CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

The details of Christ’s birthday as sketched out in The Bible, are so well known to Christians and non-Christians alike, that a silhouette of the nativity scene in Bethlehem with the glorious star overhead, is an easily recognizable symbol of this holy season. Other visible signs like decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and stockings for this joyous season evolved over time but the one specifically credited for best manifesting God’s giving was Saint Nicholas, (15 March 270 – 6 December 343). Born in Asia Minor to wealthy devout Christian parents, who unfortunately died when he was a young man leaving him to be reared by his uncle the Bishop of Patara, who later ordained him as a priest. Nicholas was determined to use his considerable inheritance for the betterment of the poor and his acts of kindness were well known and varied during his role as Bishop of Myra. The most popular tradition holds that when the Bishop heard of the poor Father who was going to turn out his three daughters to slavery or prostitution because he could offer no dowry for their marriage, the Bishop had to act, but he did so anonymously. He took three bags of gold coins and tossed them through a window at night while everyone was sleeping. Since it was the custom of the time to leave ones wet stockings and shoes by the fire at night to dry out, luck would have it that the Bishop’s gifts landed in those shoes and socks… and thus began the giving of gifts in the name of Saint Nicholas, particularly in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The bodily remains of the Saint were transferred somewhere around 1087 to Bari, Italy, and along with the relics went the legends spreading the traditions even further. December 6^th is the Feast Day for Saint Nicholas and his secret gift-giving is continued by putting coins and gifts in children’s shoes that are left out at night. The Dutch brought these traditions to America and writers and advertisers in the capitalistic manner transferred Saint Nicholas, from the Dutch Sinterklaas to Santa Claus, and the red robes of the Bishop turned into a red suit for the jolly old man who brought gifts during the night.

In 1822, Clement Moore wrote a Christmas poem for the amusement of his children, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” later published as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Children and parents alike to this day, can recite those lyrical words verbatim through old age… “The stocking were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there…” Bastardized versions of this epic poem have come upon the market obliterating any connection to the historic Saint Nicholas. Just so, have the proponents of secularism, humanism, relativism and other “isms” all tried to remove any recognition of Christ in Christmas… xmas is written by many striking out Christ… and that is so dastardly wrong. Traditions are important, and more so their truths; Christians must fight to keep alive the real meaning of all holy seasons. Don’t just silently boycott those businesses that can’t say “Merry Christmas” or display the crèche, but chastised them by pointing out that their politically correct behavior is so wrong by not portraying the true holy nature of Christmas… let them know such action requires your never doing business with them. Teach your children the integrity of holding on to the real meaning of Christmas and establish family traditions and rituals that will be cherished for many years to come… Jesus is the reason for the season… nothing else.