12 Christmas myths you didn’t realise were false
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year and start to enjoy the festive season, it’s time to set the record straight on some false Christmas myths you may have heard of. From when Jesus was born to where the Christmas tree came from, here are 12 false Christmas myths you didn’t realise were false.
1) Jesus was not born on Christmas day
The first Christmas myth is that Jesus Christ was not born on Christmas day. This may be surprising as Christmas Day is supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The truth is no one knows the exact date he was born.
So why do we celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th? It’s likely due to the link with the winter solstice or Saturnalia. Saturnalia is an ancient Roman celebration of the god of Saturn. The Roman Catholic Pope Julius I degreed Christmas should be December 25th in the 330s AD.
2) Coca-Cola didn’t create the look of Santa Claus
The traditional red suit and white beard of Santa Claus are instantly recognisable and a signature festive icon. However, many believe Coca-Cola developed this look of Santa Claus for use in their advertising campaigns in the 1930s.
Well, it turns out that Santa Claus, as we know him, existed before Coca-Cola made Santa famous. Santa Claus has been depicted in red as early as the 19th Century (long before Cola-Cola even existed!). Cartoonist Thomas Nast created the modern attire we see Santa today in the 1870s.
3) Christmas trees were not always a part of Christmas
Putting up and decorating a tree at Christmas is a long-standing Christmas decoration that has been around for years. Because of this, many people believe there is a connection between Christmas trees and Jesus. The truth is, there is very little (if any) connection at all.
Evergreen trees were already around before the birth of Christ but didn’t become a festive decoration until the Renaissance period. German protestants would bring home trees and decorate them with festive items.
The tradition came to the UK when Prince Albert, who was German, imported the tradition. Since a postcard of the royal family decorating a tree circulated, the tradition caught on. Nowadays, we put Christmas lights, baubles, chocolates, and all sorts on our Christmas trees.
Want a real tree this year? Check out these tips for picking out the perfect Christmas tree
4) Jingle Bells had no connection to Christmas
We all know it. Whether you hate it or sing along, Jingle Bells is a popular Christmas song that. But did you know that initially, Jingle Bells had no connection to Christmas?
Originally published in 1857 under the title The One-Horse Open Sleigh, it is believed the song was intended to be sung by a school choir for Thanksgiving or as a drinking song. It was only around 10-20 years after publication that it became synonymous with Christmas.
5) Advent doesn’t begin on the fourth Sunday before Christmas
Advent is a Christian season for reflective preparation for Christ’s expected return in the Second Coming and Nativity. But for many of us, it means opening the doors to an advent calendar as you count down the days before Christmas (and some chocolate if you’re so inclined).
Many of us start Advent on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (December 3rd this year). However, the advent should technically begin on the 1st of December. That’s because advent should start on the nearest day to St Andrew’s Day.
However, this would mean Advent would fall on a different date each year. For simplicity, manufacturers created the idea that advent would begin on the fourth Sunday before Christmas instead.
6) Merry Xmas is not just a slang term for Merry Christmas
Do you say Merry Christmas or Merry Xmas? Whether wishing someone or writing it on a Christmas card, both are widely used as a festive greeting. Some people may be put off from using Merry Xmas, though, thinking it is irreligious or modern slang.
There is more behind Merry Xmas than a modern version of wishing someone a Merry Christmas. Believe it or not, Merry Xmas dates to the 15th century when it was used in ecclesiastical writings. Also, the X is the first letter of the Greek word Xριστóς, which means Christ.
7) Christmas Nativity isn’t wholly accurate
Every year, the nativity forms a part of the festive celebrations. Whether for Christians or at school, the story of Mary and Joseph is widely known. But the story of Jesus’ birth as we know it is not entirely and wholly accurate.
To begin with, it is unlikely Mary travelled with child on the back of a donkey. While donkeys may have been used for transporting belongings, it is more likely she would have travelled by horse or camel. The Bible does not mention what transport they used to get to Bethlehem.
8) Plenty of room in the guesthouse
Continuing with the nativity myths, we all know that the innkeeper turns away Mary and Joseph with no room at the inn. But was there? Was there an inn in the first place? Well, the answer to that is no.
The Bible does not mention anyone turning Mary and Joseph away because there was no room at the inn. It’s also likely that the so-called inn was, in fact, a guestroom. The Greek word kataluma is presumably mistranslated to inn when it should be guestroom. It’s all purely for dramatic effect to make an enticing story.
9) Away in a manger, but not in a stable
The climax of the nativity story is that Jesus is born in a manger inside a stable. While the manger part might be true, it almost certainly wasn’t inside a stable. The Bible does not mention Mary giving birth to Jesus in a stable. Where was he born? Who knows!
10) There were more than just 3 wise men
The Bible tells us that “when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east of Jerusalem.” How many wise men came bearing gifts is never explicitly stated, but it’s more than three.
The reason why three wise men came to be is due to the presents they came bearing: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. For all we know, there could have been 5, 10, or even 100 wise men that visited Jesus.
11) Good King Wenceslas?
You may know of Good King Wenceslas from the traditional carol of the same name. It tells the story of a Bohemian king who goes on a long, harsh journey to provide the poor with alms (money, food, etc.).
However, 2 of the 3 points of his title are not true. Yes, Wenceslas did exist. But he was no king. He wasn’t called Wenceslas, either. The only genuine part is his good intentions! His real name was Vaclav, and he had the title of duke (not king).
12) Boxing day
There are many myths surrounding Boxing Day. Because of the name, some people believe it has a connection to boxing. Others think it is related to boxing up presents to return or give away. But neither of these is true.
Boxing Day is a public holiday, like Christmas Day, on the second day of Christmastide. Traditionally, Boxing Day gained its name for giving presents to the poor. Nowadays, it’s a part of Christmas celebrations (aside from the Boxing Day sales!).
How many of these myths did you believe? With so many aspects of Christmas, it’s hardly surprising that there are myths and untruths. From the origins of Santa Claus to how we celebrate and put up the festive decorate, we hope our myth-busting helped put the record straight.
Want some more festive facts? Check out these 12 Christmas facts you may not know!