Christmas Traditions, Facts and Symbols

Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday around the world, and it comes with a variety of traditions, facts, and symbols. Here’s a brief overview:

Christmas Traditions:

Decorating the Christmas Tree: One of the most iconic traditions is decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, and a tree topper.
Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is a central part of Christmas celebrations. Many people exchange presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Christmas Dinner: Families often gather for a special meal on Christmas Day, which may include roast turkey, ham, or other festive dishes.
Christmas Carols: Singing Christmas carols is a popular tradition, whether it’s going caroling door-to-door or attending Christmas church services.
Advent Calendar: Many families use an Advent calendar to count down the days leading up to Christmas, often revealing a small treat or surprise each day.
Santa Claus and Stockings: Children hang stockings for Santa Claus to fill with gifts. The legend of Santa Claus, a jolly man in a red suit, is based on the historical figure of St. Nicholas.
Christmas Cards: Sending and receiving Christmas cards is a tradition that allows people to exchange warm wishes and updates with friends and family.

Christmas Facts:

Date of Christmas: December 25th is widely celebrated as Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Origins of Christmas: Christmas has both Christian and pagan origins. The date was chosen to coincide with various winter solstice celebrations.
Christmas Colors: Red and green are the traditional colors of Christmas. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, while green represents eternal life.
Mistletoe: Hanging mistletoe is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. It is often associated with romance, and it is customary for people to kiss under the mistletoe.
Yule Log: The Yule log is a tradition that originated in medieval times. A large log is burned in the fireplace as a part of the Christmas festivities.
Poinsettias: Poinsettias are popular Christmas plants. They are native to Mexico and were introduced to the U.S. by Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico.

Christmas Symbols:

Christmas Tree: Symbolizes everlasting life and the promise of new life in the spring.
Santa Claus: Represents the spirit of giving and generosity. The modern image of Santa Claus is based on various historical figures.
Reindeer: Santa’s reindeer, particularly Rudolph, are popular symbols of Christmas. The story of Santa’s reindeer is derived from various cultural influences.
Snowflakes: Represent the winter season and are often used as decorative elements during Christmas.
Candles: Symbolize light overcoming darkness. Many Christmas traditions involve the lighting of candles.
Nativity Scene: Depicts the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem and is a significant symbol in Christian celebrations.

It’s important to remember that Christmas traditions and symbols can vary across cultures and regions. These elements contribute to the festive atmosphere and the joyous spirit of the holiday season.

For more on Christmas Traditions read our section on Holidays and Flowers

The Symbolism and Significance of Christmas Flowers and Greenery

Dec10

Christmas flowers and greenery play a significant role in the symbolism of the holiday season, often representing various themes such as renewal, hope, and the enduring spirit of life. Here are some common Christmas flowers and greenery along with their symbolism:

Christmas Flowers:

Poinsettia:
- Symbolism: The poinsettia is often associated with the Christmas season and is said to symbolize purity, joy, and the Star of Bethlehem. Its vibrant red color is reminiscent of the season’s festivities.
Christmas Rose (Hellebore):
- Symbolism: The Christmas rose symbolizes hope and love. Its winter bloom is seen as a sign of renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
Amaryllis:
- Symbolism: Amaryllis represents determination and beauty. The large, showy blooms are often associated with the holiday spirit, and the flower is considered a symbol of success and achievement.
Paperwhites:
- Symbolism: Paperwhites symbolize rebirth and renewal. Their delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance evoke a sense of purity and new beginnings.
Christmas Cactus:
- Symbolism: The Christmas cactus blooms during the holiday season and symbolizes endurance and longevity. Its ability to thrive and flower even in less-than-ideal conditions is seen as a metaphor for resilience.

Christmas Greenery:

Christmas Tree:
- Symbolism: The Christmas tree, adorned with lights and ornaments, symbolizes eternal life. The evergreen nature of the tree represents the promise of life continuing, even in the depths of winter.
Holly:
- Symbolism: Holly is associated with protection and goodwill. The sharp leaves and red berries are said to symbolize Christ’s crown of thorns and drops of blood, respectively, adding a deeper religious significance.
Mistletoe:
- Symbolism: Mistletoe is a symbol of love and fertility. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is said to bring good luck and is associated with love and friendship.
Ivy:
- Symbolism: Ivy is often used in Christmas decorations and is a symbol of faithfulness and eternal life. Its ability to cling and grow in challenging conditions represents the enduring nature of love and friendship.
Evergreen Wreaths:
- Symbolism: Wreaths made of evergreen branches symbolize eternity and the circle of life. They are often used as a sign of welcome and goodwill during the holiday season.

These symbols collectively contribute to the festive and meaningful atmosphere of Christmas, carrying traditions and messages of hope, love, and the enduring spirit of life into homes and communities around the world.

