What do we envisage when we think of Christmas?

It is of course first and foremost a religious Christian celebration, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. For others without the religious penchant, Christmas brings a special time of sharing with family and friends.

One thing however is for sure; Christmas is a time for enjoying age old traditions such as decorating the tree and tucking into Christmas dinner. But where did these festive traditions come from? Here we explore some of the most popular seasonal customs:

The Date

25^th December: the day Jesus was born – allegedly. However, it is said that the real birth of Christ is more likely to have been in springtime. So why do we celebrate Christmas in mid- winter? One reason stems from the fourth century when Christians began celebrating Christmas in December because this was conveniently the time when pagans were observing the winter solstice, a time for new beginnings that evoked good spirit and family gatherings.

Oh Christmas tree!

How we enjoy putting up the tree and adorning it with glittering decorations! The Christmas tree can be traced back to 16^th century Germany from which point it spread across Europe. However in Britain it wasn’t until Queen Victoria and Prince Albert erected the first British Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1850 that it started to become a popular tradition.

Father Christmas

Father Christmas is thought to be the ghost of Saint Nicholas who was said to spend the eve of Christmas day delivering gifts to the poor. The modern portrayal of Father Christmas as a rotund, red-cheeked man wearing a red suit trimmed with white fur became popular in America in the 19th century due to cartoon-style advertising campaigns featuring Santa Claus. Various myths are attached to our jovial friend such as the airborne reindeer-led sleigh; the down-the-chimney tale and of course the legend of the endless sack of presents. These stories vary between countries, each having its own take.

Christmas Dinner

Henry the VIII was the first in England to tuck into a turkey Christmas dinner. However, even by the start of the Victorian era this bird was still considered too expensive for most everyday people to enjoy. In northern England the traditional choice for Christmas dinner was roast beef whilst in the south the favourite was goose, or rabbit for those who couldn’t afford it. Turkey had become an affordable choice by the end of the 19^th century and the trimmings: Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and roast potatoes; followed soon after to make up the Christmas dinner in which we indulge with paper hat and crackers today.

Christmas is a time for bringing the family together; a time for indulging in traditions and the excitement that goes with them. The fact that the things we observe today go way back in history and the thought that generations of our ancestors were celebrating the very things we are enjoying today makes them even more poignant.

AboutMyArea is a national UK network of over 2,000 locally run community websites, each sharing the common goal of keeping their community informed with relevant local information and providing economical opportunities for local businesses to promote their products and services to local people within relevant seasonal features like Mothers Day. Colin Holmes is the website editor for the local sites covering some of the areas throughout Romford, Dagenham and Barking, Essex, United Kingdom. For more information on promoting your business locally, visit http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/rm9

Ganz Steel 4pc Measuring Cups - Fun Flowers $38.50 Bring some whimsy into the kitchen with this adorable set of 4 sturdy Ganz measuring cups. This is the perfect gift for almost any cook, bride, birthday or house warming! This charming set of Ganz measuring cups is a great decorator item and is functional with great detail and accurate measurements. Made from stainless steel. Each cup is imprinted with a different recipe for love: 1/4 cup - 'a lot...

Prayer For Mom Hot Coffee Tea Mug Glass Mother Day Gift $2.80 Pay tribute to your mother's loving spirit and tender heart with a special prayer created just for her! Beautiful 11 oz. mug is an inspiring way to start the day; luscious screened wraparound graphics feature the Holy Cross on one side, a heartfelt prayer verse on the other, brightened by colorful flowers throughout. Stoneware. Microwave and dishwasher safe. 3 1/8" diameter x 3 3/4" high. - Califo...

Freshware 8-Cavity Cross Cake Silicone Mold and Baking Pan $12.99 Create inspiring baked goods with the Freshware SL-123RD baking pan. This pan is perfect for meaningful occasions like Easter, communions, confirmations, baptisms and more. As part of Freshware's premium Chef's Specialties line of bakeware, this mold is constructed of food-grade silicone, making it non-stick and oven safe. It's also easy to clean and rinses easily with warm water and detergent. B...

Jewish Cello Masterpieces $7.83 A beautiful collection of great Jewish Music. Classics by Ernest Bloch and Max Bruch, mixed with rarely heard gems by Maurice Ravel, Zavel Zilberts, Jacob Wasilkovsky, and David Meyerowitz. "Wie Shlecht es is Ohn Gelt", a Yiddish Theatre gem, is alone worth the price of admission for its mixture of pathos and humor. The songs by Zilberts are an important and beautiful part of the Jewish music lega...

Bless My Little Girl $10.15 Gentle lullabies of love and blessing created especially for little girls. Whether it's sleepytime or playtime, these Gold Award-winning lullabies will nurture and soothe mother and baby throughout the day....

Chanson $16.98 Chanson: Songs for Flute and Harp features original compositions of cherished, yet rarely heard songs that will lift and surround you with renewal of the spirit, solace from life's demands, and the warm comfort of a lullaby on a sleepless night. Jeannine Goeckeritz and Tamara Oswald unveil three new inspiring arrangements by Emmy Award winning composer Sam Cardon, a new instrumental arrangement ...

For My Son on Graduation Day Touching 8x10 Poem, Double-matted in Dark Green Over Burgundy and Enhanced with Watercolor Graphics. A Graduation Gift. $11.95 This beautiful, heart-stirring verse was created by nationally recognized poet, Genie Graveline. Her work can be found in fine gift stores throughout the country. This quality product is 8 x 10 in size. It is double matted. The Verse is.....".For My Son On Graduation Day"...... Today, as you graduate, ...... one chapter in your life has closed, ...... and another is about to begin. ...... The fut...

Paper Magic All Occasion Boxed Greeting Card Assortment 20-ct $40.00 Buy with confidence from Harborside Color. Our stock if factory fresh and always guaranteed! See additional Paper Magic assortments including fabulous handmade card sets by searching "Paper Magic Harborside Color" in the Amazon search box at the top of this web page....

CHRISTIAN DIOR by Christian Dior For women Capture R60/80 Finish UV Bi-Skin Daily UV Protection SPF35 PA+++--/1OZ(Skincare - Day Care) $74.95 ...

Bella Womens Elastic Waistband Flare Leg Yoga Pants. 810 (small) Bella Ladies Elastic Waistband Flare Leg Yoga Pants. 810, 87% cotton, 13% spandex,preshrunk and prelaundered,made for a woman's curves,slightly flared legs,two-piece elastic waistband....