New Yule: Some Customs Not Too Old

In history's terms, many holiday traditions haven't been around all that long.

It was only about 150 years ago, notes Clemson University English professor Jim Andreas, that England's Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert started the practice of sending Christmas cards.

The Christmas tree first appeared in Germany in the 19th century and was probably introduced by Albert, a German, to English and American celebrants.

The exchange of gifts also began in the 19th century, though Christmas boxes and wrappings may go back to the third or fourth centuries, when they were used as gratuity boxes given to apprentices and the poor — who carried them about in hopes of getting food, money and gifts.

The importance of holly as a Christmas decoration also goes back to the third or fourth centuries, Andreas says. Its leaves and thorns were thought to symbolize the mock crown worn by Christ during his crucifixion, and the berries symbolized drops of blood.

For centuries, people have used holly to decorate as a way of bringing greenery, and its promise of spring, into their homes in the dead of winter.

Saint Nick has been around since the Middle Ages, in the tradition of a monk called St. Nicholas, who gave out presents to needy children.

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