The snow did come last night as predicted and the world of central Maine turned white once again. For most of the morning we felt like we were in a magical, swirling snow globe (and we were).
It has occurred to me recently that I’ve never heard a convincing argument as to why Christmas colors are red and green. As you might imagine, I’ve since given this critical question exhaustive research and deep meditation. You’ll find my conclusions below. Merry Christmas!
Why Christmas Colors are Green and Red
December 24, 2025
Once again it’s Christmas eve, we don the red and green.
We all know about Christ and Santa Claus,
but, what do these two colors mean?
What’s so great about green and red?
Why not yellow or purple or pink instead?
Orange and black got taken long ago by Halloween.
But how about turquoise or navy blue or something in between?
Or something perhaps a bit obscure, like chartreuse or grenadine;
Well, I think I know why red and green were chosen
And I doubt it’s what others have been supposin’
It’s not the holly and the ivy: I don’t believe that tale!
And no, it’s not about the solstice,
though you’re getting warmer with Wassail.
And it’s not Saturnalia with its Roman king and queen.
Forget those other color theories, every one that ever been.
I’ve got an explanation, and it’s the one I like the best.
It makes the most sense, after all, far better than the rest.
Let me pose a question and then you can make the call:
Be-sides universal love and friendship,
What's the most important thing of all?
Why of course it is the orchards and the apples in the fall.
They give us pies and sauce and cider, and ask for nothing back at all.
They teach us rootedness and flexibility,
generosity and humility.
And though it’s true that some are russet and a few are even black
I’ve looked at many apples and determined it’s a fact:
Check out the colors of the apples, nearly every one you’ve ever seen.
The apple’s got to be the reason why Christ-mas is red and green.