If you’ve spent any time with small children, you know one of their favorite questions is one, simple word:
Why?
This time of year is no different, and as they take in the lights, the tree, the mistletoe, and the hoopla around Santa Claus…
Why is a frequent question.
Of course, I love origin stories, so I had to dive in a little deeper. Read on if you, too, are curious where these traditions come from, and why limited edition houseplants are suddenly in vogue for a single month every year…
The Green
There isn’t one, single source of where the tree, or the greenery came from, but a conglomeration of sources. There are records from China, Scandinavia, Egypt and Europe of people bringing green inside during the days around the winter solstice, as a way to bring life into the darkest days.
The Lights
At the turn of the winter solstice, we welcome the return of the light, the days slowly becoming longer. Thousands of years ago, the dark of winter was a scary time. Food was scarce, and it was a long way until spring.
Yule was a way to celebrate the returning of the light, burning a log for 12 days and 12 nights (a possible origin story of the 12 days of Christmas). Over time candles, tinsel, and lights came to replace the log.
Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas was a 4th‑century bishop known for anonymous generosity, which made him the patron saint of children and gift‑giving. Over time and cultures, the name evolved to “Sinterklaas” in Dutch traditions and, when it traveled across the ocean, turned into Santa Claus.
The Gifts
Gifts have traditionally been given this time of year as a way to bring joy and light to the season, for both the giver and receiver.
So there you have it— the tree isn’t just décor, it’s part of an ancient tradition that predates modern Christmas celebrations.
I’m curious… which one of these did you already know? Any new ones?
Happy (almost) solstice!
-Kara
Read it on my website
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