How did Christmas start?

Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe.

A Christmas Carol

English Author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story’s message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

Who invented Santa Claus?

A monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D.. St. Nicholas gave away all his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors. St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nicholaas” (Dutch), or “Sinter Klaas” for short “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation. The iconic version of Santa Claus as a jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys was immortalized in 1881, when political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Moore’s poem to create the image of Old Saint Nick that we know today.

How did Christmas music start?

Christmas hymns date to the fourth century and carols to the 13th century. A Christmas Carol is not, strictly speaking, associated with Christmas. A carol originally meant a cheerful, lively dance. Many carols were associated with different times of the year, including Christmas. Christmas songs became increasingly popular when composer George Frideric Handel published a book of Christmas carols.