Origins of Celebration – Holiday Traditions from Around the World
America has often been called “the melting pot.” Vast numbers of immigrants settled here and brought treasured holiday traditions with them. Today, both new homeowners and long-time residents continue to honor these diverse customs in their own homes. If you're celebrating your first holiday season in one of our new home communities or preparing to move into an Ernest floor plan you love, here’s a festive quiz to test your holiday knowledge!
Match an activity (1–8) with a country or region (A–H):
1. Singing Carols
2. Christmas Trees
3. Santa Claus
4. Hanging Stockings
5. Reindeer Pulling Santa’s Sleigh
6. Christmas Parades
7. Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes
8. Sending Christmas Cards
A. Switzerland
B. The United States
C. England
D. Germany
E. The Netherlands
F. Mexico
G. Italy
H. Scandinavia
Now let’s reveal the answers!
Although many believe that Christmas carols originated in the United Kingdom, the first carols were sung in churches in Rome — making Italy the true birthplace of this musical tradition. The British later popularized caroling as a joyful, secular activity.
The first Christmas trees appeared in pre-Christian Germany. Early decorated trees — called “Paradise Baum” — symbolized the Garden of Eden. Today’s beautifully decorated trees remain a centerpiece in homes everywhere, including our new home floor plans that offer spacious living rooms perfect for holiday gatherings.
Santa Claus is an Americanized version of St. Nicholas, a Scandinavian figure believed to have originated in Norway as “Julenisse.” Known for his red cap, long white beard, and sack of gifts, he traditionally received a place at the table before families went to bed — eventually inspiring today’s cookies-and-milk tradition.
The hanging of Christmas stockings is a Dutch practice. Children placed empty socks or shoes by the hearth, hoping St. Nicholas would fill them with treats. One legend tells of a poor father whose daughters received bags of gold tossed into their drying stockings — a heartwarming story that helped shape today’s custom.
Reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh originated in certain regions of Switzerland, eventually spreading worldwide and becoming one of the holiday’s most iconic images.
Christmas parades first took root in Mexico as part of Latin American holiday celebrations, and later became a beloved tradition in the United States — especially in festive communities like ours in Richmond Hill and Effingham County.
While most popular among Italian Americans, the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes is actually a uniquely American tradition inspired by Italian customs. This lavish seafood celebration often includes dishes with shrimp, scallops, mussels, lobster, and more.
The first Christmas card was mailed in England in the 1840s, launching a cherished custom still enjoyed today. From heartfelt messages to photo cards celebrating new homes or new family members, this tradition remains strong.
So…how did you do? We hope you enjoyed this fun journey through holiday traditions from around the world.
From all of us at Ernest Homes, best wishes for a warm, joyful, and healthy holiday season! If your new-year plans include a new home, we’d love to help — contact us anytime through our Contact Us page.
