christmas symbols.
candles, fires: summer, warmth, paradise, end of darkness, jewish hanukkah
tree: eternal life, paradise tree, pagan symbol
apples: apple of paradise
reindeer: a prop
santa claus: st. nicholas, pagan deity
gifts: customary (romans, pagans everywhere), magi
mistletoe: peace, kisses
holly: christ's crown of thorns
gnomes: pagan entirely
straw: stable & crib, pagan, handy material for decorations
sock: a prop (as chimney etc.) to hold gifts