For more on Christmas Traditions read our section on Holidays and Flowers

Father’s Day Coloring Book, Flowers & History

Jun3

Father’s Day: Third Sunday in June (Falls on June 18, 2017)

The idea for Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Smart Dodd during a Mother’s Day sermon. Raised by her father after her mother died, Sonora believed he deserved a special day in his honor and, in 1909, drew up a petition recommending the adoption of a national “father’s day.”

The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19th, 1910. (Dodd had aimed for the first Sunday in June, her father’s birthday, but red tape held the resolution up until the third Sunday.) In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.

Since the inception of the holiday, Father’s Day has been expanded to include uncles, stepfathers, older brothers, and any other men who act in a “fatherly” capacity.

Click on the image above to download the Father’s Day Coloring book (compliments of Eden Florist & Gift Baskets)

Check out the entire selection of Coloring books at Eden Florist.

Order your favorite Dad flowers at EdenFlorist.com Father’s Day Flowers TODAY!

Happy Nurses Week!

May4

“Nursing is a work of heart…” Unknown

Did you know???

There are most visits to emergency rooms during the warmer months of the year.
33 percent of all people in the U. S. who come to emergency rooms with injury-related wounds areMen and women between the ages of 25 and 44.
The first nursing school in history dates back to 250 B.C. and was located in India.
The first school for nursing in the U.S. was New England Hospital for Women and Children, (EST.1862).
Around nine million children visit emergency rooms in the U.S. each year due to injuries.
There are more nurses than any other workers in the health profession.

“It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” Charles Dudley Warner

To all the nurses around the globe who every day selflessly help others, Happy Nurses Week!

Be sure to send flowers to your favorite nurse this week!

Source: ScrubsMag

Today is also:

International Firefighters Day
National Library Legislative Day
Petite and Proud Day
World Give Day

Valentine’s Day Trivia and Facts 2015

Feb13

Did you know?

More than 100 million roses are sold at Valentine’s Day. Of cut flower purchases, Valentine’s Day ranks #1, making it the number one holiday for many florists.

Of Valentine’s floral purchases, 64% are made by men and 36% by women. What are they buying?

78% Cut flowers
15% Flowering houseplants
5% Outdoor bedding and garden plants
2% Green plants
Of cut flowers purchased, 45% are roses, 34% mixed flowers, 13% carnations, and 8% other single flower types. Of roses purchased, 74% are red, 10% pink, 5% peach/salmon, 3% yellow, 2% white, 4% mixed colors, 2% other. For whom are they buying?
Men:
84% wife/significant other
4% friend
5% mother
3% daughter
5% other
Women:
24% mother
19% husband/significant other
13% daughter
14% self
12% friend
6% parents
2% grandmother
1% sister
9% other

Source: Society of American Florists Survey results are from a nationwide survey of 481 men and 534 women conducted by Bruskin/Goldring Research

love

Love is very patient and kind,
never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges
and will hardly even notice
when others do it wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
If you love someone you
will be loyal to him
no matter what the cost.
You will always believe in him,
Always expect the best of him
and always stand your ground
in defending him.
All the special gifts
and powers from God
will someday come to an end,
but love goes on forever.
Living Bible I Corinthians 13:4-8

(Pictured: That’s Amore Vase Arrangement of Roses and Lilies)

Need the Perfect Hostess Gift? Think Flowers!

Dec19

It seems to me that because we have become such an “informal” society, oftentimes etiquette goes right out the window.

If you are like me you have parties galore to attend this time of year. They may be dinner parties, office parties, cocktail parties or holiday open houses. In fact, I did a very informal survey of my customers and most people said they had at least 5 events to go to between now and New Years! And oftentimes we are not sure what to bring the host or hostess as a thank you.

That’s where Eden Florist can help! We help you find the perfect centerpiece or cut flowers or holiday plant to add a touch of class to your arrival.

Need other ideas for a hostess gift? How about a nice bottle of wine or champagne, or scented candles, the latest best-seller or perhaps a little trinket or holiday keepsake such as a bell or wine glass?

The gift does not have to be extravagant or elaborate or even expensive. It just needs to be in good taste and something you think your host will appreciate. Believe me the host will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

The important thing is to never arrive empty-handed.

If you’d like more ideas for holiday gifting, read these articles:

A Gift in Hand for the Holidays ~ http://wemagazineforwomen.com/a-gift-in-hand-for-the-holidays/

Etiquette Everyday ~ Holiday Etiquette http://www.emilypost.com/everyday/holiday_FAQs_giving.htm

Ps. If you don’t have time to get a little something, give Eden Florist a call (800-966-3336) and let us take care of the delivery for you. And if you forget to bring something, send them the next day! That always works and you will be remembered.

Pss. I’d love to know what types of gifts you bring to parties. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below.