Unveiling a Decade of Emerging Christmas Customs and Their Backgrounds
In the spirit of the holiday season, we take a journey through some of the most cherished traditions that have emerged or gained prominence in the last century. From family gatherings to cultural customs, these new traditions have shaped how Christmas is celebrated today.
One such tradition that has become widely popular is the use of advent calendars. Each day during the advent season, a small gift or treat is revealed, creating daily anticipation leading up to Christmas. This tradition encourages family bonding and can be personalised with homemade or swapped calendars for family members.
Another tradition that has become a staple in many households is the watching of specific Christmas-themed entertainment. TV specials like “Charlie Brown Christmas” or performances like the Rockettes’ Christmas shows and “The Nutcracker” ballet have become prominent traditions. These were popularized during the 20th century and continue to be important to Christmas celebrations.
Decorating Christmas trees remains one of the most popular traditions. The use of ornaments and lights on trees grew greatly in global popularity during the 20th century.
Culturally specific customs have also emerged, such as Italy’s tradition of La Befana, the Good Witch, who brings gifts on January 5th, the eve of the Epiphany, rather than on Christmas Day itself. Another example is Iceland’s Yule Lads, 13 mischievous figures who visit children during the 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts for the well-behaved and jokes or rotten potatoes for the naughty.
Classic elements like gift-giving and greenery decorations have been popular for centuries, but some traditions have only recently emerged. For instance, the practice of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus began during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
In the world of Christmas cinema, "A Christmas Story" has become a beloved classic. The tradition of airing the movie for 24 hours straight began in 1997 on TNT. Since then, both TBS and TNT have aired the day-long marathon, with other Christmas favourites like Elf and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation joining in. In 2020, 32 million people viewed "A Christmas Story" at some point during the marathon.
Director Bob Clark noted the movie's approach to an extraordinary time of the year with compassion and candor. Similarly, the reindeer with a nose that appeared to glow, Rudolph, was created in 1939 by Chicago-based department store catalog writer Robert L. May. Some of the emotions May experienced in his own life can be seen in Rudolph when the reindeer experiences feelings of isolation and glumness.
The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, which premiered in 1933, includes the dancing troupe known as the Rockettes and a nativity scene. The show uses about 1,200 costumes, 30,000 red dots for the Rockettes' cheeks, and slightly less than 14,100 batteries.
The reenactment of colonial troops crossing the Delaware River north of Philadelphia has been taking place for more than 70 years on Christmas Day. This tradition, like many others, continues to bring spectators from around the United States and the world together to celebrate the holiday season.
Star Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in "A Christmas Story," has noted how many of the movie's fans tell him they see their own life story in the movie's plot. This connection to the Christmas spirit is what makes these modern traditions so enduring and cherished.
As we move forward, it is exciting to imagine what new traditions will emerge and become cherished parts of our holiday celebrations. Whether it's a family tradition or a cultural custom, the spirit of Christmas continues to evolve, making each year's celebrations unique and special.
- The bizarre reindeer with a glowing nose, Rudolph, was created in 1939, embodying elements of isolation and glumness that may have stemmed from the writer's own life experiences.
- In the realm of festive entertainment, director Bob Clark approached the extraordinary season with compassion and candor, much like the spirit behind "A Christmas Story," a movie that connects many of its fans to the Christmas spirit.
- From the tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus during the Great Depression of the 1930s to the annual 24-hour marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TNT, entertainment plays a significant role in shaping diverse holiday traditions.
- The education and self-development sector has seen the rise of books and resources dedicated to understanding and appreciating the history and cultural significance of various Christmas traditions, making it easier for us to learn about and engage with these timeless practices.
