Christmas has been filled with many traditions, from decorating the Christmas tree to putting out milk and cookies for Santa. While the tradition of Christmas itself started as a religious holiday, originally as a pagan celebration of winter solstice followed by the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, in modern times, Christmas has transformed into a celebration of family and loved ones. While some of the religious undertones still exist, the focus has turned to spending time with who are close, giving presents, and making merry.

This shift in paradigm should not be considered a negative trend, but rather a direct correlation to the shift in humanities priorities. Rather than feeling a need to attend church and worship a deity on the holiday, people now are quite content to share some eggnog, watch the glowing smile on children’s faces, and be thankful for the elaborate Christmas gift basket they just received.

Even in countries like Japan where the Christian population is less than 1%, the nation as a whole has embraced the new Christmas spirit. While the day is not considered a national holiday, many family’s still find the time to enjoy a large traditional meal, while businesses offer major discounts on a wide selection of products. However, unlike America where a young man might court a dainty lady with a bouquet of Christmas flowers, in Japan, a decadent Christmas cake is shared between the two.

While the origins of the Christmas tree are based in pagan European history, the newer tradition of adorning homes with poinsettias was originated in the early 1900’s in southern California. Paul Ecke, the son of a flower farmer, noticed the bloom patterns of the plant and decided it would be perfect as a Christmas flower. With the help of his son and grandson, the Ecke’s worked to perfect growing and harvesting the special plant, and today, nearly every holiday festivity is accented by the colorful display of poinsettias.

However, poinsettias are not the only Christmas flower to be prominently displayed during the holidays. Due to the advances made by horticulturists and the wonders of greenhouse growing, carnations, lilies, tulips, and roses can now be enjoyed as additions to beautiful flower bouquets. When combined with a beautiful vase, a scented candle, or a handmade sculpture from a child, these flower arrangements bring an extra touch of warmth and coziness to any room.

Even though Christmas started as many separate holidays to celebrate the changing of the seasons by pagans, and was then modified to worship the birth of Jesus by the Christians, enjoying the festivities today does not detract from this versatile holiday’s true meaning: the joy and excitement of spending time with those you love. So send off those Christmas gift baskets, decorate the halls with poinsettias, and get ready for a delicious dinner, because Santa is on his way!