Christmas Traditions

Several familiar Christmas customs celebrated today can be traced back to traditions from the medieval period:

Christmas or Xmas?
Although some people see “Xmas” as a modern shortening, it actually has ancient origins. The “X” comes from the Greek letter chi, the first letter of Khristos (Christ in Greek). It was used as an early abbreviation for Christ and also came to represent the cross.

Mince pies
Early mince pies were quite different from the sweet versions we know now. They were once made with chopped meat mixed with dried fruits and spices. The spices—such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—were thought to symbolise the gifts brought by the three wise men. These pies were sometimes shaped to resemble a cradle, representing the baby Jesus. It was also considered good luck to eat one on each of the twelve days of Christmas. The modern fruit-only recipe did not become common until the Victorian period.

Carol singing
The custom of singing carols from house to house may have developed after church authorities discouraged such performances indoors. In medieval times, carols often involved dancing and lively celebration, which disrupted more formal religious services. As a result, singers continued the tradition outside, visiting homes instead.

“Eating humble pie”
Before turkey became popular in Europe, goose was the typical Christmas meal, and venison was also widely enjoyed. However, the finest cuts of meat were reserved for the wealthy. Lesser parts of the animal—known as “umbles”—were often given to poorer households. These were used to make pies, leading to the phrase “umble pie,” which over time evolved into “humble pie,” now meaning to accept a loss of pride.

The Christmas crib
The nativity scene, or Christmas crib, dates back to 1223 in Italy. It was popularised by Saint Francis of Assisi, who used a simple display to help people understand the story of Jesus’s birth.

These traditions show how many aspects of modern Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in earlier centuries, even if they have changed over time.