This practice recalls the ancient Christian liturgical notion that the celebration of Christmas, as well as that of Easter and of Pentecost, should last the entire week. The weeklong observance, however, was successively reduced to Christmas day and a single additional holiday on December 26. Christians and non-Christians participate in some of the most popular Christmas traditions, many of which have no origins in Christianity. These customs include decorating evergreen trees—or, in India, mango or bamboo trees; feasting ; and exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
The earliest extant specifically Christmas hymns appear in fourth-century Rome. Latin hymns such as “Veni redemptor gentium”, written by Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, were austere statements of the theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism. “Corde natus ex Parentis” (“Of the Father’s love begotten”) by the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. 413) is still sung in some churches today.
In Luke, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census, and Jesus is born there and laid in a manger. Angels proclaimed him a savior for all people, and shepherds came to adore him.
The holiday season in Julian also offers an opportunity to shop at small boutiques, without crowds or lines, for one-of-a-kind gifts. Glittering holiday décor adorns each area of the estate from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village, home to our cozy Village Hotel, four-star Inn, award-winning Winery, shops, and restaurants. With more than 100 decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, and an array of festive Christmas displays, you’ll want to linger longer to experience all that Christmas at Biltmore has to offer. If you usually stop decorating after hanging a Christmas wreath and putting up the tree, consider some of our Christmas products that make a big impact with little time or effort.
Whether you’re searching for the best deals on holiday decorations, trend-right home décor, gourmet treats, party supplies or great gifts…you’ll be thrilled to discover all this and more, in your store. I’ll Be Gnome for Christmas – find the perfect gnome ornaments, decorations, holiday mugs, and so much more in this fun-filled Christmas tree decor theme. Some celebrate it just to partake in its holiday fun or to spend time with family. Houses are decked out in colorful lights and beautifully decorated pine trees, the delicious smell of hot cocoa and spices fill the air — there’s nothing that quite tops the beautiful Christmas spirit.