12 Symbols of Christmas and What They Really Mean
Christmas is one of the most celebrated times of the year, filled with timeless Christmas traditions, festive Christmas decorations, and meaningful symbols that remind us of the true spirit of Christmas. In this post, we’ll explore the 12 Symbols of Christmas and What They Really Mean, from the star at the top of the tree to the humble candy canes that represent the Good Shepherd.
Table of Contents
- 1 12 Symbols of Christmas and What They Really Mean
- 1.1 Symbol 1: The Christmas Star: Traditional Decorations
- 1.2 Symbol 2: Candles: Symbolic Meanings for the Season
- 1.3 Symbol 3: Bows: Christmas Celebrating and Gift Giving
- 1.4 Symbol 4: Red and Green: Colors for Christmas
- 1.5 Symbol 5: Christmas Wreath: Symbol of Eternal Life
- 1.6 Symbol 6: Bells: Sounds of the Season
- 1.7 Symbol 7: Candy Canes: Decorations for the Winter Holiday
- 1.8 Symbol 8: Mistletoe: Traditional Christmas Decorations
- 1.9 Symbol 9: Tinsel: Sparkling Christmas Traditions
- 1.10 Symbol 10: Stockings: Traditional Christmas Symbols
- 1.11 Symbol 11: Red Poinsettias: Traditional Christmas Decorations
- 1.12 Symbol 12: Angels: Significance and True Meaning of Christmas
- 1.13 A Personal Note: Heartfelt Christmas Traditions & Memories
- 1.14 Mom Wanted Us To Learn the Special Meaning of this Winter Holiday
- 1.15 Personal Reflection: My Symbol of Strength
- 1.16 Celebrate the Meaning Behind Christmas Symbols
- 1.17 Click the Purple Link to Shop My Favorites
- 1.18 Click the Image or Purple Link to Visit Some of My Easy DIYs
12 Symbols of Christmas and What They Really Mean
From the star atop the Christmas tree to candy canes and Christmas wreaths, each symbol carries a special story and meaning that celebrates the birth of Jesus and the joy of the holiday season.
Symbol 1: The Christmas Star: Traditional Decorations
In present times, the tradition of placing stars atop the Christmas tree is a prominent element of our holiday season. These Christmas stars represent the everlasting light and hope that Christ’s birth brought into the world. They remind us of the star of Bethlehem and the good news of the birth of Jesus centuries ago. This serves as a testament to the faith and joy of the Christmas season. As we decorate our trees with these stars and Christmas decorations, we pay homage to the light of the world and the special meaning of this sacred occasion. You may have fun making one of these for your holiday home or buying one as part of your traditional Christmas symbols.
Symbol 2: Candles: Symbolic Meanings for the Season
The symbolism of candles during the Christmas season reminds us of the spirit of Jesus Christ. Early Christians lit candles to represent the star of Bethlehem leading the way to baby Jesus. Candles also symbolize the light of the world shining into the darkness.
Before electricity, families decorated their Christmas trees with real candles. They light them as a reflection of the good news of Christ’s birth. Today, we continue this with Christmas lights and holiday decorations, reflecting bright lights in our homes during the winter season.
Easy DIY Flameless Candle – HERE
Symbol 3: Bows: Christmas Celebrating and Gift Giving
The significance of a bow on a gift during Christmas celebrations connects us to the wise men who presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. Tying a bow symbolizes unity and the greatest gift. The love of Jesus Christ is the precious gift given to us.
A bow isn’t just a symbol of love on a package; it reminds us of God’s love and the true meaning of Christmas.
Symbol 4: Red and Green: Colors for Christmas
Red represents the blood of Jesus, as seen in red berries, red poinsettias, and the crown of thorns. The green color stands for everlasting life, mirrored in evergreen trees, evergreen branches, and Christmas wreaths. These colors combine traditional decorations with symbolic meanings that date back to the Middle Ages and the winter solstice.
Symbol 5: Christmas Wreath: Symbol of Eternal Life
The Christmas wreath, with its circular shape, represents eternal life. Crafted from evergreen branches like pine and holly, it also symbolizes the Advent wreath used by early Christians. This traditional Christmas symbol reflects the greatest gift, the hope of everlasting life through Christ’s birth.
