CHRISTMAS: A STORY MUCH OLDER THAN YOU THINK
Most of us think we know the story of Christmas, but the truth is that this celebration is far older than Christianity itself. It is a fascinating journey that begins not with a religion, but with a human response to the deepest darkness of winter.
The Prehistoric Origins of Survival
Our journey goes back 10,000 years, to a time before cities or nations. For ancient humans, winter was the most dangerous season, cold killed, food ran out, and darkness dominated. People watched the sun and the shadows with obsession. The Winter Solstice wasn't an abstract astronomical event, it was a signal of survival. When the midday shadow finally stopped growing and started to shrink, it meant the worst was over. Humans gathered, lit massive fires, and feasted on animals they couldn't afford to feed through the winter. These are the original ingredients of Christmas: light, food, community, and hope.
The Roman SATURNALIA
As civilization grew, Rome took these primitive rituals and turned them into an official festival called Saturnalia. During this week in December, the empire of rules and order was flipped upside down. Schools and courts closed, and for a few days, slaves were treated as masters while masters behaved like slaves. Rome understood something modern societies still apply: in hard times, people need a "social pressure valve" or they will revolt. Saturnalia institutionalized gift-giving and public joy, building the first "official" version of a winter festival.
The Strategy of December 25th
Historically, Jesus was likely born in the spring. We know this because the Gospels describe shepherds watching their flocks outdoors at night, something that never happened in the freezing Judean winter. Early Christians didn't even celebrate birthdays; they focused on the message and the resurrection. It wasn't until the 4th century, under Emperor Constantine, that Christianity merged with the Roman tradition. Instead of fighting the popular winter solstice celebrations, the Church simply relabeled them. The "Return of the Sun" became the "Birth of Christ." It was a genius move of cultural adaptation rather than deception.
The Surprising Secret of Santa Claus
The man we know as Santa started as a real 4th-century bishop in Turkey named Nicholas, famous for his secret generosity. As his legend moved into Northern Europe, he merged with pagan figures like the Norse god Odin, a bearded spirit who traveled the night sky. The Dutch brought "Sinterklaas" to America, where his name evolved into Santa Claus. Interestingly, his modern look wasn't standardised by religion, but by a 1930s Coca-Cola ad that locked in the image of the friendly, red-suited man we recognize today.
The Miracle of the Evergreens
The Christmas tree is another pre-Christian symbol. Long before Northern Europe was Christian, people brought evergreen branches into their homes during winter. In a world where everything turned brown and lifeless, these trees were perceived as a miracle, a sign of life that refused to die. They were originally decorated with candles and real apples. Over time, those spoiling apples were replaced by glass ornaments in Germany, which eventually became the plastic Christmas balls we use today.
A Living Tapestry of Human Culture
Christmas survives as a living tapestry, continuously weaving new traditions into its ancient roots. It is constantly evolving, preserving local traditions and making the holiday feel both deeply personal and universally shared across the globe.
In Catalonia, families have the Caga Tió, a wooden log that "poops" gifts when beaten with sticks.
In America, the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" tradition moved from 1980s sitcom jokes into a global competitive social phenomenon.
In Japan, a non-Christian country, millions of families celebrate by eating KFC, a tradition born entirely from a successful 1970s marketing campaign.
The Psychology of the Season
At its core, Christmas isn't just about theology, it’s about psychology. We are a species that evolved a need to create signals of safety in the dark. Light manufactures daylight when it is scarce, feasting signals that the group will protect you from hunger; gift-giving strengthens the social bonds that keep us alive. Whether you are celebrating a religious miracle or simply waiting for the sun to return, Christmas is the moment where we sit near the fire, stay close to those we love, and share hope for a better tomorrow.
MERRY CHRISTMAs AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We hope this season brings you happiness and joy. We are so grateful to have you in our community and want to thank everyone who supported us this year. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a great 2026 ahead!
Cheeeerssss
The Möels&Co Team