<P> Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures . For Christians, participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season . Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance . A 2010 survey by LifeWay Christian Resources found that 47% of American households attend church services during this time . In the United Kingdom, the Church of England reported an estimated attendance of 2.5 million people at Christmas services in 2015 . </P> <P> In Catholic countries, people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas . In other countries, secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held . Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season . Gift - giving takes place on Christmas Day in most countries . Others practice gift giving on Saint Nicholas Day, and January 6, Epiphany . </P> <P> The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history . In the 15th century, it was recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". The heart - shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed . </P> <P> Nativity scenes are known from 10th - century Rome . They were popularised by Saint Francis of Assisi from 1223, quickly spreading across Europe . Different types of decorations developed across the Christian world, dependent on local tradition and available resources, and can vary from simple representations of the crib to far more elaborate sets--renowned manger scene traditions include the colourful Kraków szopka in Poland, which imitate Kraków's historical buildings as settings, the elaborate Italian presepi (Neapolitan, Genoese and Bolognese), or the Provençal crèches in southern France, using hand - painted terracotta figurines called santons . In certain parts of the world, notably Sicily, living nativity scenes following the tradition of Saint Francis are a popular alternative to static crèches . The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children . In countries where a representation of the Nativity scene is very popular, people are encouraged to compete and create the most original or realistic ones . Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom . </P>

What is the original meaning of ivy at christmas