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