Every Christmas season, our world is adorned with familiar symbols 

that bring nostalgia and cheer—pine trees, Santa Claus, twinkling lights, 

mistletoe, and scenes of shepherds in the fields. These traditions have 

become beloved fixtures of the holidays, but their origins hold a much 

deeper meaning than we often realize. The Church introduced many 

of these symbols, rich with historical and spiritual significance, to point 

people toward the hope and joy found in Jesus Christ. This article explores 

the roots of these Christmas icons, uncovering how they were originally 

intended to draw our hearts back to the true reason for the season: 

the birth of our Savior.