Christmas Day

Merry Christmas to everyone! The month of December has come with Christmas joy. It is one of the most joyful Christian holidays in various countries around the world. Traditionally, Jesus Christ's birthday is celebrated on this day. Surprisingly, Christians and non-Christians celebrate the day as a cultural event. On this Day, children wait for Santa to come down the chimney and give them presents.

For some people, Christmas is a special time just for family, while others invite friends to a Christmas potluck. Churches often have special services on this day.

And there are so many traditions related to Christmas Day. So let's find out everything through this article.

Key Takeaways:

• Christmas is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
• It has evolved into a global festival celebrated by people of various religions.
• This day is also observed worldwide as a public holiday.
• It was first officially celebrated on December 25th in 336 AD during Emperor Constantine's rule.
• Christmas highlights the importance of giving, sharing, and creating cherished memories with loved ones.

What Is Christmas Day?

Traditionally Christmas is a Christian festival that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. This day is celebrated on December 25th. It is also a public holiday, and all government offices and most businesses remain closed. Apart from Christianity, people of different religions celebrate Christmas as well. 

On this day, family and friends come together to remember the best things they did throughout the year. Especially children love Christmas because during this time they get many gifts and chocolates from Santa Claus. It became a global festival, bringing pleasure and helpfulness to everyone and weaving itself into the cultural traditions of different countries.

Brief History Of Christmas

Surprisingly, the history of Christmas Day dates back over 4000 years. But, the Bible or any other gospels does not mention the birth date of Jesus. The word 'Christmas' comes from “Cristes Maesse” meaning the Mass of Christ. Christmas Day was first observed on December 25th as an "official" festival by the Church in Rome under Roman Emperor Constantine in 336. It was also the time of the winter solstice in the Roman databook.

Moreover, Christmas traditions vary from country to country. The most recognized Christmas traditions throughout the world are of course the installation and decoration of a Christmas tree. Another trendy Christmas tradition is gift exchange. Both of these can be attributed to the ancient Roman custom of decorating homes with evergreens and exchanging presents on New Year's Eve to the Celtic Yule log.

Today, Christmas Day celebrations incorporate the secular and religious traditions of numerous cultures.

When Is Christmas Day?

Every year, Christmas Day is celebrated on 25th December all over the world. On this joyous day, parents, other family members, and especially the fabled Santa Claus all give children a ton of presents. 

The public celebrates Christmas Day in various ways.  In the days or even weeks before Christmas Day, many decorate their homes and gardens with string lights, Christmas trees, and other ornaments. In many countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24th following the thought that Jesus was born on the night of the 24th.

Now, let's see the Christmas Day dates from 2024 to 2030.

Christmas Day Dates:

Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions offer joy, expression, and respected memories. These traditions vary, highlighting the spirit of the Advent season while providing opportunities to connect with loved ones. Here are some examples of Christmas Traditions:

Christmas tree Decorate

One of the most traditional signs of the holiday time is the Christmas tree decoration. The tree is decorated with lights, tinsel, baubles, knick-knacks, and many other things. It is believed that Martin Luther was the first person to add lighted candles to a tree.

Gift-Giving

Popular gift-giving customs include "Secret Santa" and the absurd "white elephant" tradition. Children are gifted various toys along with chocolates.

St. Nicholas

Another Christmas Day tradition is St. Nicholas. The modern Santa Claus was later inspired by legendary tales of St. Nicholas from the 4th century.

Christmas Cookies

Making and decorating Christmas cookies is a popular custom in the United States. Sugar cookies are traditional vanilla biscuits that are best for this as they preserve their shape perfectly even when baked.

Christmas Cards

Since 1843, Christmas cards have been sent. Nowadays, relatives and friends are invited through this card. 

Christmas Movies

The best thing to do in winter weather is curl up with your favorite Christmas movies, a blanket, and a cup of hot cocoa. A lot of television networks even show a different movie each night as they count down to Christmas.

Poinsettia

Also known as the Christmas plant, Poinsettias are used as Christmas ornament. 

Christmas Carol

Published on December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol narrates the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a thrifty man. The novella was so well-liked that the first stage adaptation was staged just a few weeks after it was published. Many adaptations have since been made for the stage, movies, and books, much to the delight of the viewers.

How Is Christmas Day Celebrated In The USA?

December 25th is the most joyful day in the United States. People like to decorate the outsides of their houses with lights and sometimes even with statues of Santa Claus, Reindeer, and Snowmen. 

Towns and cities often beautify the streets with string lights to celebrate Christmas. Some people go to church. Besides, there are many other ways Americans celebrate the day, including:

• Getting together with their family and giving each other gifts.
• Letters are written to Santa and the reindeer, gingerbread houses are built, and ugly sweaters are worn.
• Christmas carols are sung.
• Families eat delicious Christmas Day dessert together.
• Families go on vacation together.
• Another cherished tradition is taking a berry off the mistletoe bough each time someone kisses under the decoration.

How Do Other Countries Observe Christmas?

Christmas observed around the globe can vary considerably from American celebrations. The day celebrates various cultural and national traditions as well. So, how do people observe Christmas Day outside of America?

In Japan, celebrating Christmas Day is still relatively new. This Christmas festival has gained wide recognition over the past few years. On this day people order KFC for Christmas Day dinner or make a reservation at a restaurant instead of cooking a big feast.

In the Philippines, they take the Advent Christmas season seriously. People throw big Noche Buena parties on Christmas Eve. In the evening, many will go to Mass, also known as Misa de Riso, after which they will feast and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Other countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh celebrate them similarly. They decorate churches and malls with lights and eat together. 

How Can You Celebrate Christmas On 25th December?

Christmas comes every year. To celebrate it, here's what you can do:

• Decorate your home with festive ornaments.
• Put up a Christmas tree.
• Exchange presents with family and friends.
• Sing Christmas carols together, either at home or in a church setting.
• Watch classic or new Christmas films.
• Sing Christmas carols together, either at home or in a church setting.
• Bake cookies or other festive treats to share.
• Make cinnamon buns to share with friends and distribute matching Christmas pajamas for family portraits.
• Take photos together and share them on social media.

Final Thought

Christmas Day is such a festival that can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. This day reminds us of the importance of giving and sharing with friends and family. It takes set each year on 25 December. So make this day a happy memory every year!