16 days: Christmas’ History in America

In the year 1620, pilgrims boarded ships to take them to a new land. America. With them they carried our history, our hopes, and our fears. These things shaped how our ancestors approached this new land. What laws they choose and what traditions.

          At the start, settlements chose not to celebrate Christmas. During a time when the Orthodox church was focused on puritan beliefs, and the rift between the wealthy and the poor was extremely vast- Christmas was canceled.

          As Oliver Cromwell and his followers led a revolt against decadence in England, some settlers in America were choosing to do without Christmas. While Caption John Smith of Jamestown, reported Christmas celebration, Boston chose to outlaw the holiday. In addition, anyone who was seen exhibiting any signs of Christmas Spirit, were fined 5 shillings.

           Christmas slowly found its way into the traditions of America, and Boston even repealed the law of no Christmas. But this Christmas is not we think of today. The Carnival and free-for-all style was vastly different from the holiday we celebrate today.

          At the start of the 19th century, our country underwent a transformative period. Our social classes were still vastly different, to the point that there was the Christmas Riot in New York, 1828. In response to this riot the New York City Council created the first police force.

          America knew a change was needed, and it started with how people approached Christmas. Inspired by Washington Irving’s The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent. and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, as a country we shifted the meaning of Christmas. Rather than a Mardi Gras style holiday, we transitioned to a family and friends orientated holiday.

          On June 26, 1870 Christmas became a federal holiday. Then over the next hundred years, America reshaped the Christmas holiday to match the country we were becoming. We watched the immigrants who came to the new land and choose from their cultures, until we had created our own holiday.

          I write the history of our country and Christmas as an example to you. Just as America spent over a hundred years crafting a holiday that worked for them, you have the ability to craft a life that works for you.

Examples of the customs America assimilated:

  • England – Christmas Cards & Caroling
  • Mexico – Poinsettia plant= Christmas colors
  • Germany – Christmas Tree
  • Sweden – Light
  • The Celts – Mistletoe

          America was named the land of opportunity. The opportunity to live the life we desire. To take what works for us and leave the rest. To manifest a life that will bring us joy and happiness. Aren’t we lucky! 

Your Daily Dose of Christmas:

Click here for more on the history of Christmas.

Click here for more on Christmas traditions around the world.  

Christmas Song: Christmas Can’t Be Far Away            by, Burl Ives

Christmas Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

Daily Affirmation:

  • “I create a world that supports and loves me.”  
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