Christmas Tradition

The Christmas tree – Christmas trees are one of the most widely celebrated Christmas traditions, with Christmas tree farms growing trees in all fifty states in the USA. Some people use artificial trees, and some have a tradition of cutting down a live tree with their family, followed by drinking hot cocoa.

Where Did This Christmas Tradition Begin?

People have always revered plants that keep their green foliage through the dead of winter. Like us, ancient people too hung boughs of evergreen over their windows and doors. Some countries believed the lush green would keep evil spirits and illness at bay. Ancient Egyptians and other ancient people believed the sun was a god, and winter came when the sun god fell ill. At the winter solstice, the Egyptian people filled their homes with green foliage to celebrate life triumphing over death.

Virtual Christmas Idea

Adorning your home with an artificial tree is a tradition that doesn’t require a virtual Christmas idea, and if you’ve been considering making the switch, now is a great time. Artificial trees, while more money upfront, last for years without replacement. There are many other positives to using an artificial tree, too. Not sweeping up dropped needles all season, for one.

If you can’t give up this Christmas tradition in favor of a virtual Christmas idea, it is one of the safer ones to consider, as live tree shopping is typically an outdoor event. Mind your social distancing, and always wear a mask!

Christmas Tradition

Christmas lights – Tiny light bulbs wrapped around the tree and long lengths of lights trailing across the eaves of the house; Christmas lights are another staple Christmas tradition. Plenty of memorable scenes from classic Christmas movies focus on the huge undertaking that is stringing the lights.

Where Did This Christmas Tradition Begin?

Early Christians began adorning their Christmas trees with candles symbolizing Christ – the light of the world. Christians borrowed this tradition and adapted it from the pagan celebration known as Yule. For pagans, Christians, and people today, lights symbolize renewal and perseverance through the darkness.

Virtual Christmas Idea

Thankfully, this is a Christmas tradition that doesn’t need a virtual Christmas idea, either! In fact, put them up as early as possible. The world could use more cheer right now! Plus, the longer you leave them up, the more you get to spread out the equally challenging task of taking them down!

Christmas Tradition

Cookie Exchanges – A cookie exchange party is one in which a group of friends gets together, each bringing about two dozen cookies. The idea is that each person tastes and tries various Christmas cookies and then bring home an assortment.

Where Did This Christmas Tradition Begin?

This tradition began somewhere in Europe, but the earliest account of Christmas cookies in America is dated back to the 1600s by the Dutch. The Wellesley Cookie Exchange Cookbook, hundreds of years later, then made the tradition famous!

Virtual Christmas Idea

Parting with a cookie exchange party in favor of a virtual Christmas idea may be a bit of a bummer. After all, Christmas parties are more about the company than the food. However, contacting your original cookie gang and setting up an exchange by mail or drop-off is a safer alternative this year. Perhaps you could even set up a zoom call to enjoy each other’s company!

Christmas Tradition

Pictures with Santa – Each year, Santa visits local malls all over the country and sits for hours while various children briefly sit on his lap and smile (or cry) for a picture. The result is tons of adorable, often hilarious pictures to treasure for years to come.

Where Did This Christmas Tradition Begin?

As far back as the 1840s, retailers began to leverage Santa’s likeness as a marketing tool. By 1890 in Massachusetts, real-life Santa was visiting department stores. The tradition stuck and has become a fun, treasured holiday tradition.

Virtual Christmas Idea

Unfortunately, this year, that description reads as less cute and more germy. Buying or renting your own Santa costume is always an option and a better idea this year. However, if you don’t have the means or the classic Santa body type, opt for a virtual visit with Santa. These days, your child might be just as excited to see the beloved Christmas character the same way he’s been seeing his other loved ones for over eight months now!

Christmas Tradition

Gathering with loved ones on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – it goes without saying that this is likely your most favorite holiday tradition. It’s also likely the tradition you’re most sad about parting with for the year. Sometimes, Christmas is the one time of the year that the whole extended family can get together and enjoy each other’s company.

Where Did This Christmas Tradition Begin?

As far back as any other Christmas tradition, people have been gathering with their families to celebrate together. These large gatherings typically happen on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and families exchange gifts with one another and enjoy the company. It’s easy to imagine why people started to do this – for the same reason people do it today!

Virtual Christmas Idea

Instead of potentially spreading COVID for Christmas, opt for a virtual Christmas idea. Set up a large Zoom call with everyone you’d typically spend time with and sit near the tree. Perhaps you can even plan to mail gifts to each other beforehand and open them together on the call.

Some Christmas traditions are easy to adapt for a virtual Christmas this year. Others are a little harder and might have you feeling a little blue. Remember this is temporary, and the greatest gift you can give to your loved ones is health – both theirs and yours. Stay safe, merry Christmas, and happy holidays!