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Christmas is a season of joy, loved ones, generosity, and occasional frustrations. Over centuries, numerous traditions have emerged, and along with them, many myths. These misconceptions are repeated annually, and we aim to debunk some of them.
10. Christmas Evolved Alongside Christianity
A common narrative suggests that as Christianity expanded, it absorbed ancient pagan customs and festivals, allowing people to retain their celebrations. The winter solstice, for instance, transformed into a commemoration of Christ's birth.
That’s only partially accurate. Christianity had been around for centuries before anyone considered celebrating Christ’s birth. Early Roman Christian writers were explicit in their disdain for birthday celebrations, labeling them as repugnant, detestable, and pagan. They believed honoring a person’s death held far greater significance than their birth, which is why Easter, Good Friday, and saints’ feasts were prioritized.
The earliest mention of Christ’s birth date appears around the year 200. An Egyptian manuscript pinpointed it to May 20, while other texts from the same era suggested dates in April or May. It wasn’t until the mid-fourth century that a Roman almanac designated December 25 as Christ’s birthday, based on gospel interpretations, and even then, the celebration took time to gain widespread acceptance.
By the 17th century, Christmas had evolved into a form somewhat recognizable today, featuring gifts, carols, plays, and mummers. Wealthy lords would open their homes to the less fortunate as a gesture of goodwill. However, devout Christians, particularly the Puritans, vehemently opposed these festivities. They not only rejected the celebrations for lacking solemnity but also condemned them as heretical, correctly noting the absence of biblical support. Their opposition was so strong that Christmas was officially banned in 1647.
9. Christmas Replaced A Pagan Holiday
As previously mentioned, the widespread belief is that December 25 was chosen for Christmas to coincide with the winter solstice, allowing pagan worshippers to retain their festivities. However, compelling evidence challenges this narrative.
One hypothesis links the date to a decree by Roman emperor Aurelian, who instituted a holiday for Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun. Yet, Aurelian was decidedly anti-Christian, and his proclamation occurred after Christmas had already been established.
Additionally, when Christmas first emerged, Christianity was not attempting to blend into the pagan world it sought to replace. Instead, it aimed to distance itself as much as possible from pagan practices. The two were fundamentally opposed, with pagans engaging in sacrifices and persecuting Christians. It wasn’t until the 12th century that pagan traditions began to merge with Christmas celebrations, long after the December 25 date had been established.
So, how was the date determined? It was believed that Christ was both conceived and crucified on the same date: March 25 in the Roman calendar. Nine months after March 25 brings us to December 25.
8. The North Pole Is An Icy Fortress
Based on US Navy research on the Arctic, the North Pole might become entirely ice-free as soon as 2016. This projection is 84 years ahead of other estimates, casting doubt on the feasibility of Santa’s toy factory and summer retreat.
The Navy’s predictions stem from the Arctic warming at a rate much faster than the global average. This view is supported by institutions like the Ocean Institute at the University of Western Australia.
The accelerated melting at the North Pole is partly due to methane emissions from the East Siberia Arctic shelf. Previously trapped by permafrost, the release of methane has caused temperatures to rise dramatically, even at the deepest levels measured.
The statistics are alarming. Since 1980, the Arctic has seen a loss of approximately 40 percent of its sea ice. Soon, we’ll need a new narrative for Santa’s home, not to mention addressing the far more critical implications of the melting ice cap.
7. The Poinsettia Is Incredibly Dangerous
Poinsettias are nearly as ubiquitous during Christmas as the tree in the living room. Pet owners and parents of young children are often warned about the plant’s supposed dangers. Widely believed to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is thought to pose a serious risk, potentially sending curious kids or pets to the emergency room if ingested.
However, this is a misconception. Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to animals, and consuming their white sap is neither lethal nor poisonous. It may cause mild symptoms like drooling, mouth irritation, or, in rare cases, vomiting and diarrhea—but it’s not deadly.
This myth traces back to an unverified incident from 1919. Legend has it that a two-year-old child of an Army officer died after eating a poinsettia leaf. However, the story has never been confirmed, and organizations such as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission have determined that the plant doesn’t require warning labels. Despite this, the myth continues to circulate.
This misconception also distracts from another holiday plant that poses a greater threat—mistletoe. Both American and European varieties can cause symptoms ranging from mild poisoning (such as vomiting and stomach pain) to more severe effects like low blood pressure, heart problems, and even collapse. Pet fatalities due to mistletoe ingestion have been documented.
6. Everything About The Three Kings
A beloved Christmas image depicts the Three Wise Men on camels, guided by the Star of Bethlehem to visit the infant Jesus. However, this portrayal isn’t supported by biblical accounts.
The tale of the wise men is found solely in Matthew 2:1–12. According to the passage, they visit King Herod, inquire about the King of the Jews, and eventually find Jesus in a house with his mother. There, they present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Beyond this, Matthew provides no further details.
The Bible doesn’t specify that there were three of them, that they were kings, or that they traveled on camels—details we often repeat during Christmas. They are called magoi, a Latin term related to “magic.” Rather than kings, they might have been astrologers.
Early depictions of the magoi emerged in the second century, but it wasn’t until the third century that they were portrayed as royalty. Over time, they were also linked to representing the three races descended from Noah’s sons, though the concept of three kings likely stems from the three gifts mentioned.
