What Is It About Christmas That We Love?
Oh, Christmas! The mere mention of it makes me want to sip on a hot chocolate, with marshmallows floating like little clouds in a mug, as the scent of pine wafts through the air. You too? I mean, what’s not to love about this time of year? The world seems to sprinkle a little extra magic everywhere. From twinkling fairy lights to the cinnamon-dusted everything, the smell in the air, the colours around us, it all changes and begins to look a lot like Christmas! But ever wonder why we’re so smitten with Christmas? Let’s unwrap this (pun intended) together, shall we?
The Charm of Traditions
Christmas traditions are like old friends. You meet them every year, and it’s as heartwarming as ever. Think about it: decorating the tree. It’s not just hanging ornaments; it’s reliving memories. That star on top? Oh, it’s basically the crown jewel, isn’t it?
Don’t you just adore how a group of people, often strangers, huddles together to sing Silent Night under a starlit sky? If you're anything like me, the off-key ones make it all the more delightful. Then there’s the ritual of leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. Admit it, even as an adult, the idea of sneaking a bite out of those cookies feels so... rebellious.
But hey, traditions aren’t static. They evolve. Some of us now have Netflix marathons of Home Alone instead of traditional church visits, but the spirit? Oh, it’s alive and thriving.
Folklore That Feels Like Magic
Ah, folklore. The stories that give Christmas its sparkle. Did you know that before Santa became a Coca-Cola mascot, he was a mysterious figure named St. Nicholas? Picture this: a kind-hearted bishop from what’s now Turkey, sneaking around to drop coins into the stockings of the needy. Sounds like the original Robin Hood, right?
Then there’s Krampus, the not-so-jolly counterpart of Santa. Legend says he’d scare naughty kids into behaving. Like, imagine Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” with a hint of run for your life! Europe, you’ve got some dark imagination, I tell you.
And how can we forget the Yule log? Nope, not the edible one (though those chocolate cakes are divine), but the one you burn. It’s a Nordic tradition that celebrates light, warmth, and hope. A metaphorical hug in the cold, if you will.
The Story of Santa Claus
Let’s talk about the star of the show: Santa Claus. Here’s a question—do you remember the moment you found out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he? (Either way, who wouldn’t want thoughtful gifts on Christmas when they wake up)
Santa’s story is like a snowball. It’s grown bigger and brighter over centuries. From St. Nicholas, the generous bishop, to the Dutch Sinterklaas who arrived in New York, the man in red evolved. By the 1820s, Clement Clarke Moore penned ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, giving Santa his reindeer sleigh and chimney-diving abilities. Then Coca-Cola added a splash of red to his outfit in the 1930s, and voilà, we have the Santa we all know and love today.
But what makes Santa magical? It’s not just the gifts (although, let’s be real, they’re a big part of it). It’s the belief. The sheer joy of waking up to surprises under the tree. The letters were sent to the North Pole. The cookies were half-eaten by morning. It’s that childlike faith that even when the world gets chaotic, a jolly old man might just make it better.
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas and We Love It!
Ultimately, Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a feeling. It’s the nostalgia of childhood, the comfort of togetherness, and the hope for something magical. Even if it’s just a break from the mundane. It’s the only time of year when it’s socially acceptable to wear glittery sweaters with big bows on them, binge on fruitcake (okay, maybe not fruitcake), and believe that reindeer can fly. It’s that time of the year when we recall all the names of Santa’s reindeer. You know there’s Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen. But do you recall the most famous of all? Dum-da-dum-dum-dum- Rudolph the red nose reindeer… Oh, what a lovely Carol!
So, dear reader, let’s embrace it all. Christmas is not just a festival. It is a culmination of famous folklore, magic, stories, cozy movies with families, gifts, quirky traditions, and the ever-charming Santa. Christmas, in all its glittery, cinnamon-scented glory, reminds us of one thing- the world is still full of magic if only we look for it.
Now, pass me the eggnog. Cheers! 🎄
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Esha is a literature student. All she does is jump from one story to another, taking leaps into the many worlds she has created for herself via books, movies, and art. Inspired by Wellington Wimpy, you can easily catch her eating a burger somewhere.
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