When you think of Dec. 25, you think of decorating, giving gifts, spending time with family and overall happiness; however, Christmas hasn’t always been the same, and some people get frightened during Christmas.
The first time the birth of Jesus was connected Dec. 25 was in the 4th century. Earlier celebrations around this time are thought to be from the Romans and other European festivals that marked the end of the harvest and the winter solstice. Although much of its history is unconfirmed, the holiday developed even further with the myth of St. Nicholas. The man who became St. Nicholas lived in the 4th century and is believed to have been a bishop in Asia Minor. Many traditions were attributed to him. Some countries even named him their patron saint, the protecting or guiding saint of a person or place. He also was considered the patron saint of children (for protecting them), sailors (who he saved at sea) and the poor (who he generously gave gifts to).
Even though Christmas did not start in Germany, many of the holiday's traditions began there, including decorating trees. In Germany, people honored the pagan god Odin, during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Odin. They believed he made flights through the sky to observe the people, to decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
The legend of the Krampus dates back centuries. Beginning in early December, the children of Germany would begin to hear whispers of a dark haired creature bearing horns and fangs, carrying a bundle of birch sticks used to swat naughty children. Although many states and countries celebrate Christmas now, the ways and traditions have evolved greatly over the years.
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