Christmas In Canada: Its History And Origins

Christmas in Canada is a blend of traditions from France, Britain, and America, as well as other countries. The holiday is celebrated in various ways across the country, with the main goal being to spread joy through many traditions. In the Christian faith, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, with gifts brought to him by three wise men. The holiday has evolved over the years, with the beginning of the 20th century marking a significant shift towards the Christmas we know today.

The influence of French, British and American traditions

Christmas in Canada is influenced by a variety of cultural and religious traditions, including those of French, British, and American origin. Here is how these traditions have shaped Christmas celebrations in Canada:

French Traditions:

The French have had a significant influence on Christmas in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. One notable tradition is the 'Réveillon', a feast or party held on Christmas Eve that lasts until the early hours of Christmas Day. This tradition is paired with the "Messe de Minuit" (Midnight Mass), after which families gather for a traditional meal. In Quebec, the customary Christmas meal is a stew called "ragoût aux pattes de cochons," made from pigs' feet. However, many people now opt for a "Tourtière," a meat pie made from venison, pork, or beef.

Another French-Canadian tradition is the "Bûche de Noël," a chocolate log cake popular in Quebec and among those of French descent. On Epiphany (January 6th), Quebecers celebrate "La Fêtes des Rois," where they bake a cake with a bean inside. Whoever finds the bean in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day, following a Spanish-influenced tradition.

British Traditions:

Many British Christmas traditions were introduced to Canada by British immigrants. One notable tradition is the sending of Christmas cards to friends and family, a custom that has become widespread in Canada. The Christmas tree is another symbol of the season with roots in medieval German tradition, which was popularised in Britain by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This custom was embraced by Canadians, with the first Christmas tree in North America appearing in Sorel, Quebec, in 1781.

Other British influences include the roast turkey dinner, holly and mistletoe, carol singing, and Christmas crackers. The tradition of gift-giving, originally associated with New Year in Britain, also shifted to Christmas due to Victorian influence.

American Traditions:

American traditions have also left an impact on Christmas in Canada. The image of Santa Claus, for example, was popularised by the work of American writers, poets, and intellectuals in the early 19th century. The idea of a jolly, gift-bearing figure resonated with people, and Santa Claus became a central part of Christmas celebrations in Canada and beyond.

Additionally, commercial influences from the United States have contributed to the modern Christmas experience in Canada, with shopping and gift-giving becoming a significant aspect of the holiday.

The role of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas, also known as Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, is a legendary figure in Western Christian culture. He is believed to bring gifts to children during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve.

Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in the region of Lycia in the Roman Empire, today in Turkey. He was a very rich man due to inheriting his wealth from his parents, who died when he was young. He was also known for his generosity and kindness, especially towards the poor and sick. One of the most famous stories about Saint Nicholas tells of him helping three poor sisters avoid being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could get married. He is also the patron saint of sailors, with one story telling of him calming a storm off the coast of Turkey, thus saving a ship of sailors from sinking.

Saint Nicholas became renowned for his reported generosity and secret gift-giving, with his popularity spreading over the years. By the Renaissance, he was the most popular saint in Europe, maintaining a positive reputation even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged.

The popular conception of Santa Claus as we know him today originated from folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas. Dutch immigrants brought the legend of Sinterklaas ("Saint Nicholas") to New Amsterdam (present-day New York City), and his image was further defined by German-born American cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 19th century. Nast's illustrations of Santa Claus in Harper's Weekly depicted him as a rotund, cheerful man with a full, white beard, wearing a red suit trimmed with white fur, and carrying a bag full of toys. Nast is also credited with creating the story that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole.

In summary, Saint Nicholas and his evolution into the mythical figure of Santa Claus have played a significant role in shaping Christmas traditions, especially the exchange of gifts, in Canada and around the world.

Christmas in Quebec

In Old Quebec, the cobbled streets and squares are transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with snow, glowing decorations, and thousands of twinkling lights. The Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church in Place Royale is a particular highlight, with glittering lights, beautiful decorations, Christmas trees, and snow. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of the world's most photographed hotels, is also a must-see, with its magical holiday decorations and appearances by Santa Claus.

For those seeking outdoor activities, there is the nearby Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, which offers hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Thrill-seekers can try snowmobiling or 'fat-biking' along the icy trails. There is also ice-skating at Place d'Youville, with rentals available onsite. Quebec City's iconic toboggan run at Château Frontenac is one of the oldest traditions, open from mid-December to March, offering speeds of up to 72 kilometres per hour.

Christmas Eve is a special time in Quebec, with the traditional réveillon (midnight meal) enjoyed after the messe de minuit (midnight mass). The Christmas choir sings religious hymns that have been passed down through the generations. Traditional dishes like tourtières (meat pies), house marinades, and la bûche (Yule log) are served. After the meal, families gather to open gifts, and children hang up stockings for Père Noël to fill with treats.

The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is also a holiday in Quebec, and the celebrations continue beyond this, with New Year's Eve festivities in Grande Allée, and the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the world's largest, featuring outdoor sporting events, banquets, and dance parties.

The history of Christmas trees in Canada

The Christmas tree is a symbol of peace and festivity in Canada. The history of Christmas trees in the country can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries when German emigrants brought the tradition to Canada.

The Early Days of Christmas Trees in Canada

The first Christmas tree in North America was set up in Sorel, Quebec, on Christmas Eve in 1781. The baroness Riedesel, who had recently returned to Canada with her family, hosted a party for British and German officers. She served an English pudding, but the highlight of the evening was a balsam fir decorated with fruits and lit with white candles.

The Royal Influence

While the German community in Pennsylvania had been displaying Christmas trees since the 1820s, the tradition was not widely accepted in North America until the Victorian era. Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, are often credited with popularising the Christmas tree. In 1841, the royal couple decorated a tree at Windsor Castle to celebrate their first child. This was sketched in the Illustrated London News in 1846, and again in 1848, making it an instant trend among the fashion-conscious.

Christmas Trees in Canada Today

Today, the Christmas tree is a well-established tradition in Canada, with the fresh scent of evergreens and colourful decorations contrasting with the dark, bleak winter landscape. The most popular Christmas trees are balsam fir and Fraser fir, with other species including Scots pine, white spruce, white pine, and blue spruce. The Christmas tree industry in Canada is a profitable enterprise, with the value of freshly cut trees estimated at $65 million annually.

Christmas cards and gift-giving

Gift-giving traditions in Canada vary between families. In some families, a mythical figure called Santa Claus brings gifts. He is believed to be a jolly man who wears a red suit and has a long white beard. He lives at the North Pole and travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. On Christmas Eve, he enters homes through the chimney and leaves presents and candy in Christmas stockings or under the Christmas tree. In other families, individual members exchange carefully selected gifts. Popular gifts for children include toys, games, and candy, while adults may receive clothes, music, alcohol, or practical and luxury items.

Some families open their presents on Christmas Eve, after attending a church service, while others wait until Christmas morning. Some may open just one present on Christmas Eve, spending the rest of the evening playing games and watching classic Christmas movies.

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