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Christmas Posters
for the classroom, home schoolers, and theme decor for offices.

educational posters > social studies > theology > Christianity > Christmas posters < December Teachable Moments

Merry Christmas
Froehliche Weihnachten
Buone Feste Natalizie
Natale hilare
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noel
Feliz Natal

Christmas is the annual Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, on whose teaching the Christian religion is based. The word Christmas is from the Old English and is a contraction of 'Christ's mass'. When written as Xmas it is because the X resembles the Greek letter 'chi', an abbreviation for Christ.

Celebrating Christmas on December 25 (January 7 for Eastern Orthodox Christianity) is related to the practice of adapting the relatively new Christian faith to already established Roman and Germanic holidays as conversions took place. The pagan holidays marked the winter solstice, the time when the sun, which appeared to be sinking in the sky, reverses and ascends signaling that winter will end and life will return, an appropriate symbolism for Jesus.

Many of the traditions associated with modern Christianity such as the Christmas tree, the yule log, and mistletoe are from northern Europe. The wreath, a circular garland with origins in Egyptian, Greek and Roman traditions, is woven with holly, a symbol of goodwill and friendship at Christmas time.

Also see seasonal Observances and Events lists - November | December | January

The Adoration of the Magi, 1481-82, Sando Boticelli, Giclee Print

READING

The Night Before Christmas

Christmas: Make It Sparkle--
225 Simple Crafts, Food & Decorating Ideas
for Your Holiday Home

Christmas Trivia

The Magi (word related to magic) were astrologists, very early astronomers, who studied the motion of the stars, and might be considered early pyschologists as they also helped intrepret dreams; they were considered wise by the people who relied on them to prepare for future events. The Magi were following a celestial phenonmena and only learned of the Jewish prophecies about a star appearing that would indicate the arrival of a Messiah, from King Herod. The Magi's visit is celebrated on Epiphany, a Christian feast celebrated on January 6 (Twelve Days of Christmas). The Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, was already an established celebration.

Adoration of the Magi, circa 1305, Giotto di Bondone, Giclee Print

In this painting by Giotto, a comet represents the star of Bethlehem. Check with your local planetarium for various astronomical explanations of the star story.

Christmas The Holy Family Fine Art Print

The Holy Family Fine Art Print, Joseph, Mary & Jesus
(Vatican Library)

• medieval history posters

The Shepherds of Bethlehem Learn That Jesus Has Been Born, Giclee Print

Merry Christmas, Angels Admiring Baby Jesus, Art Print

Olde Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, Art Print

The tradition of gift giving to children is personified in Santa Claus whose contemporary image as a large, jolly man in a red suit was created by Clement C. Moore, the author of the famous lines 'Twas the night before Christmas...' Santa is based on a real life man by the name of Nicholas who was born in Turkey during the 4th century and was known for his devotion to Christianity, his generousity to the poor and love of children. When Nicholas was canonized he became known as Saint Nicholas which evolved into Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas, Art Print

Stockings, Art Print

Santa Claus putting toys in stocking probably could be traced to the tradition of St. Nicholas putting treats in the wooden shoes of Dutch children.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men, Art Print

• peace posters

Christmas Ornaments on Tree, Photographic Print

• tree posters

Dragging the Yule Log into the Fireplace of a Stately Home in Jacobean England, Giclee Print

Yule is the winter solstice celebration of Germanic culture and the term has become synonymous with Christmas.

Mr. Pickwick Under the Mistletoe with a Number of Ladies, Giclee Print

• Charles Dickens posters

Merry Wreath II, Art Print

• bird posters
• Cardinal poster

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last updated 12/13/07

Christmas Posters for the classroom, home schoolers, and theme decor for offices.

Christmas Posters
for the classroom, home schoolers, and theme decor for offices.