Holiday Traditions and Their Fascinating Origins

Friday November 7, 2025 by 1st Alliance Mortgage

The holiday season is full of meaningful traditions, some passed down through generations and others created by families as they make the season uniquely their own. From decorating the tree and lighting candles to wearing matching pajamas, these rituals add warmth, connection, and joy to our celebrations. But where did these customs begin? Here’s a closer look at how some of our favorite holiday traditions started and how new ones continue to take shape.

The Evergreen Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season. Its origins go back centuries to ancient pagan winter solstice celebrations, where evergreens represented life and resilience during the darkest time of year. By the 16th century, Germans began bringing trees indoors and decorating them with candles, fruits, and handmade ornaments as part of their Christmas festivities. The custom eventually spread throughout Europe and became widely embraced in the United States in the 1800s, especially after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert showcased a beautifully decorated tree in their royal home. Today, families everywhere continue the tradition, often giving it a modern touch with themed ornaments, ribbon, and festive lights.

Gift Giving

Exchanging gifts is one of the most beloved holiday traditions, representing kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. Its origins trace back to the story of the Magi, the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. As time passed, the practice became linked to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop celebrated for his compassion and habit of giving gifts in secret. The modern image of Santa Claus, shaped by 19th-century stories and advertising, helped solidify gift-giving as a central part of the holiday season. Although people exchange presents for many different reasons today, the heart of the tradition remains the same: sharing joy and showing appreciation.

New Year’s Traditions

The arrival of a new year brings traditions centered on fresh beginnings, optimism, and good luck. One of the earliest known New Year’s celebrations dates back more than 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, who marked the occasion with ceremonies, feasts, and promises to improve themselves. Today, traditions such as watching the Times Square ball drop, setting resolutions, and celebrating with champagne are familiar parts of the holiday. Around the world, many cultures also enjoy foods believed to bring prosperity—like black-eyed peas in the southern United States or twelve grapes in Spain, eaten one at a time with each chime at midnight.

Modern Family Traditions

Although many holiday traditions come from centuries of cultural history, new ones continue to develop as families create meaningful ways to celebrate. Matching pajamas, festive movie nights, and “Friendsgiving” gatherings have all become popular modern customs that highlight connection and enjoyment. Technology has introduced its own set of rituals as well—video chats with far-away relatives, digital Advent calendars, and sharing holiday moments online are now woven into today’s celebrations.

Creating Your Own Traditions

What truly makes a tradition meaningful isn’t its age, but the purpose and memories tied to it. Creating your own holiday rituals can deepen relationships and make each season feel uniquely your own. Whether it’s baking a favorite cookie recipe, taking an annual family photo, volunteering as a group, or writing heartfelt notes to loved ones, these simple traditions can become lasting reminders of love, gratitude, and togetherness.

The Heart of the Holidays

No matter where you’re celebrating or what your traditions look like, these rituals—whether passed down or newly created—help highlight what truly matters. They keep us connected to our roots, give shape to our celebrations, and foster a sense of belonging. Whether we’re carrying on long-standing customs or creating fresh ones, the heart of the holiday season stays steady: joy, togetherness, and appreciation for the moments we share.

Ultimately, it makes little difference whether a tradition started generations ago or just recently. What matters most is the meaning behind it and the memories it leaves with us year after year.

YOUR TEAM

1st Alliance Mortgage LLC - NMLS 1407 | 4438 State Highway 6 S, Ste. 201, College Station, TX 77845

Notice To Texas Loan Applicants: Consumers wishing to file a complaint against a mortgage banker, or a licensed mortgage banker residential mortgage loan originator, should complete and send a complaint form to the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be obtained from the department’s website at www.sml.texas.gov

A toll-free consumer hotline is available at 1-877-276-5550. The department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed mortgage banker residential mortgage loan originators. A written application for reimbursement from the recovery fund must be filed with and investigated by the department prior to the payment of a claim. For more information about the recovery fund, please consult the department’s website at www.sml.texas.gov