtones to a cell |
| mistletoe and holly. New Christmas customs | | | | phone. Whether you're downloading a classic |
| appeared in the Middle Ages. The most | | | | carol like "Deck the Halls" sung by The |
| prominent of these was the carol. By the 14th | | | | Platters or a more contemporary, funky piece |
| Century, such Christmas songs had become | | | | like James Brown's "Funky Christmas |
| associated with the religious observance of | | | | Millennium" you can't help but feel festive |
| the birth of Christ. In Italy, a tradition | | | | every time you hear Christmas ringtones on |
| developed of re-enacting the birth of Christ | | | | your cell phone. Having Christmas ringtones |
| and the construction of nativity scenes. The | | | | on your cell phone is also a good reminder |
| tradition of celebrating Christmas by | | | | that you have a long Christmas list and need |
| decorating an indoor tree was established by | | | | to get out there shopping. It's also a great |
| Queen Victoria of England, while the author | | | | way to spread the spirit of the season |
| Charles Dickens popularized the idea of | | | | amongst friends and co-workers and let them |
| having a Christmas feast through his writing. | | | | know that you are no Grinch! |
| | | | |
| Modern Customs Christmas Photos and e-Cards | | | | Whatever Christmas traditions you choose to |
| | | | embrace, you can be content in the knowledge |
| There are also many Christmas traditions that | | | | that each has a distinctive history and a |
| have developed in modern times. The modern | | | | special meaning to many people. |
| American conception of Santa Claus as a | | | | |