Christmas is one of the most popular religious festivals. The festival brings so much fun and excitement to people’s lives. In December, Santa Claus roams the road, and Christmas trees in shopping malls, and people dress as Santa Claus and distribute gifts and chocklets. Christmas stars and lights at every door. Everyone dances and sings the jingle bell songs. Yes, we are here talking about the beautiful celebration of Christmas. Not only Christians but the whole world celebrates this beautiful festival with full joy and excitement. Do you know Why Christmas is Celebrated? Do you know the significance of Christmas? We are here to know in detail.
Meaning of Christmas
When we celebrate our festivals, we also must know the meaning of that festival name. If we think about Christmas word The word ‘Christmas’ is a modern version of the old English term ‘Cristes Maesse’, which means ‘Mass of Christ’. People meet with popular greeting messages such as “Merry Christmas” and pray for the well-being of mankind.
History of Christmas
Christmas celebration reflects a fusion of historical rites and heartfelt emotions. Christmas Day is celebrated on 25th December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival conveys his message of love, tolerance, and brotherhood. It’s a celebration of humanity and mankind. The twelve days between Christmas and the Epiphany relate to the baptism of baby Jesus.
Significance of Christmas
Christmas shares some of its customs with the harvest festivals of Ancient Rome. Attending midnight mass, gatherings, feasting, placing evergreens in the house, and singing boisterous songs are some of the customs that have endured to date.
The Christmas season is a time for reaching out to people in need. Thus, Christmas is about giving people hope. We can see people help the poor during the Christmas festival celebration. Gifts and charity work during Christmas celebrations make people’s lives more interesting.
The Christmas season brings full energy and excitement into people’s lives. This festival allows people to give wings to their imagination. They celebrate this festival in whatever way they want to celebrate at the end of the year. A pleasant environment without stress can be realized in every home during Christmas. Spending time with family and friends is a way of sharing and letting joy flow.
Christmas Celebration
Christmas is one of the most popular festivals in Christianity. As December starts, the winter season is about to its peak. The winter season is deeply attached to the Christmas celebration. The celebration starts with decorating Christmas trees in homes and putting up glowing lights. There is a week-long Christmas holiday in schools and colleges. Shopping malls are decorated with Christmas stars and Christmas trees. People make exciting Christmas holiday plans with family and friends. New Year celebrations also become more vibrant and colourful due to Christmas. No one wants to waste their Christmas holiday and have a special plan for picnics.
Churches are beautifully decorated. Everyone sends beautiful Merry Christmas messages to their friends and colleagues and wishes them good fortune. People organise Christmas parties at various locations and celebrate this occasion with Christmas cake.
Christmas celebration strengthens the warmth and closeness of family relationships, and friendship and brings hope. It is the time to rejoice and soak in family traditions, meet relatives, and invite friends to a Christmas lunch, brunch, or dinner. Christmas meals include a lavish spread of speciality dishes, desserts, and wine.
The spirit of Christmas comes alive in various group activities. Decorating, putting up lights, whipping up Christmas pudding, cakes, and pies, hanging a wreath, and singing Christmas poems and carols are some of the popular group activities during the Christmas festival celebrations. People plan for special get-togethers or Christmas parties during the Christmas holiday.
During Christmas, children are more excited compared to others. They also have a special plan. They love to hear stories about Rudolph the Reindeer, the snowman, the star, and Saint Nicholas, who is associated with protecting children, and sailors and helping the needy.
During the Christmas celebration, everyone is waiting for Santa Claus. According to belief Santa Claus comes at Christmas midnight and fulfills the wishes. Reassured in their belief, children write letters to Santa about their closest dreams. We can easily see Santa Claus moving around public places spreading gifts and chocolates with love.
Christmas Celebration in Churches
Christmas Day celebrations in Churches are memorable events. Most of the Churches have special Christmas Day services. These comprise Christmas choirs, speeches, the life-like miniature Nativity scene, and greetings. We can see the live telecast of Church services shown on TV channels.
Christmas Celebration at Workplace
Special activities can be seen at workplaces. Them-based Christmas parties ahead of Christmas Day are organized. People turn themself into Santa Claus by wearing Santa Claus dresses and singing popular Christmas songs.
Christmas Celebration in School
Special Christmas activities are performed in schools to create awareness and knowledge about Christmas. Since this is the last festival at the end of the year, the people consider this festival as a closing ceremony.
Christmas Celebration in India
Christmas is also one of the Major Festivals in India. Irrespective of religion, this festival is warmly welcome by all Indians. Like other Indian festivals, we can see people celebrate Christmas with Indian culture and tradition. Decorating a home with mango leaves, and Christmas stars and making traditional Indian dishes are some of the common things that can be seen in every home. South Indian states such as Kerala, Goa, Daman, Diu, and Pondicheri are some of the famous Christmas celebration places in India. Know more about the best place for Christmas celebrations in India. Check out here:- Christmas Celebration in India.
Interesting Facts About Christmas
Here are some interesting facts about Christmas:
- The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English phrase “Cristes Maesse,” which means “Christ’s Mass.”
- December 25th was chosen as the date to celebrate Christmas, but the actual birth date of Jesus is not known. Some historians believe that it was chosen to coincide with pagan winter solstice festivals.
- The tradition of decorating Christmas trees is said to have originated in 16th-century Germany. Martin Luther is credited with adding lighted candles to a tree, inspired by the starry sky he saw one night.
- The modern image of Santa Claus is a blend of various influences, including the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, British Father Christmas, and other European traditions. The red suit and white beard became popular due to Coca-Cola’s marketing in the 1930s.
- Rudolph was created by Robert L. May in 1939 as part of a promotional campaign for Montgomery Ward. The story was later turned into a song and a popular animated TV special.
- The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a London businessman, and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. Before this, people typically exchanged handwritten letters to wish each other a Merry Christmas.
- The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is believed to have originated from ancient Norse mythology. It symbolized love and friendship and was thought to bring good luck.
- The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace is said to have originated from the story of St. Nicholas, who supposedly helped three poor sisters by throwing bags of gold through their window, which landed in their stockings hanging by the fire to dry.
- The 12 days of Christmas traditionally start on December 25th and end on January 6th (Epiphany). Each day represents a different gift given, as sung in the famous Christmas carol.
- Christmas is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some cultures, children eagerly await gifts from Santa Claus, while in others, special foods, rituals, and customs take centre stage.
Remember that Christmas traditions and celebrations can vary widely, and these facts offer just a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating history of the holiday
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