| The Birth of Christmas Traditions | | | | created by the writer Clement Moore in his poem, A |
| Throughout history, Christmas has been celebrated by | | | | Visit from St. Nicholas. The commercialization of |
| different cultures in diverse ways. In ancient Babylon | | | | Christmas started to take place around World War II |
| and Egypt, there were mid-winter festivals that | | | | when people had to shop far in advance to get gifts |
| honored the ancient gods. The Romans celebrated | | | | to soldiers overseas in time for the holiday. Thus, the |
| Saturnalia, a festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of | | | | extended Christmas shopping season was born. An |
| peace and plenty. During this festival, which ran from | | | | even more modern tradition is sending Christmas |
| December 17th to December 24th, public gathering | | | | e-Cards with Christmas photos of the family. This is a |
| places were decorated with flowers and gifts and | | | | great way to reach out and communicate with friends |
| candies were exchanged amongst slaves and | | | | about the changes in your family and spread holiday |
| masters. In Scandinavia, a period of celebration known | | | | cheer from everyone. Some families even put |
| as Yule was held each winter at the end of the | | | | humorous touches on the Christmas photos by |
| growing season. During this time, the population feasted | | | | dressing the family dog up in antlers! |
| on the summer's bounty. The Celtic culture of the | | | | The Latest Christmas Tradition Ringtones Era |
| British Isles revered all green plants as symbols of | | | | By far the most recent Christmas tradition is |
| fertility and contributed celebrations revolving around | | | | downloading Christmas ringtones to a cell phone. |
| the decoration of homes with mistletoe and holly. New | | | | Whether you're downloading a classic carol like "Deck |
| Christmas customs appeared in the Middle Ages. The | | | | the Halls" sung by The Platters or a more |
| most prominent of these was the carol. By the 14th | | | | contemporary, funky piece like James Brown's "Funky |
| Century, such Christmas songs had become | | | | Christmas Millennium" you can't help but feel festive |
| associated with the religious observance of the birth of | | | | every time you hear Christmas ringtones on your cell |
| Christ. In Italy, a tradition developed of re-enacting the | | | | phone. Having Christmas ringtones on your cell phone |
| birth of Christ and the construction of nativity scenes. | | | | is also a good reminder that you have a long |
| The tradition of celebrating Christmas by decorating an | | | | Christmas list and need to get out there shopping. It's |
| indoor tree was established by Queen Victoria of | | | | also a great way to spread the spirit of the season |
| England, while the author Charles Dickens popularized | | | | amongst friends and co-workers and let them know |
| the idea of having a Christmas feast through his | | | | that you are no Grinch! |
| writing. | | | | Whatever Christmas traditions you choose to |
| Modern Customs Christmas Photos and e-Cards | | | | embrace, you can be content in the knowledge that |
| There are also many Christmas traditions that have | | | | each has a distinctive history and a special meaning to |
| developed in modern times. The modern American | | | | many people. |
| conception of Santa Claus as a secular figure was | | | | |