Symbol 6: Bells: Sounds of the Season
Christmas bells, from jingle bells to church bells, ring with the joyful sound of angels announcing the birth of Jesus. In the 16th century, bells hung on evergreen trees and later decorated churches to ward off evil spirits and announce the good news. Today, these silver bells remain a precious gift of sound during Christmas celebrations.
Symbol 7: Candy Canes: Decorations for the Winter Holiday
Among the traditional Christmas symbols, the candy cane holds a special meaning. The hook or shepherd’s crook shape of the candy cane represents the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who tends His flock. The red stripe recalls the blood of Jesus, and the white stripes signify purity. Flip the candy cane upside down and you’ll see the “J” for Jesus. This treat is a symbol of love and a way to remember the true reason for the holiday season.
Symbol 8: Mistletoe: Traditional Christmas Decorations
Among cherished Christmas traditions, hanging mistletoe is one of the most beloved. The parasitic plant blooms during the winter season, symbolizing good luck, vitality, and affection. Its special meaning stretches back to many cultures; the Druids believed it offered protection from evil spirits. Hanging mistletoe in our homes during Christmas time invites warmth and togetherness, a symbolic meaning that has lasted for centuries.
Symbol 9: Tinsel: Sparkling Christmas Traditions
Tinsel represents the mirror of starlight above the Nativity Christmas story. Just as the Christmas star shone over the Christ child, tinsel reflects the glory of the Lord. When you decorate your Christmas tree with shimmering strands, you’re carrying on one of the traditional Christmas symbols from the Middle Ages.
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Symbol 10: Stockings: Traditional Christmas Symbols
The Christmas stocking tradition comes from Saint Nicholas (St. Nicholas) and his gold coins placed secretly as gifts. This is a symbol of love and generosity. Hanging stockings recalls the traditional Christmas symbols. It celebrates the love of children, Father Christmas, and the magic of Christmas morning
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Symbol 11: Red Poinsettias: Traditional Christmas Decorations
The bright red color of poinsettias symbolizes shining hope, good luck, and purity, perfect for Christmas decorations. Their bright red color mirrors the blood of Jesus. Their green color leaves remind us of everlasting life and God’s love
during the holy days of the Christmas season.
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Symbol 12: Angels: Significance and True Meaning of Christmas
In the Christmas story, angels served as messengers. The Angel of the Lord appeared to the mother Mary and the wise men to announce the good news of Jesus’ birth. Their presence reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas and the light of the world.
For many of us, angels symbolize comfort during a tough time. It’s a reminder of our loving Father and our heavenly Father’s protection.
Natural Christmas Decor Tour – HERE
A Personal Note: Heartfelt Christmas Traditions & Memories
Thinking back on those moments always brings me back to the heart of Christmas and what its symbols truly mean.
Growing up, the true meaning of Christmas was always a priority in my family. Decorating the Christmas tree with bright lights and adding holiday decorations while listening to Christmas music filled our home with joy. I can still hear Andy Williams singing “Do You Hear What I Hear,” the nostalgic albums of the Chipmunks, and the cheerful sounds of jingle bells and silver bells that made everything feel magical during Christmas time.
One of our favorite family traditions was hanging a Christmas wreath on our front door. It was a welcoming symbol of the winter holiday that greeted friends and family for countless Christmas celebrations throughout the season. Inside, our home glowed with Christmas lights, red poinsettias, and traditional decorations that made every corner festive. Strands of candy canes hung in doorways, adding a sweet touch to our holiday decorations. I may be showing my age with these memories, but those traditions still warm my heart.
Our holiday celebrations always included our extended Italian family, loud, loving, and full of delicious food. Baking with my mom is one of my most precious memories. From a young age, I was given the important task of rolling tiny balls of dough for Struffoli. This is a traditional Italian pastry we always make for Christmas Day. I remember wondering how such a small batch of dough could take forever to roll. We watched the golden balls fry until crisp before we drizzled honey to create a sweet glaze. Those moments were a precious gift I’ll always cherish, simple, beautiful reminders of family, love, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Mom Wanted Us To Learn the Special Meaning of this Winter Holiday
Our mom always made sure we understood that the true spirit of Christmas went far beyond the gifts we opened on Christmas morning, from Santa Claus or the fun of baking Christmas cookies. Amid the excitement, she wanted us to remember the true reason behind Christmas Day. I can still picture us leaving out homemade cookies for St. Nicholas made with old metal cookie cutters, and carrots for the reindeer, before heading to bed.
