Christmas is generally “the happiest time of the year” for many people. Americans especially go all out around the holiday time. But do we really understand why we participate in the traditions? Where do they come from? What do they mean?

Most importantly, if nobody really knows the date of Jesus’ birth, why do we celebrate on Dec. 25? Many theories have been made and speculated over. Some people think that Mary found out she would birth Jesus on March 25. After a nine month pregnancy Jesus would’ve been born on Dec. 25.

Holiday festivities nearly always include a decorated Fir tree.  Again, many different theories exist, most take the form of a fable or legend. Some believe Martin Luther was the first to put the tree in his home for Christmas, and some think it was a man named St. Boniface. All the stories include a heroic act encouraging the Christmas spirit. Whatever the case, we know trees were used as decoration eons ago.

The gifts we so greedily look forward to on Christmas represent the presents the Wise Men gave Jesus: Frankincense, Myrrh and gold.

Santa Clause occupies the mind of every kid in America. He originated from a real person, St. Nicholas, who was known for his generosity. His reputation grew and grew until it was so blown out of proportion that he’s now considered a fictional character.

As a country, America embraces tradition, perhaps more than any other country. However, it’s easy to forget the reasons we celebrate!