Christmas Symbols and Meanings

It is the time of year where we see lots of Christmas symbols everywhere so it got me to wondering what these all mean.  I have compiled a small list and hope you all find this interesting and enjoyable!

HOLLY:  The holly bush represents immorality, a trait that God has given to each human being. As a Christmas symbol, the red holly berry represents Christ’s blood.

FRUIT: People give fruit baskets as gifts. Cranberry sauce is part of many Christmas meals. At the turn of the last century, good children would receive their only orange of the year as a Christmas gift.

MISTLETOE:  Mistletoe is a Christmas symbol of our love.

EVERGREENS:  As Christian Christmas symbols, evergreens symbolize perseverance and resiliency to adversity.    The Christmas tree represents the original Tree of Paradise.      

And, lastly, Saint Nicholas (SANTA CLAUS) was very generous to the poor, but most often anonymously. The most famous story concerns three young women whose destitute father was going to force them into prostitution in order to survive. To prevent this heinous crime, Nicholas, on three different nights, anonymously went to their father’s house and threw a bag of gold though an open window.  The bishop’s miter and fur trimmed red winter garments were corrupted into Santa’s outfit, while Saint Nicholas’s generosity was transferred to the “jolly old man” who delivers gifts anonymously on Christmas Eve.

So to all of my Christian friends, may the blessing of the holiday surround you, strengthen your faith and bring you peace.  To all of my secular and other spiritual friends, may you have great fun and enjoy being surrounded by family and friends during this wonderful Christmas time.

 “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” –   Calvin Coolidge