But one memory stands out most of all. I remember looking up at my mom one Christmas morning and saying, “Mommy, today we should sing happy birthday to baby Jesus because he was born today.” My brothers, being older, didn’t quite understand why I wanted to do that, but my mom’s face lit up. She loved the idea. From that moment on, it became one of our favorite family traditions, a simple, heartfelt way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and remember why we were together.
Personal Reflection: My Symbol of Strength
I truly believe my mom is my angel of the universe, encouraging me through tough times with shining hope. Her courage during her own challenges showed me the true meaning of Christmas, faith, perseverance, and the love of God.
Celebrate the Meaning Behind Christmas Symbols
I hope you enjoyed learning about the 12 Symbols of Christmas and What They Really Mean, from evergreen trees and Christmas wreaths to candy canes and Christmas bells. These Christmas traditions connect us to the birth of Jesus and the true spirit of Christmas. They fill the holiday season with the light of the world, everlasting life, and the greatest gift of all, God’s love. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with Christmas cookies, bright lights, and beautiful holiday decorations!
Click the Purple Link to Shop My Favorites
This beautiful tree topper
The perfect wreath to symbolize life
Knit stockings perfect for small trinkets
Perfect red and green for the symbol stockings!
I LOVE these candles and use them all winter!
Great candlesticks!
Click the Image or Purple Link to Visit Some of My Easy DIYs
Love this Cindy. I knew of some of the meanings but not all of these. Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting. xoxo Kris
Thankyou of reminding what Christmas is about. So often in the hustle and bustle of the season the meaning gets lost. I also loved how you feel your Mother and Grandmother are still sending their love and giving you strength to do all you do.
Have a lovely and peaceful holiday season and God Bless you and yours.
I love the idea of candles on the tree. Growing up, my best friend’s family did this. No lights, just candles. Very pretty.
Thank you for sharing this! I’m enjoying passing down different traditions to my kiddos 🙂 Love hearing more about you and your mom- strong women!
That’s so cool. I love that my mom did the same. It’s something I never forget
I think I clicked out without posting my comment. UGH. Anyway, this was a great post and I did know most of the things- but not all.
I do believe your mom and grandmom are watching over you. I had the oddest thing happen to me several years ago. I was born and raised in PA and my little gramma Stella was a wonderful woman. She always loved me unconditionally. We were out somewhere and this man I had never seen before came up to me and said…I don’t normally do this but I want you to know that there is a small woman with straight brown hair with round wire glasses that is right with you. I about fell over because she looked nothing like me and no one here (WI) would have ever seen her. She died when I was a young mom. I had such a deep peace after that.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Cindy. I keep you in my prayers for continued health and management of your MS. xo Diana
What a gift to pass on strength alongside deep empathy. I love reading your words Cindy, as well as learning more about the Holiday I hold so dear.
Thanks so much Maria!
I LOVED this post Cindy! Every year when I’m putting up Christmas I wonder about a lot of these things. I have the best intentions of doing a bit of research but I never have. Thank you for putting this together!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
Great post on the meaning of Christmas and the symbols we use to celebrate. Thanks for sharing Cindy!I am excited to tell you this post will be featured in Tuesday Turn About Link party this week! Thanks for joining us and I hope to see you at the party this week! Pinning! 😊
Hi there! Your post about the meanings of the symbols of Christmas is wonderful! I was intrigued by the info you shared. I would love to have you link up your post at Whimsy Home Wednesdays to inspire others and have a chance to be featured https://www.artsandclassy.com/category/diy/whimsy-home-wednesdays-linky-party/
This was great and I will be sharing a short version of it with kids and adults.
Thank you so much! We need to remember Christmas isn’t just about santa