Winter 2022 On Eagle's Wings

Reinventing Tradition It was only in the 19th century that Americans started to embrace Christmas, transforming it from a rowdy festival into a wholesome holiday of tranquility and nostalgia. In 1819, American author Washington Irving created tales of a wealthy English landowner who invited his workers for dinner with him. As Irving fancied the idea of people of all backgrounds and social status gathering for a festive holiday, he penned a story that reminisced about forgotten Christmas traditions that were reintroduced by this affluent landowner. With the popularity of his stories, the newfound spirit of Christmas began to take hold in the hearts of the American public.

practices, the holiday offers something – be it religious or not – for everyone who celebrates it. All over the globe, people have embraced Christmas and created their own traditions along the way.

If you’re in Singapore on Christmas Eve, it could be admiring the Christmas lights along Orchard Road with loved ones. If you’re in the United States, a group of carolers might visit your home to serenade you. If you’re on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, it could be fun-loving neighbors dressed in comical Santa costumes going door to door until people can guess who they are. In every country, food is the highlight of Christmas. In Ukraine, zealous diners savor a 12-course meal, each course symbolizing an apostle. In Japan, rather than gathering around the table for a turkey dinner, families head out to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken. In Poland, the Christmas carp featured during dinner is often kept in the family bathtub for days before its debut on a plate.

Not too long after in 1843, English author Charles Dickens published the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol . The story’s message – the importance

of charity and compassion towards all people – struck a powerful chord withmany in the United States and England.

As Christmas rose in popularity as a family- centered holiday among Americans, old traditions were rediscovered, along with the creation of new customs, such as gift-giving, decorating trees and sending holiday cards. Celebrations Around the World Though Christmas has religious origins, it has also become a secular and increasingly commercialized holiday. This concern is not new; according to historian Lisa Jacobson, people have complained about the excessive commercialization of Christmas ever since its modern incarnation in the mid-19th century. Nevertheless, with its diverse customs and

While celebratory customs differ from country to country, the essence of the Christmas spirit is the same nomatter where you are. Regardless of spiritual beliefs, Christmas is a lovely time to get together with family and friends, be it through meals, gifts, or simply spending quality time together. It is a time when we can express our care and love for our loved ones, and arguably, the most wonderful time of the year.

6 THE AMERICAN CLUB SINGAPORE