Santa Clause
The stories of Santa Clause all began with St. Nicholas who was Bishop in an area called Myra that is now some where in contemporary Turkey. St. Nicholas had a reputation for being a kind-hearted man who was especially kind towards children. When he died he was buried in Myra however Italian sailors brought his remains to Europe thus bringing the name and influence of a generous man to spread across the continent. His reputation as a kind-loving man brought about notions of him being magical and had the ability to perform miracles. The name St. Nicholas spread from Europe to the world he is now more fondly know as Father Christmas or Santa Clause!

Christmas Tree
Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria who is a native of Germany brought the Christmas tree to England. It the became popular in England, later the Christmas tree made its way to the United States by the Pennsylvanian Germans. The tree reached it’s popularity peak in the 19th Century as a traditional presence within every household that was decorated once the Christmas season approaches.

Christmas stockings
This tradition has been done for many years but the origins of this tradition has many versions to it but the foundation of this tradition comes from the story of a poor father and his daughters. The father needed a dowry to offer to prospective husbands for his daughters but he had no money. St. Nicholas wanted to help them discretely so one night he entered their house and saw that the daughters had hung their stockings to dry, he decided to place three small money bags in each stocking. The next morning when the girls and the father woke up they found his gift and their despair was gone. St. Nicholas’ kindness was known by everyone and the news spread which then started the tradition of hanging a stocking in the hope that Santa Clause would place a gift in it.  Originally in many European villages the children used their normal socks but now there many decorative Christmas stocking to be bought and hung not only at the fire place but anywhere in the house.  

Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a plant that grows in winter and can stay green even without its roots. The plant is seen as a symbol of peace and used for many kinds of medical reasons in ancient times. It’s modern value of being a sign of exchanging kisses if you find yourself underneath it maybe derived from the fact that it has been associated with the Scandinavian goddess of love Frigga. Those who kissed underneath it would be blessed with happiness and love for the following year!

The Candy Cane
One of the most beloved and tastey treats for kids at Christmas. It was first used as a Christmas tree decoration after the tree became popular in households and now it is used to give out to guests and children.

Christmas cards
Christmas cards first began as a tradition in England by Sir Henry Cole who was so busy during Christmas that in order to wish his friends he started to compose cards for them. This was way back in 1843 and originally Christmas cards contained images that were predominantly religious however with changing times the cards now come in many various designs. 

Rudolf
A popular song and story that gained its fame in 1949 when songwriter Johnny Marks made a song out of his brother-in-law’s childrens book which was written by Robert L. May. Robert May wrote the book to attract more people to his shop. The book was published for Montgomery Ward who had a fantastic sell-out of the book. This was turned into a song which in turn is now a contemporary popular Christmas song enjoyed by everyone! The character of Rudolf is special because it conveys the possibility of Christmas miracles, and once again the kindness of Santa Clause who saw Rudolf’s big red nose as something valuable. Rudolf teaches all those kids who might feel a bit different than their peers not to condemn themselves but to value their uniqueness!

Christmas carols
Christmas caroling is a greater symbol of the significance of Christmas which is family – Carols were sung first ever by gathering families coming together on Christmas to sing about Christmas spreading the spirit of Christmas. Now caroling is taken to the streets and neighborhoods and places such as orphanages and elderly centers to spread the joy of the season to all.