Re: Christmas around the world
Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:24 am
Re-reading this thread, I don't think I gave enough emphasis to the German influence on Christmas in America. In the mid-19th century, there was a massive influx of immigrants from Germany. I was surprised to learn a few years ago that more contemporary Americans have at least some German heritage than any other immigrant group. Anyway, the Germans, whether Protestant or Catholic, were always BIG on Christmas. Unlike the English Puritans, who tried to stamp it out, Martin Luther loved Christmas and encouraged Christmas trees, etc. In fact it was the German influence of Victoria's husband Albert that helped popularize the celebration of Christmas in 19th century England.