Christian Origins...

Most of the trappings of even the most secularized Christmas observances have their roots in Christian symbol and meaning. Though the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Christmas greeting cards, feasting and flowers have been largely commercialized, we can enjoy them in our homes by understanding their origins and meaning.

Christmas Masses

Early in the Church's history, probably in the 5th century, three Masses were celebrated on Christmas Day: one at midnight known as the "Christ Mass", one at dawn called the "Angel Mass", and one in full daylight known as the "High Mass".
The Midnight Mass was then unique to Christmas, as was the chanting of the Gloria in excelsis, the song of the angels. Midnight was chosen by the Church for celebration of the Christmas Mass to symbolize and, in effect, recapitulate the birth of the Savior according to the flesh, at the beginning of a new day.
The second Mass is offered to honor the birth of Jesus as the Son of God and of the Virgin Mary.
The third Mass commemorates the eternal birth of the Son from the Father. (See John N. Then, Christmas: A Collection of Christmas lore, Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Company, 1935, p. 93).
Parents may not want to take young children to Midnight Mass, however. For many families with young children, getting to (and through) Mass on Christmas Day is more difficult than on ordinary Sundays. The wonder and excitement of Christmas morning, the expectation and preparation for family feasts and gatherings tends to make going to Church the farthest thing from the minds of most children (and many adults, for that matter.)
But Christian families must make every effort to make the Mass truly "Christ-Mass". You may have to be especially creative in planning the best way of doing this for your family. It is a good idea to make plans to avoid last-minute rush and so that everyone knows what to expect.
Some families make the room with the Christmas tree "off limits" until after Mass. Others begin the opening of presents before dawn, have an early breakfast, and go to a later Mass. It is worthwhile reminding children that the truest and greatest "Christmas present" is Christ Jesus, who gives Himself to each of us uniquely at Mass, and that is where we receive the One for whom we have prepared and expected for so long.

The Christmas Tree

Despite many historians' attempts to link the Christmas tree to an ancient pagan practice, it is actually Christian in origin. The Christmas tree goes back to the medieval German mystery plays. One of the most popular "mysteries" was the Paradise play, representing the creation of man, the sin of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from Paradise. It usually closed with the consoling promise of the coming of the Savior with reference to His Incarnation. These plays were performed in the open, on the large squares in front of churches, or inside the house of God. The Garden of Eden was indicated by a fir tree hung with apples. It represented both the Tree of Life and the Tree of Discernment of Good and Evil, which stood in the center of Paradise. (Gen 2:9)

There is always Hope!  I love having a real Christmas tree.  It smells & looks great-white lights, some hand made decorations & others I have gotten from the dollar stores.

You Are Worth So Much!

God Bless

J Christian S