The Evolution of Christmas: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Traditions

Christmas as we know it today is a far cry from its ancient origins. Initially a public gathering, the holiday transformed into a home-centred celebration during the 19th century.

The Romans marked December 25th as a significant day, coinciding with the birth of an unconquered son. The Church later adopted this date for Christmas. While other religions observed similar festivals around the same time, it was after World War II that Christmas became a widely recognized national holiday.

Decorations, festive meals, and gift-giving became customary. The wealthy indulged in extravagant feasts, including wild boar and, later, turkey and Brussels sprouts. The twelve days of Christmas were a time for rest and celebration, marked by gatherings, feasting, and the Yule Log tradition.

However, it was the Victorian era that truly shaped modern Christmas traditions. The popularity of the Christmas tree, inspired by Queen Victoria, transformed homes into winter wonderlands. The introduction of Christmas cards and crackers added to the festive atmosphere.

Even during the horrors of war, the spirit of Christmas endured. The famous Christmas truce of 1914 stands as a poignant reminder of the holiday’s power to unite people, even in the darkest of times.

-Kshitij Gupta