It is common in many parts of the world for town squares and consumer shopping areas to sponsor and display decorations. Rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. In some countries, Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night. They were popularised by Saint Francis of Assisi from 1223, quickly spreading across Europe.
“Deck the Halls” dates from 1784, and the American “Jingle Bells” was copyrighted in 1857. In the 19th and 20th centuries, African American spirituals and songs about Christmas, based in their tradition of spirituals, became more widely known. An increasing number of seasonal holiday songs were commercially produced in the 20th century, including jazz and blues variations. In addition, there was a revival of interest in early music, from groups singing folk music, such as The Revels, to performers of early medieval and classical music. John Rutter has composed many carols including “All Bells in Paradise”, “Angels’ Carol”, “Candlelight Carol”, “Donkey Carol”, “Jesus Child”, “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol” and “Star Carol”.
Eventually, Christmas Day traditions spread beyond Europe to Latin and North America and other places around the world. In the Middle Ages, the word mass referred to a religious feast day in honor of a specific person. This is what’s referred to by the ending -mas, which is used in the names of Christian holidays. By far the most well-known holiday that uses this ending is Christmas, but there are others, including Candlemas and Michaelmas. Shop the Christmas Sale at Oriental Trading to find a large selection of Christmas decorations, plates and cups, gift bags, stocking stuffers, nativity scenes, gift boxes, gifts, toys and more at great prices.
In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, enslaved people were given temporary freedom and treated as equals. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could participate in the holiday’s festivities. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January.
Many of these party supplies, decorations and crafts make great gifts for winter holidays, parties and get-togethers. Deck the halls for the holiday season with the stunning greenery of the Starry Light collection. Well-crafted memory wire tips help these trees, wreaths and garlands hold their shape year after year. With options for every spot in your space, this collection makes it simple to pull your decor together for Christmas cheer. For a long time the celebration of Jesus’ birth was observed in conjunction with his baptism, celebrated January 6.
But due to its Cuyamaca Mountains location, the holiday time in Julian gets closer to that dream than most spots in Southern California. You’ll feel a nip in the air, sniff wood fires, and maybe catch a glimpse of snow capped mountains surrounding town. Our town loves to provide a Country Christmas atmosphere for our visitors. We’ve rounded up one-of-a-kind gifts for pet lovers, kids, couples and the whole family.
Early Christians celebrated the life of Jesus on a date considered equivalent to 14 Nisan on the local calendar. Because Passover was held on the 14th of the month, this feast is referred to as the Quartodeciman. All the major events of Christ’s life, especially the passion, were celebrated on this date.
There’s nothing sweeter for the holidays than baked goods, candy canes, and gingerbread. Bring your holiday to life with our candy inspired “Sweetest Season” Christmas tree decorations. We keep track of fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate.