By Valerie Ortiz, MS, RDN
Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, Santa Claus plays the pivotal role. Christmas is celebrated on December 25.
Roman Catholic churches celebrate the first Christmas mass at midnight, and Protestant churches have increasingly held Christmas candlelight services late on the evening of December 24.
There is some uncertainty about the precise date and origin of the tradition of the Christmas tree, it appears that fir trees decorated with apples were first known in Strasbourg in 1605. The first use of candles on such trees is recorded by a Silesian duchess in 1611. Toward the end of the 18th century the practice of giving gifts to family members became well established. In most European countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24, in keeping with the notion that the baby Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. The morning of December 25, however, has become the time for the exchange of gifts in North America. 3
Try this Christmas Salad4 for a healthy Christmas side dish.
References
- Hanukkah. Britannica.com. Updated November 30, 2021. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
- This Hanukkah-Inspired Greek Salad With Feta Croutons Is so Good It Definitely Won’t Last 8 Days. Well+Good.com. Publisjed December 10, 2020. Accessed December 12,2021. https://www.wellandgood.com/greek-salad-recipe/.
- Christmas. Britannica.com. Updated October 25, 2021. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas
- Christmas Salad. Food Network.com. Published 2019. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/christmas-salad-7592308.
