As well as Christmas stockings there are many Christmas traditions that we Americans enjoy and, to some extent take for granted at Christmas time. These traditions have become second nature to us, but how did they become popular?
The tradition of sending Christmas cards started with the first Christmas-card maker, John Calcott Horsley, who began selling his homemade cards that could be sent to wish loved ones a merry Christmas via the newly modernised postal system. The cards were an overnight sensation and the US soon caught on, until the sending of Christmas cards became one of the favourite parts of the festive season.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is still around today but began back in Victorian times. However, the hanging of mistletoe in a room started way back with the Celtic and Teutonic people who believed the plant to have magic powers to increase fertility, heal wounds and keep evil spirits at bay.
The tradition of singing carols also originated in Philadelphia. Travelling musicians would move around the country visiting wealthy households and singing and playing hymns in return for a hot meal or money. This tradition has caught on across the Western world and is enjoyed by people of all ages.As well as Christmas stockings there are many Christmas traditions that we Americans enjoy and, to some extent take for granted at Christmas time. These traditions have become second nature to us, but how did they become popular?
The tradition of sending Christmas cards started with the first Christmas-card maker, John Calcott Horsley, who began selling his homemade cards that could be sent to wish loved ones a merry Christmas via the newly modernised postal system. The cards were an overnight sensation and the US soon caught on, until the sending of Christmas cards became one of the favourite parts of the festive season.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is still around today but began back in Victorian times. However, the hanging of mistletoe in a room started way back with the Celtic and Teutonic people who believed the plant to have magic powers to increase fertility, heal wounds and keep evil spirits at bay.
The tradition of singing carols also originated in Philadelphia. Travelling musicians would move around the country visiting wealthy households and singing and playing hymns in return for a hot meal or money. This tradition has caught on across the Western world and is enjoyed by people of all ages.