Even as more modern traditions are enjoyed, the ones from childhood stay with us to make the magic of being a kid at Christmas last. Whilst commonly, parents dress up as Santa, Iona, 19, said; “every year me and my sisters rotate who plays Santa – one of us stays up late, puts on a Santa costume complete with itchy beard and hat too big for my pin-head, and fills everyone’s stockings and puts the presents under the tree.” This originated from her demanding to be in charge of Christmas, which was cute when she was five, and will almost definitely continue into her and her sister’s adulthood.
To this day, many kids (and adults) continue to receive Christmas stockings. Iona and her sisters have clambered onto their parents’ bed to open their stockings on Christmas morning since they could crawl and they will be doing so this year too. The tradition, originating in Germany and Scandinavia, started from children leaving their boots outside filled with sugar, carrots and straw for the Norse god Odin’s flying horse, Sleipnir. Which is also thought to be the origin of leaving snacks out for Santa and his reindeer.
Some traditions are shared across the world, the rip of the corrugated cardboard at seven in the morning is the universal declaration that it’s December. The only month that we all know for a fact what the date is – excluding the week between Christmas and New Years’ – because we’ve all searched for chocolate behind its door that morning. Developing from the first printed calendar produced in the early 20th Century, this tradition has only gained traction, resulting in current calendars being sold for upwards of £3k, I’m looking at you Dior. Frankly, calm down.
As the shelves in shops are turning red, sparkly, and expensive, it’s hard to resist melding into a blanket and whacking on a Christmas film or four. Whilst it’s a common, and encouraged, challenge to watch as many as possible in the space of the 24 days leading up to turkey day, a lot of people save a specially nominated film to watch on Christmas Eve with their families. According to a group of 19-25 year olds, the Christmas Eve classics have become; Polar Express, Elf, The Snowman, Home Alone, as well as one choosing to elect a new film every year.
Whilst some traditions are about family and time spent together, some are about the generosity of the festive period. Seren, a 20 year old Guide’s leader, takes her group to volunteer at teams 4 u packing shoeboxes for less privileged children to open at Christmas. “It’s quite grounding,” Seren said, the stories she hears about the children receiving their boxes – for some, their only possessions – makes her feel grateful and also gives the Guides perspective on what they have.
An early tradition that continues today is sending Christmas cards. They originated in 1843 when the first was printed by Sir Henry Cole, one of the founders of the Post Office. A number of people are choosing to donate the money they would spend on cards to charities. Sam, 51, said; “I’ve told my family I’ll be donating the money I’d have spent on cards to the homeless, they dont really need a card but the money could really make a difference to someone else.” This analysis of what we really do and don’t need, also leads into the environmental impact of some of our traditions. Reported by gov.uk, it’s estimated that one billion Christmas cards are thrown away every year which is the product of 33 million trees. Save the trees, send a text.
