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PumpProducts.com would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our customers!

Christmas is a festive and joyful season, meant for spending time  and creating memories with family and loved ones. Is there anything better than waking up on December 25, gathering around the Christmas tree with family and opening presents? No, there is not.

Of course, beyond the familial and religious connotations, Christmas is a powerful commercial and cultural juggernaut. The holiday produces billions of dollars in gift and decoration purchases every year. Christmas attractions regularly draw in thousands of visitors. And of course, the popular culture industry regularly churns out Christmas-themed content, from movies to songs to branded characters.

Indeed, during this time of year, it can almost be hard to escape the lights, colors and sounds of Christmas.

History and Context

Did you know that Christmas actually originated as pagan a celebration of the winter solstice? In the BC era, the ancient Romans would celebrate the festivals of Saturnalia and Juvenalia, during the winter solstice. It is widely believed by historians that Christians essentially co-opted the popularity of these holidays in order to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. That is why we celebrate Christmas in December, despite the fact that the historical Jesus probably was born in the spring.

Associating Christmas with the solstice festivals meant that the nature of the celebrations was often mixed. The wild customs of Saturnalia and Juvenalia carried over to Christmas, which itself became associated with drinking, recklessness and mischief. Not quite the Christmas celebrations of today.

In fact, when religious reformation spread throughout Europe, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans in England banned Christmas for a short period due to its decadent nature. When Puritans first came to America, Christmas was also banned. As hard as it may be to believe now, Christmas in America did not become a major holiday until the 19th century.

You can read about the whole fascinating history here: http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas

Christmas Traditions at Home and Abroad

To most readers of our site, American Christmas has a few core customs. The Christmas tree, the gifts, the stockings and the lights are all part and parcel of the tradition. A heavy and hearty Christmas meal is also a staple. If you are religious, you might attend church or put up a Nativity display.

But did you know that in Caracas, Venezuela, many residents travel to Christmas Mass on roller skates? In Germany, candies are often deposited into children’s shoes left outside of the house overnight instead of in stockings hung over the fireplace. And in South Africa, many locals eat deep-fried caterpillars as part of the traditional Christmas meal.

Some of the most interesting Christmas customs around the world can be found here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/24/world-christmas-tradition_n_4479333.html

Pop Culture

As was mentioned above, Christmas is also a dominant pop culture force. In the US, many radio stations switch to all-Christmas music playlists as early as late October. Christmas movies are a reliable bet to populate the box office in November and December.

We have some of our Christmas favorites. What are yours? Let us know in the comments.

Some of our favorite Christmas songs:

“This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen

“Father Christmas” by The Kinks

“All Alone on Christmas” by Darlene Love

“Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC

Favorite movies:

It’s A Wonderful Life

Scrooged

Home Alone 2

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Die Hard