The ancient story of light, the Winter Solstice, Saint Nicholas, and the most misunderstood abbreviation in Christmas
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas on December 25? Or whether “Xmas” is just a modern shortcut that takes Christ out of Christmas?
Most of us follow these traditions without ever being taught where they came from. I love learning the secret histories behind our beliefs and traditions, and when I researched this one, it blew my mind.
When Did We Start Celebrating?
Long ago, people watched the days grow darker until the winter solstice on December 21, the longest night of the year in the north. Then they celebrated as each day stayed light a little longer, promising the return of warmth and life. Because Christians called Jesus the Light of the World, they chose to celebrate his birth on December 25, alongside ancient traditions welcoming the return of light and hope to earth. People honored Saint Nicholas on his feast day, December 6, remembering his secret gifts and care for children. Over many years, winter solstice traditions, celebrations of Jesus’s birth, and stories of Saint Nicholas blended together. They shaped Christmas into a season of light, miracles, new beginnings, generosity, and gratitude.
Why the Greek Word “Xmas” Isn’t What You Think
Even Xmas has ancient origins. The Greek word for Christ, Christos (Χριστός), begins with chi (Χ), so Xmas has been used to mean Christmas for centuries.
Want the rest of the secret histories?
This is one of the hidden origins I share in The True Story of Santa Claus. The book answers the question every parent eventually faces, “Is Santa real?”, with the true story of Nikolaos, the boy who became Saint Nicholas and inspired centuries of secret giving. In the back, you’ll also find the origins of flying reindeer, elves, red robes, the North Pole, stockings, chimneys, trees, wreaths, and lights.
I wrote it for my own kids, so we could keep the magic alive in our home instead of losing it.
A free way to put the story into action
Saint Nicholas is remembered on December 6 for his secret gifts and care for children. You can start that tradition with your own kids today. I made a free printable, the Miracle Maker, that walks kids through planning their own secret act of kindness. It includes a planning page, conversation starters, a list of trusted, kid-safe ways to help others, a Miracle Log, and an official Miracle Maker certificate.
Print it out, grab your kids, and let them decide how they'll make an ordinary day extraordinary for someone else. That's how Santa’s spirits continues to be real. That’s how his miracles and generosity have continued and will continue for millennia. Not because we tell kids to believe, but because we show them how to become the reason someone else does.
Next up
Friday the 13th: why a number tied to the moon became a symbol of bad luck.
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