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We do it every year -- hang the wreath, put up the tree, pile on the baubles, decorate the house with lights and pull out the Christmas napery.
Christmas is steeped in countless traditions, some of which have been around for centuries. Although many of these traditions originated with religious significance, they have since been assimilated into cross-cultural celebrations. Today, families of all faiths across the globe come together to commemorate Christmas with these traditions.
Each country has their own way to celebrate, and our Australian customs must surprise people in the northern hemisphere. How do they cope with the idea of seafood on Christmas day, an afternoon at the beach, a bar-b-que, Carols by Candlelight, and the boxing day test? All our outdoor activities must seem strange at a time of the year when many countries are blanketed in snow.
Every tradition starts somewhere, and you may already have a lot of family traditions or routines. It may be cooking a favourite meal, cookies to bake, singing Christmas carols, or trimming the tree together but it’s always fun to try something new – and if it’s a success – you can look forward to including it in 12 months’ time. That’s how family traditions start. When you look back on Christmas – what is it that you remember most? It’s not always the gifts that families and friends remember the most but the Christmas traditions they look forward to and do year after year that make the biggest impressions and the longest-lasting memories.
Let’s look at some of the things we do each December and delve into the history of where it all started.
The Christmas Tree
The practice of bringing evergreens inside during the winter season originated in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans, with Germans often credited with starting the tradition of the Christmas tree. As part of the process, trees were pruned by cutting off branches to make them more uniform in shape or to fit into a room. The removed branches were then often used to create wreaths.
Although we refer to them as "Christmas" trees, the use of decorative evergreens predates the celebration of Christmas. Evidence suggests that the tradition of adorning homes with evergreen boughs during the winter solstice goes back as far as ancient Egyptian times. Therefore, the concept of bringing nature inside during the colder months is not a new one.
There’s nothing quite like the scent of a fresh pine tree to signal the start of Christmas celebrations each year.
The Wreath
These stunning Christmas decorations have a fascinating history dating back to the 8th century BC. Laurel, ivy, olive leaves, oak, wheat, and vines were all used to create wreaths in ancient times, with Etruscan rulers wearing them as crowns. In ancient Rome and Greece, wreaths symbolized a person's accomplishments or status, and were often hung on doors to signify victory.
The term "wreath" originates from the Old English word "writhen," meaning "to writhe" or "to twist." The first Christmas wreaths were crafted from evergreen branches that were bent or twisted into a large circle, which were then embellished with pinecones.
Welcome your guests, and the spirit of Christmas into your home with a large wreath on the door.
Spread that holiday spirit a little further and buy an extra wreath as a gift for someone you love!
Baubles
Baubles are a simple symbol of Christmas, but why do we put them on our trees and where did they originate? It is believed that Christmas ornaments originated in 16th-century Germany. The earliest ornaments were quite different from those we use today and included apples, white candy canes, berries, and cookies in various shapes. Glass baubles were first produced in Lauscha, Germany by Hans Greiner in the late 1590s. He crafted garlands of glass beads that could be hung on trees. The popularity of these glass decorations grew, and more skilled artisans started making them. In December, Germany's spectacular Christmas markets showcase their dedication and love for Christmas and all the decorations that we cherish.
Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, a native of Germany brought some of his traditions with him, including glass baubles and ornaments. In the late 1840s, an image was published of Queen Victoria and her family gathered around a beautifully decorated tree. This simple image played a significant role in the popularity of Christmas decorations. Lauscha's ornaments were exported all over Europe, and local American businesses saw a commercial possibility.
During the 1890s, in the United States Woolworths was a major retailer of German-imported ornaments made of lead and hand-blown glass. These ornaments were hugely popular, and Woolworths sold approximately $25 million worth of them. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $814 million today.
We still love the simple bauble – the colour, the shine, the size, the glitter – whatever attracts us - there’s always room for one more on the tree! If you’re not putting up a tree – fill a large glass vase, hang them in front of a window or use them as a table decoration.
History of the Christmas Bonbon
One of the most cherished Christmas traditions that has brought joy to generations is the Christmas bonbon. Its origins can be traced back to Tom Smith, a London sweetmaker, who is credited with creating the first bonbons in 1846. Inspired by the French bonbon sweets, which were sugar-coated almonds wrapped in decorative paper, Tom Smith added his own touch by including a small motto or riddle. However, this initial version did not gain much popularity.
Legend has it that one evening, while Tom Smith was throwing logs onto the fire, he was captivated by the crackling sounds and sparks. This sparked an idea in his mind, leading him to invent a bonbon that incorporated a cracker. Thus, the bonbon we know today was born. While delving into the history of the Tom Smith company, it was discovered that he purchased the recipe for the "bangers" from a firework company. However, the inspiration may still have originated from the sparks emanating from his own fire, making for a captivating tale.
In 1861, Tom Smith unveiled his new collection, which he aptly named 'Bangs of Expectation'! Following the passing of Tom Smith, his three sons—Tom Jr., Walter, and Henry—assumed control of the family cracker business. Walter, one of the sons, introduced the concept of including hats inside the bonbons and even embarked on a global journey to find inspiration for the gifts to be included. The business thrived and continues to flourish to this day.
Contemporary bonbons are typically cylindrical tubes covered in pretty coloured paper, often adorned with ribbons. When the bonbons are pulled, they produce a delightful "crack" sound, revealing a hat, joke, and novelty item inside, adding to the festive cheer.
Each year we design our range of bonbons, and their popularity never wanes – they sell out quickly. This year we’ve also designed our “do it yourself” bonbon – called Party Favours. They’re easy to assemble and you can choose what you want to put inside – that can be a lot of fun and laughs when they’re pulled! Don’t forget to include a joke or riddle!
