Got a special family tradition that makes the season extra merry? ✨

 

Drew sat down with storyteller Ace Collins to spill the tea on how some of our most beloved Christmas traditions got started. It’s a sleigh ride through history that’ll make you appreciate that tree in your living room a little more. 🎄

 

Christmas Trees: From Eden to Your Living Room

 

Did you know? Christmas trees weren’t always the cozy, twinkly centerpiece of our homes.

 

Origins: Back in the day, they were "Creation Trees" set up outdoors by the Catholic Church in Eastern Europe to represent the Garden of Eden.

 

Winter Warriors: In Scandinavia, evergreens were a symbol of life when everything else was frosty. Christian missionaries like Boniface flipped the script and made them symbols of faith that never dies.

 

Indoor Evolution: By the 1500s, Latvians said, "Let’s bring the party inside!" They even hung their trees upside down for a while: practical or just weird? You decide. 😅

 

🍭 Deck the Halls: What’s the Deal With All the Decorations?

 

Tree Bling: Back then, people used handmade goodies like straw wreaths. Pinterest moms would’ve thrived. 😍

 

Colorful Ornaments: Germans jazzed things up with glass ornaments in faith-filled colors:

 

🔴 Red = Christ’s blood

 

⚪ White = Purity

 

🟡 Gold = Divine Light

 

Wreath Goals: Those circles of evergreen? They’re all about eternal life. Add some red ribbons for Christ’s sacrifice, and voila: a mini sermon on your door.

 

✨ Let There Be Light!

 

Candles to Twinkles: They started with candles (yikes for fire hazards), but electric lights took over after WWII. Now we’ve got lights that sync to music!

 

Fake It ‘Til You Make It: The first artificial trees popped up in New York in the 1880s, made from feathers: because apparently, the demand for real trees was nuts.

 

🎶 What’s Christmas Without Music and Mirth?

 

Traditions may evolve, but the heart of Christmas is timeless. From singing carols to baking Jesus a birthday cake (yes, this is a thing and it’s awesome), there’s something beautiful about keeping it simple. 🎂✨

 

No matter what your traditions look like, remember this: Christmas decorations, trees, and all those little touches are more than just pretty: they’re reminders of hope and faith in a chaotic world.

 

So, what’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Share it!

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Got a special family tradition that makes the season extra merry? ✨
&nbsp;
Drew sat down with storyteller Ace Collins to spill the tea on how some of our most beloved Christmas traditions got started. It&rsquo;s a sleigh ride through history that&rsquo;ll make you appreciate that tree in your living room a little more. 🎄
&nbsp;
Christmas Trees: From Eden to Your Living Room
&nbsp;
Did you know? Christmas trees weren&rsquo;t always the cozy, twinkly centerpiece of our homes.
&nbsp;
Origins: Back in the day, they were "Creation Trees" set up outdoors by the Catholic Church in Eastern Europe to represent the Garden of Eden.
&nbsp;
Winter Warriors: In Scandinavia, evergreens were a symbol of life when everything else was frosty. Christian missionaries like Boniface flipped the script and made them symbols of faith that never dies.
&nbsp;
Indoor Evolution: By the 1500s, Latvians said, "Let&rsquo;s bring the party inside!" They even hung their trees upside down for a while: practical or just weird? You decide. 😅
&nbsp;
🍭 Deck the Halls: What&rsquo;s the Deal With All the Decorations?
&nbsp;
Tree Bling: Back then, people used handmade goodies like straw wreaths. Pinterest moms would&rsquo;ve thrived. 😍
&nbsp;
Colorful Ornaments: Germans jazzed things up with glass ornaments in faith-filled colors:
&nbsp;
🔴 Red = Christ&rsquo;s blood
&nbsp;
⚪ White = Purity
&nbsp;
🟡 Gold = Divine Light
&nbsp;
Wreath Goals: Those circles of evergreen? They&rsquo;re all about eternal life. Add some red ribbons for Christ&rsquo;s sacrifice, and voila: a mini sermon on your door.
&nbsp;
✨ Let There Be Light!
&nbsp;
Candles to Twinkles: They started with candles (yikes for fire hazards), but electric lights took over after WWII. Now we&rsquo;ve got lights that sync to music!
&nbsp;
Fake It &lsquo;Til You Make It: The first artificial trees popped up in New York in the 1880s, made from feathers: because apparently, the demand for real trees was nuts.
&nbsp;
🎶 What&rsquo;s Christmas Without Music and Mirth?
&nbsp;
Traditions may evolve, but the heart of Christmas is timeless. From singing carols to baking Jesus a birthday cake (yes, this is a thing and it&rsquo;s awesome), there&rsquo;s something beautiful about keeping it simple. 🎂✨
&nbsp;
No matter what your traditions look like, remember this: Christmas decorations, trees, and all those little touches are more than just pretty: they&rsquo;re reminders of&nbsp;hope and faith in a chaotic world.
&nbsp;
So, what&rsquo;s your favorite Christmas tradition? Share it!
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.