The Evolution of Christmas: The History of the Christian Holiday from the Birth of Jesus to Today
ISBN: 9781791382230
$9.99
*Includes pictures
*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading
“From the beginning, the Church´s hold over Christmas was (and remains still) rather tenuous. There were always people for whom Christmas was a time of pious devotion rather than carnival, but such people were always in the minority. It may not be going too far to say that Christmas has always been an extremely difficult holiday to Christianize.” - Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas
Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break.
Especially since the 20th century on, the days adjacent to the holiday have become an occasion to do big business. The winter season is the most solid stimulus for the economy - more than any fiscal package - since the incomes of families, spending, credit, and consumption in all productive sectors are significantly increased. In the United States alone, Christmas sales are estimated to generate $3 trillion.
This jubilee of consumption and purchase of goods and gifts is accompanied by a series of child-pleasing customs: a pine tree with lights and ornaments inside the homes; Christmas carol;, preparation of sweet meals and treats; the chubby figure of Santa Claus; and, to a lesser extent, Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.
*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading
“From the beginning, the Church´s hold over Christmas was (and remains still) rather tenuous. There were always people for whom Christmas was a time of pious devotion rather than carnival, but such people were always in the minority. It may not be going too far to say that Christmas has always been an extremely difficult holiday to Christianize.” - Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas
Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break.
Especially since the 20th century on, the days adjacent to the holiday have become an occasion to do big business. The winter season is the most solid stimulus for the economy - more than any fiscal package - since the incomes of families, spending, credit, and consumption in all productive sectors are significantly increased. In the United States alone, Christmas sales are estimated to generate $3 trillion.
This jubilee of consumption and purchase of goods and gifts is accompanied by a series of child-pleasing customs: a pine tree with lights and ornaments inside the homes; Christmas carol;, preparation of sweet meals and treats; the chubby figure of Santa Claus; and, to a lesser extent, Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.