One of the best things about Advent and Christmas is discovering the many varied traditions that families have passed down through the generations. When you travel….whether locally or abroad….you will often find traditions that have endured for centuries.
One of these traditions is the “Christmas nail”. Supposedly resembling the nails used to attach Jesus to the cross, it is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas….that the birth of Christ was subsequently followed by His crucifixion and then His resurrection.
It is fitting that the nail is placed on a tree….since He was crucified by hanging Him on a tree.
Many families put the Christmas nail near the center of the tree, to remind them that Christ should be at the center of their lives. It is a great way to bring Christ back in to Christmas.
