The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols

Tina Donvito
Christmas fireplace, tree, stockings, fire, hearth, lights, and decorations
Christmas fireplace, tree, stockings, fire, hearth, lights, and decorations

Christmas symbols we all know and love

Nothing says “Christmas” like the sights, smells, and sounds of the season: From Christmas cookies to eggnog and mistletoe, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them. But did you ever wonder why these seemingly random traditions signify Christmas? Many of these Christmas symbols’ humble beginnings go back to the very origins of Christmas and its associations with pagan celebrations around the winter solstice. Read on to learn more about the history behind symbols such as Christmas trees, lights and other Christmas decorations, and seasonal activities. Who knows—you might even be inspired to start some new Christmas traditions of your own!

The post The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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