Keeping Christ in Christmas

Christmas. A time filled with traditions and symbols, found in decorations, singing of carols, gift-giving, and so forth. It can seem challenging to keep the "Christ" in Christmas, but a look at the history of Christmas and the symbolism can help us to keep the proper perspective:

Have your ever wondered about the "12 Days of Christmas"? That carol, with the partridge in a pear tree, two turtledoves... well, I won't labor you with the entire list, but hopefully you remember. Anyhow... the Catholic Information Network describes the carol as "An Underground Catechism".

(12/29/2004 Update to the above: Snopes.com reports that as an urban legend. Shucks.)

Also, more comprehensive sites delve into the Symbols, Customs, and Traditions of Christmas. At that site there is even a link to take the Christmas Quiz to find out how much you learned. Finally, someone has prepared a Christmas Symbols Unit Study that can not only be used to instruct children but anyone who is interested in the symbolism of Christmas.

Whether the intent of the various symbols was to point back to the true meaning or not, we are not without reason to keep Christ in Christmas.

Update: Jen has some ideas on the True Meaning of Christmas. I couldn't find a permalink, so you'll have to find it yourself. It's her 12/18/2002 11:06 AM post.