Ever wonder where our most popular Christmas traditions stemmed? It wasn’t all created by the corporate conglomerates in an effort to take more of your money. Here’s where your favorite holiday activities come from and where to go if you want to travel straight to the source.
Christmas Trees in Wittenberg, Germany
The Germans are credited with the Christmas tree as we know it today, or at least the closest thing. While the tree tradition was created by German Christians in the 1500s, it was Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer of the same time period, who supposedly first added lighted candles to Christmas trees, the forerunner to today’s strands of lights. You can find his home, where he may have kicked the tradition off, in Wittenberg, Germany, near Berlin.
Santa Claus in Antalya, Turkey
Santa Claus descended from the original St. Nicholas, who was a Greek bishop living in modern-day Turkey. A myriad of miracles are attributed to St. Nicholas, including numerous resurrections, but the most popular story is of the saint throwing little bags of gold through windows so young girls would have a dowry and not be forced to become prostitutes. In some versions, he throws the gold down the chimney and, in one, he places the gold in a sock. Regardless, rumors have gone on as recently as this year that archaeologists found the remains of St. Nicholas at St. Nicholas Church in Antalya.
The Nativity in Bethlehem
Whether Christian or not, you’ve probably come across your fair share of Nativity scenes, Nativity-themed Christmas cards, Nativity-themed ornaments and Christmas Eve church services. For true believers, it all goes back to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Don’t expect a stable and a manger here, though. It’s a rather opulent church, as well as an array of convents, bell towers and terraced gardens.
Christmas Gifts in Cologne, Germany
Back to Germany for this one, but maybe not for the reason you think. Everyone swaps Christmas gifts during the season, but the tradition stems from religion once again — particularly the Three Wise Men who appeared at the birth of Christ. While they came bearing gold, frankincense and myrrh, the country of origin is debated. However, they now rest in Cologne, at the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral (at least that’s how the story goes).
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