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• Candles
represent light—
to light the way
for others.
• They were first
used as lights on
the Christmas
tree.
Poinsettia
• Angels are a
traditional part
of most religions.
• Some people like
to decorate
their homes and
trees with
angels.
Nutcrackers
• Nutcrackers can be
used as a tool to
open or crack nuts.
• Wooden figures
became popular in
the 16th century in
Europe.
• The soldier figure
is the most popular
figure.
Carols
• Caroling began in
medieval times when
people would sing and
dance. Early carols
weren’t considered holy
enough to sing inside a
church and so people
sung outside.
• Music is a special part
of the Christmas
season around the
world.
Stockings
• Mistletoe remains
green throughout
the year.
• It is a custom to
hang a piece of it in
a doorway and
people can kiss each
other while standing
under the mistletoe.
Food
• The tradition of
cookies began in Roman
times when people gave
sweet cakes to their
senators.
• Gingerbread houses
have been made since
the 1300’s.
• Hot wassail is a popular
drink at Christmas.
St. Nicholas
• In ancient Rome,
wreaths were
used as signs of
victory.
• There are two
kinds of holiday
wreaths—the
advent wreath
and decorative
wreath.
Holly
• Holly is a spiny-leafed
shrub with red berries
that remains green
throughout the year.
• Since pagan times it has
been a symbol that winter
would end.
• French and English
families hung holly over
their doors to symbolize
that their family
celebrated Christ’s birth.
Lights
• Lights represent
Jesus as the
“Light of the
World.”
• Lights also
represent
twinkling stars.
Gifts
• Gifts were
brought to the
baby Jesus by
the wise men.
• It has become a
tradition to
give gifts as
Christmas.
Nativity
• The nativity
represents the
birth of Jesus.
Animals are usually
part of a nativity
scene.
• The scene was first
created in 1224 by
St. Francis in Italy.
Sources
• http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chris
tmas/christmas-symbols/index.html
• http://z.about.com/d/homeschooling/
• Let’s Celebrate Christmas by Peter and Connie
Roop
• Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights: The Story
of the Christmas Symbols by Edna Barth