Christmas in Watertown, MA: A Look Back in History, Armenian Influence, and What It Means Today — 20 Days Before Christmas
As Watertown begins to glow with festive lights and holiday excitement, the community finds itself just 20 days away from Christmas. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on how Christmas has evolved in our town — shaped by centuries of history, waves of culture, and traditions carried from distant homelands.
Today, Watertown’s Christmas spirit is not only historic, but beautifully diverse, warm, and uniquely ours.
A Brief History of Christmas in Watertown, MA
Watertown, founded in 1630, is one of Massachusetts’ earliest settlements — and Christmas here has undergone a dramatic evolution.
1. Early Colonial Years: A Holiday Once Uncelebrated
In the 1600s and early 1700s, Christmas was not a major celebration.
Puritan settlers discouraged it, keeping stores and businesses open and discouraging festivities of any kind.
2. 1800s: Traditions Begin to Take Root
By the 19th century, immigrants brought new traditions to Watertown — including the Christmas tree, gift exchanges, and joyful church gatherings.
3. Armenian Influence: A Culture of Faith, Family & Celebration
Watertown is home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the United States, and their influence has deeply enriched local holiday culture.
When Armenian families settled in Watertown—many fleeing the atrocities of the early 20th century—they brought with them:
A strong emphasis on family unity
Traditions of warm hospitality
Religious celebrations rooted in the Armenian Apostolic Church
A deep appreciation for community gatherings, songs, and feasts
Over time, these traditions blended beautifully with Watertown’s holiday landscape.
Today, many Armenian homes and local businesses incorporate:
Cultural ornaments
Armenian-inspired holiday dishes
The tradition of celebrating Armenian Christmas on January 6
Family-centered gatherings that keep heritage alive
This cultural richness adds warmth, meaning, and depth to the town's holiday season.
Watertown Today: A Modern Christmas With Tradition at Its Heart
Fast forward to the present — Christmas in Watertown is a vibrant combination of American celebration and multicultural influence, including a strong Armenian presence.
The Decorations Shine Brighter Every Year
Walk around the neighborhoods and you’ll see:
Houses wrapped in twinkling lights
Inflatable displays
Extended holiday décor well into January for Armenian Christmas
Businesses lighting up storefronts
Community events featuring music, outreach, and charity
But with all this beautiful transformation comes a growing concern — electrical safety.
Rising Holiday Decorations Bring Rising Electrical Safety Risks
As more families decorate with:
Heavy LED lighting
Older extension cords
Overloaded outlets
Indoor & outdoor light displays
Electric inflatables
Space heaters
…there is an increase in holiday-related electrical hazards.
Common seasonal risks include:
Overheating wires
Faulty outdoor connections
Tripping breakers
Damaged cords
Fire risks from overloaded circuits
Improper installation of exterior lighting
With Watertown’s growing enthusiasm for holiday decorations — influenced by both American and Armenian traditions — electrical safety has never been more important.
This is where we come in.
How Markarian Electric Helps Keep Watertown Safe This Christmas
At Markarian Electric, we understand the excitement of the season — and we’re here to make sure it stays safe, warm, and joyful.
Our Holiday Electrical Safety Services Include:
Safety inspection for holiday lighting setups
Exterior outlet upgrades & GFCI installation
Circuit load evaluation to prevent overloads
Outlet and wiring repairs
Safe installation of outdoor displays
Surge protection for homes
Smart home holiday lighting solutions
Whether you’re decorating early for the season or extending the celebration through Armenian Christmas, professional electrical safety is essential.
20 Days Before Christmas — A Time to Reflect & Stay Safe
As we count down to Christmas, Watertown stands on the foundation of:
Rich history
Cultures woven together
Armenian traditions cherished for generations
A shared sense of community and celebration
But most of all — this season reminds us to care for one another and our homes.
Keep Your Home Safe This Holiday Season
Make sure your Christmas — and your Armenian Christmas — is bright and safe.
Book a Holiday Electrical Safety Check with Markarian Electric today.
Let our licensed professionals ensure your decorations sparkle without risk.
Call: (617) 393-9700
Visit our website or live chat with us via Tawk.to
Proudly serving Watertown, MA and nearby areas