"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ―Norman Vincent Peale
Christmas is known mostly as a religious celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Although the actual birth date of Christ is unknown, the Catholic Church proclaimed December 25th as the official date in 336.
Today, Christmas is still celebrated by many as a religious event and simply as a holiday with time for gatherings and gifts. Regardless, it is a festive time of great celebration.
One might wonder how Christmas evolved into the giving of gifts? Some believe it began with the gift of Jesus to the world, some think it as an example of the Three Wise Men, and others believe it was from earlier years of the pagan celebration for the winter solstice.
Our present tradition may be traced back to Saint Nicholas and his anonymous giving of gold to a poor man and his daughters. As stories go with time, different versions emerged until in 1823 when Dr. Clement Clarke Moore wrote “T’was the Night before Christmas” for his children, followed by Charles Dickens "Christmas Carol" in 1843, and in 1849 with the song ”Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.”
And so we have it; St Nicholas delivers gifts to the kids with the help of Ghosts and Reindeers. The story and celebrations evolve as we expand into an even larger season of giving.
Today, there are many forms of celebration, but nearly all of them circle around the idea of giving someone a gift to show they care. This is usually in a form of song, food, toys, or just a gathering of friends and family.
Whatever the gift, it always brings energy and laughter. And when there are no gifts, there are many others who look for those without, and share what they can. It warms the hearts of those who give as much as those who receive. It brings hope that for one day we can forget all the ugliness, and be filled with joy and gratitude.
May you have the best the holiday season and a Merry Christmas with abundance and fond memories of family and friends.
And from my world, I wish you a joyous celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tony Ratchford, Broker for KW Realty Sioux Falls, CRS, ABR, SRES, Luxury Homes Institute Member
