CHRISTMAS FACT # 33!! Years ago holly and ivy were said to have magical properties. In ancient cultures, the howling winds in the nights of winter were believed to be ghosts and demons so to decorate with holly and ivy was thought to ward off these evil spirits. Also, since ivy stays green all year, it lead to the belief it had magical properties. Religious meaning connected to holly is it's sharp leaves symbolizes Christ's crown of thorns, its red berries the blood he shed.