In this paper I will analyze and describe the consumption behaviors and sources of influence associated with such widely recognized cultural occurrence as Christmas. “Christmas is a mixture of celebrations, personal behaviors and attitudes, rituals and myths, the selling and buying of gifts, and public and private get-togethers. They all are brought together from ancient pagan festivals, various ethnic traditions, the biblical stories of Jesus’ birth, historic religious traditions, practices and beliefs, and material business strategies that are all focused around December 25th” (Sherbondy).

How much do we actually know about the history of Christmas? Some might be completely surprised that December 25 is an approximate date of the birth of Jesus Christ. The exact date of his birth was unknown, so early Christians chose that date “to correspond with the day exactly nine months after they believed he was conceived” (Crock).

The current culturally accepted forms of consumption behavior became established over time. “For centuries it was common to give Christmas gifts to friends and relatives at Christmas. However hanging out stockings to be filled with presents was first recorded in parts of England in the early 19th century. It became common in the late 19th century” (Lambert).

“The sending of cards at Christmas time evolved from the practice of giving small, inexpensive favors to wish distant family, friends, and acquaintances well over the holidays. Over time, this custom gave way (largely due to marketing influences from greeting card companies) to the more widespread use of holiday cards to acknowledge both business and personal relationships” (Project Assignment).

Compared to any other holiday, Christmas has the greatest potential for consumption of products. In America, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday. It is customary to give presents to