I like the religious explanation better, where each item is a part of Christian faith.
“I like the religious explanation better, where each item is a part of Christian faith.”
That was a later addition. The roots are in the Pagan Winter Festival (Saturnalia), (taken over as “Christmas” by the Church). Eating well was the biggest luxury in life in those days. The Church timed it’s largest “holy days” (now holidays) to match Pagan festivals.