They are also not described as being present at Christ’s birth, despite their frequent inclusion in Nativity scenes. According to Matthew, they found Jesus and his mother in a house. Given Herod’s order to kill boys under two years old, they probably arrived in the spring or summer after his birth.
5. Suicide Rates Go Up
While Christmas is often associated with family, joy, and celebration, many believe that suicide rates spike during the holiday season. This idea seems plausible, given the sadness some experience, whether from unmet expectations or coping with the first holiday after a loss.
However, research from the University of Pennsylvania and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals the opposite. Data spanning three decades shows that November, December, and January have the lowest suicide rates, with peaks occurring in spring and summer.
This trend may be attributed to the sense of community and family bonds during the holidays. Reuniting with loved ones who are often absent during the rest of the year provides an emotional support network for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
That said, the likelihood of death is higher on Christmas and New Year’s Day than on other days—though not from suicide. Many fatalities during these times result from respiratory issues, digestive problems, and heart-related conditions. Researchers at the University of California attribute this to factors like holiday stress, understaffed medical facilities, and individuals delaying hospital visits to avoid disrupting family gatherings.
4. Christmas Trees Are An Environmental Issue
Should you opt for an artificial tree or a real one? Advocates for artificial trees highlight benefits like saving trees, reusability, and a smaller carbon footprint. Meanwhile, supporters of real trees argue that farm-grown trees are meant to be festive decorations and that their environmental benefits during growth outweigh manufacturing impacts.
Both sides are mistaken. Or, depending on your perspective, both sides are correct.
Each option has its advantages and drawbacks. Real trees offer significant environmental benefits while growing, such as absorbing carbon dioxide, whereas producing artificial trees releases harmful chemicals. However, driving long distances to find the perfect real tree can offset its benefits. Similarly, reusing an artificial tree for many years is eco-friendly, but frequently replacing it undermines those gains.
Since most Christmas trees come from farms specifically cultivated for this purpose, they don’t contribute to deforestation. Additionally, these farms enhance green spaces and provide habitats for wildlife, though they often rely on pesticides and chemicals.
Consult experts, even those with a bias like the executive director of the pro–artificial tree American Christmas Tree Association, and they’ll likely admit it doesn’t really matter. Depending on your situation, one option might have a slightly larger environmental impact. Ultimately, cycling to work for a few days can offset any difference between the two.
3. Santa’s Reindeer
Santa Claus is said to be inspired by Saint Nicholas, but flying reindeer don’t align with the saint’s image. According to Sierra College professor John Rush, the reindeer weren’t part of a Christmas tale or linked to Saint Nicholas. Instead, they originated from the use of magic mushrooms.
In Siberia, where reindeer naturally roam, shamans have long practiced the collection, drying, and sharing of the Amanita muscaria mushroom. This iconic mushroom, found at tree bases, is red with white spots (possibly inspiring Santa’s red-and-white attire). Rush explains that consuming these mushrooms led to vivid hallucinations, including visions of flying reindeer—common animals in the region. These stories evolved into tales of reindeer delivering gifts.
Some attribute the flying reindeer legend to a more grounded origin—the imagination of Clement Clarke Moore, who penned “The Night Before Christmas” in 1822. This poem, originally titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” is widely regarded as the foundation of modern Santa Claus mythology, compiling all the elements that define his character.
But where did Moore get the idea?
2. The Classic Nativity Scene
Despite its strong association with the religious essence of Christmas, the Nativity scene doesn’t align with biblical accounts.
Two gospels, Luke and Matthew, reference the iconic Nativity scene. Matthew, as previously noted, describes the visit of the wise men, while Luke mentions shepherds coming to see the newborn. However, the two groups never appear together, animals aren’t explicitly mentioned, and there’s no biblical reference to an angel witnessing the birth.
The imagery of the Nativity scene originates from early artistic interpretations that took creative liberties. Live Nativity displays began in 1223, initiated by St. Francis of Assisi. At the time, Latin masses were incomprehensible to most, so plays like the Nativity became a way to teach biblical stories.
Two animals, the donkey and the ox, are staples in Nativity scenes despite being absent from biblical accounts. Early depictions show them warming the baby with their breath and body heat. However, later Renaissance artworks portray them less reverently—sometimes attempting to eat the baby’s clothes or blankets. In Nantwich church in England, they’re even depicted fighting over the blankets. The donkey is thought to symbolize the Jews, representing skepticism about Christ’s divinity.
1. The Moons In Christmas Scenes
Examine your Christmas cards. They likely depict scenes of children caroling, sleigh rides, or unwrapping presents. Now, take a closer look at the Moon in those images.
Any card featuring a waxing or waning moon is likely inaccurate. That moon phase isn’t visible high in the sky until around 3:00 AM, making it unlikely for festive scenes to align with such a late hour.
In 2011, Dutch astronomers analyzed Christmas cards and found that American depictions were the most accurate, primarily because they often show full moons visible all night. However, overall, 40–65 percent of images were incorrect.
The Moon isn’t the only element often misrepresented in Christmas imagery. Snowflakes are frequently depicted inaccurately, defying natural laws. While snowflakes can only form hexagonal shapes, many cards and wrapping papers show them with the wrong number of sides. Given that snowflake photographs have existed since 1885, there’s little excuse for such errors.
