Computing Corner

If you ask an American what their favorite calendar holiday is, most will say the Christmas holiday. It is not just celebrated as Christian holiday, honoring the birth of Jesus. Many non- religious American’s celebrate Christmas as a cultural festival; representing ancient Roman solar festivals. America celebrates the holiday on December 25th.

Christmas History in America:

Of course, Christmas celebration dates back to the very first colonial settler’s. Many of them brought their native homeland Christmas traditions to their new their home. Many of the Puritans did not approve of the holiday, and wrote a Christmas ban into their laws. For example, Christmas was outlawed from 1659-1681 in Boston. However, residents in other states could celebrate Christmas openly. The first Christmas trees and nativity scenes in America were put up by the Moravians in Bethlehem.

After the American Revolution, Christmas history continued but was not accepted by many states and communities. It was considered an English custom…not an American one. At this time, most people wanted to distance themselves from anything English. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that English and American tensions dwindled.

Writers such as William Winstanly and Charles Dickens worried that the Christmas holiday and traditions would be lost to America forever. Charles Dickens’s 1843 book, “A Christmas Carol,” changed how American’s viewed Christmas. It reinvented Christmas from a traditional English celebratory holiday… to a season for family unity, consideration, kindness, and goodwill.

The creative writing of Washington Irving and Clement Clarke Moore were also instrumental in reviving Christmas, and cementing it as an American holiday. Irving's writing told of the Christmas traditions that were altruistic; by centering upon compassion, peace, and harmony. The practices described by these author’s paved the path for the modern American tradition’s. These author’s, among others, can be attributed with “saving” Christmas.

Gift exchange was made popular by the poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” Some writers did not appreciate the shift in the “meaning of Christmas.” For example, Harriet Beecher Stowe included a character in her book, "The First Christmas in New England," that complained about the meaning of Christmas being lost in shopping sprees.

Ulysses S. Grant declared Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. However, Christmas was already a solid part of the American economy. Businesses thrived from the adopted American tradition of gift exchange.

Nearly all of the “Christmas figures” such as: Santa Claus, Rudolph, elves, etc.. were all created by the American literary or artistic community. For example, the Santa Claus concept was created by, Thomas Nast, in 1863. It evolved over the next 60+ years; until becoming the jolly faced, bearded, obese, red suit wearing character- that we see today.

Modern Christmas Holiday:

Today, we see an array of adopted Christmas traditions; most of which originated in other countries, but became “American.” For example, the Christmas tree was introduced to America by German immigrants. Over time the Christmas tree became a staple for every household celebrating Christmas. It is adorned with lights, angels, personalized ornaments, globes, garland, holly, mistletoe, streamers, etc. The Macy’s Thanksgiving parade ends with a Santa float; symbolizing the end of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season. This may account for the next tradition. Many people put their Christmas tree up after their Thanksgiving meal. First Lady Grace Coolidge oversaw the first “National Christmas tree” in 1923. It was erected on the Ellipse in Washington.

The Christmas holiday has expanded to include multiple novelties; some of which are the: stocking, bell, wreath, candy cane, Christmas carol, star, snow, gingerbread house, snowman, sleigh, reindeer, candles, Christmas village, outdoor light and nativity scene decoration, angel, Christmas card, etc..

Another party of Christmas history has been dubbed, “black Friday.” This is because retail sale’s come from the red (low profits) to the black (high profits.)The Friday after Thanksgiving “black Friday” is typically the largest shopping day in America. This marks the unofficial start of the race to get Christmas gift’s. American’s typically exchange Christmas gifts with family, friends, co-workers, etc.. Some American’s contribute a gift to org’s, like “gifts for tots.” There are multiple agencies that collect gifts for the underprivileged.

Like most other American Christmas traditions, Christmas card's originated in London, but found their way into American tradition by 1875. American Christmas cards are sent as a sentimental offering. They often contain bible verse or the standard: “Happy Holiday‘s” or “Wishing You A Merry Christmas.”

Many American’s participate in the reinvented Christmas traditions, but also include the Christian meaning of Christmas. Others, simple continue to celebrate it as a purely festive occasion.