Christmas endures. It is simply too widespread and too rich to be emptied of meaning. Let us explore this theme by taking a quick romp through some random countries to be encouraged by their Christmas customs.
Starting in Berlin, even last week’s terrorism cannot overcome Christmas joy. Europe is breathing a sigh of relief since the Jihadist who mowed down 60 people with a stolen semi, leaving 12 of them dead, was caught. But what stands out to me about the story is the location of the attack.
Reports say that it happened at a ‘Christmas Market.’ This is an Old World tradition that endures even after decades of secularism. Don’t think of this as some kind of Black Friday at a big box store. It is more like a street fair. Vendors set up shops all around the square. Everything is bedecked in lights. Thousands of festive people fill the streets enjoying the atmosphere and one another.
In German, these are called Kristkindlmarkt. ‘Christmas Market’ is a passable translation, but ‘Christ-Child-Market’ is more exact. There is even a traditional hot beverage served in embossed, collectible mugs. The taste and smell of this Gluhwein recalls happy memories for anybody who has been to Germany, Austria or other Germanic countries at Christmas time.
Unlike America, Christmas trees are a strictly Christmas Eve tradition. You will not find them decorating homes or businesses until the night before Christmas. Instead, those who decorate during Advent (the weeks leading up to Christmas) typically put a lighted star in the window. This is the sign of a Christian home.
German Lutherans brought the Christmas tree, along with other traditions when they migrated eastward into Russia. This created an interesting mix of Eastern Orthodox Christmas traditions with Western European traditions. One of the bigger differences is the date itself. While America follows the European tradition of Dec. 25, Eastern Orthodox tradition celebrates on Jan. 6.
Since the Russian Orthodox tradition dominates, both Dec. 24 and 25 are regular work days. For those who want to celebrate in the Western European way, it means going to church after work and heading back to work the following morning.
At least they have the option to do this. During the Soviet years, many Christmas observances were outlawed. The atheistic communist regime, in their attempt to stamp out Christianity, made New Year’s Day the biggest celebration of the year, and it still is the biggest celebration in Russia.
One Russian tradition is that on Christmas Eve no one eats until they see the first star come out. Then there is a 12-course meal of traditional Christmas dishes. One of these dishes is sochen, and it is the source of the Russian name for Christmas Eve, Sochelnik.
Heading south from Russia, we visit Palestine, the actual place of Jesus’ birth. Here you will once again see Christmas trees. A favorite place to cut them is from Mount Carmel. You might remember Mount Carmel as the site of the biblical show-down between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18).
In Palestine, there are no gifts under the tree. In fact, even the ornaments and manger scene are homemade, cut out of paper bags. The emphasis is on the family meal. After Christmas Eve church services, the extended family gathers around the table for a fancy meal that lasts into the wee hours of the morning.
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| The Door of Humility, entrance to the church. Ian and Wendy Sewell, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Worshipers from Latin, Coptic, Greek, and Ethiopian traditions each hold their customary services in different corners of the church. It is like the entire world comes together in answer to the angels’ song, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.”
The mention of Ethiopian and Egyptian Christians should also remind us that Christmas is celebrated on the African continent as well. In South Africa, Dec. 25 falls during the height of summer. Many people use the break to have a holiday at the beach.
Christmas dinner in South Africa is typically a cookout, but the Christmas tree remains a familiar sight. As in Germany, Christmas trees are not put up until Christmas Eve. Then the family will go to church and come home for a feast. Those following their German traditions will open presents on Christmas Eve, while the Dutch tradition opens presents on Christmas Day.
As we have hopscotched around the world, we have seen much that is different, but also much that is the same. An evergreen tree, lights, presents and a family meal — these basic elements unite people who celebrate Christmas throughout the world.
The evergreen tree points to life even in the midst of the coldest and darkest days of winter. The lights shine forth a similar note. The presents are an echo of the Greatest Gift the world has ever seen. And the family meal reminds us of the mother, the father and the child of Bethlehem.
It is a joy to see these same symbols in and around Evanston. The train full of presents at Depot Square, the Christmas trees in front of the Beeman-Cashin building and the lights all carry something of the story of Christmas.
But perhaps the most heart-warming local touch are the camels on E-hill. They tell the story of foreign kings who were drawn to the scene of Jesus’ birth. For us they are a reminder that Christmas was not just for some, but for all. Merry Christmas, Evanston!
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