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There are many reasons why we have Christmas when we do - the origins are Pagan and Christian. The fact is, we do not know the exact date of Christ's birth but already, around the Winter equinox, there were many Pagan rites so the festival became established at that time and Christian beliefs encouraged, to stamp out Pagan rituals.

Evergreens have beenbrought in to the home to cleanse the house since the time of Druids who believe evergreen trees have life giving properties. In the depth of winter, a new lease of life can be brought into the home by bringing in evergreen boughs. They woold once have been spread on the floor to cleanse and sweeten the air (because after two or three months,homes would smell). Holly and Ivy are remnants of this practice.

The giving of gifts began as token celebrations to remember the giving to us of Christ, God's son who was given freely and with no desire for a gift in return. Giving gifts allows us to remember this simple act and the gift of Christ to us. They also symbolise the gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold given to Christ by the 3 wise men.

Christmas cards, however, are another matter. Gentlemen, for many years, left calling cards when they called upon another member of their social circle and they were out. It is said that Prince Albert began to decorate his cards during the Christmas season and soon others copied and so the Christmas card was born.

Christmas trees are a symbol of life and also represent evergreens but were not really used in homes until , once again, Prince Albert received the gift of a tree from Sweden. Then people began to have trees in larger homes and eventually, small trees became the norm in almost every home. Originally, small candles were put on the tree in holders and many fires were caused this way. The invention of safe Christmas tree lights was a real God send!

The giving of gifts also stemmed from the fact that in days past, the workers would be running out of things like vegetables, meat and straw and would go calling or wassailing on the rich land owners. In return for songs and dances, the land owners would generously give gifts to help workers through the season. The gifts were pies, full of calories and meat, vegetables and hay. Carol singing stemmed from this wassailing custom.

Rich people tended to think about the poor at Christmas and soon it became one of the focal times of year for giving to charity. Even goals like Newgate (the debtors prison) received gifts for the prisoners of pies, pastries and perhaps even a very expensive orange or two.

Christmas Day only became a public holiday in the last century and the post, milk and all services were continued until Christmas Day became a holiday for everyone in the early 20th century.

So, Christmas is a real mix of customs both old and relatively new. Recent additions include kissing under mistletoe, Christmas parties and commercialisation of the season of gift giving. Who knows what Christmas will become in the future?

Learn more about this author, Sammy Stein.
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