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History of Christmas Day
Holidays Explained > History of Christmas Day
What is Christmas?
Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday generally observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.
The date is not known to be the actual birth date of Jesus, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after Christians believe Jesus to have been conceived, the date of the Roman winter solstice, or one of various ancient winter festivals. Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days
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What is the history of the holiday?
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In most areas of Europe, the end of December was a perfect time for celebration. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
Where is it celebrated?
Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday. Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees. Notable countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include People's Republic of China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and North Korea. Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions.
Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporates regional and local cultures. For Christians, participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance. In Catholic countries, the people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts is a widespread feature of the season.
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How is it celebrated?
Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians worldwide, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. All of this only leads up to, of course, waiting for Santa Claus’ arrival to deliver gifts to children.
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.
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Decorating for this holiday
Along with Halloween, Christmas is probably one of the most decorated holidays in the world. At around the beginning of December or even right after Thanksgiving, people start decorating the interiors and exteriors of the houses for this extremely popular holiday. In their front lawns, most typically you will see various Christmas lights strung across their lawn or on their trees. Sometimes people also purchase outdoor lighted displays such as electronic reindeer figurines or even a whole ensemble of lighted LED Santa Claus and reindeer figurines on their rooftops.
For the interiors, the most important element of Christmas is the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree varies in all sizes and could be bought as a plastic or an authentic, real Christmas trees. Perhaps in North America and in parts of Europe people would prefer purchasing real Christmas trees as they are readily available, however in other countries such as in Asia Christmas trees sold are plastic, manmade ones. Ornaments of all colors and shapes are hung on the branches of the Christmas trees. Oftentimes Christmas lights are also strung on the trees with a star perched on the top of it. Stockings are hung usually by the fireplace for smaller presents.
There are also plenty of other decorations that are used to decorate this holiday. Candles, wreaths, tinsel garlands, decorations with reindeers, snowflakes, Santa Claus, and more are some other examples of Christmas décor. Food is also an important part of this holiday, when people gather at home to have a Christmas dinner sometimes during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. If you are throwing a Christmas dinner party, make some cupcakes instead of cakes to elminate the slicing and extra plate washing. Visit our blog here and here to see our beautiful simple cupcake ideas! Last but not the least, Christmas can not be complete without presents. Christmas is a holiday that involves extensive shopping for presents for family members and loved ones. These presents are placed under the Christmas tree and in the stockings and will be opened in the morning of Christmas Day, December 25th.
“Merry Christmas” in 10 languages
- England: ‘Merry Christmas!’
- Sweden: ‘God Jul!’
- Finland: ‘'Hyvää Joulua!’
- Normay: ‘Gledelig Jul!’
- Germany: ‘Froehliche Weihnachten!’
- Mexico: ‘Feliz Navidad!’
- France: ‘Joyeux Noël!’
- Italy: ‘Buone Natale!’
- Ukraine: ‘Srozhdestvom Kristovym!’
- Greece: ‘Kala Christouyenna!’
Interesting Facts
- Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.
- Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.
- In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today's Mardi Gras parties.
- From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.
- Christmas wasn't a holiday in early America—in fact Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the country's first Christmas under the new constitution.
- Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.
- The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith's 1607 Jamestown settlement.
- Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828.
- The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.
- Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L. May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.
- Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.
Visit our blog for more tips on how to decorate for Christmas!
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December 23, 2011 ~ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays -- From HomeSeasons
HomeSeasons would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The winter season is perfect for celebrating with family, friends, and loved ones! Decorate your home with festive lights, exchange Christmas presents with everyone, and cozy on up next to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate!
December 22, 2011 ~ DIY Holiday Christmas Snow Globe
Learn how to DIY your own holiday Christmas snow globe for decorating! They can be made with items found in your home! They are easy to make and add a whole lot of Christmas spirit. Give it a little shake to make the snow come to life!
Decemeber 21, 2011 ~ Food Themed Holiday Christmas Ornaments
As promised, our newest blog post is full of food themed holiday Christmas ornaments! They look good enough to eat, but remember they are just for decorating! Check out our newest blog post for more Christmas ornament ideas now!
Decemeber 20, 2011 ~ Christmas Holiday Cupcakes (Part 2) - Christmas Trees
Part 2 of our Christmas holiday cupcakes compilation is here! Part 1 was all about Santa Claus, but part 2 is dedicated to the Christmas tree. Get inspired to decorate Christmas tree themed cupcakes for this holiday season! They are great to give as gifts and they taste great too! Visit our newest blog post now!
December 19, 2011 ~ Giant Holiday Christmas Trees Around the World
We many not be able to travel during the holidays to see all the Christmas trees around the world, but luckily, we still have the internet to help us indulge in our holiday curiosity! Check out our newest blog post to see a few stunningly decorated Christmas trees we found from places all over the world! They can warm up any cold day!
December 16, 2011 ~ DIY Christmas Reindeer Candy Canes for the Holidays
Remember back in elementary school when we would make Christmas reindeer candy canes for the holidays? I sure do! Check out our newest blog post for a little reminiscent DIY project to recreate. It is sure to bring back memories from the good ol' days.
December 15, 2011 ~ Pecular Christmas Holiday Ornaments
Many people are amping up their Christmas holiday ornament collection with some peculiar finds. Check out our newest blog post for a few that we found! Your holiday decorations will definitely be unique if you try something new. Share with us your peculiar ornament finds in the comments!
December 14, 2011 ~ Square Christmas Wreaths
We're all familiar with the classic round Christmas wreaths found on everyone's front doors during Christmastime, but a new wreath is coming to town! Our newest blog post shares a unique decorating idea: square Christmas wreaths! Let us know how you feel about this decorating idea in our comments!
December 13, 2011 ~ Holiday Candy Apple Inspirations
Get inspired to create some holiday themed candy apples with our newest blog post. They are great as stocking stuffers for Christmas or as dessert treats to serve at your holiday dinner party. They also look great as tabletop decoration (before they all get devoured)! Visit our blog now for inspiration!
December 12, 2011 ~ Christmas Holiday Movie Review - The Classics
Many of you are familiar with the two Christmas movie classics Frosty the Snowman (1969) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). However, if you're not, you're not alone! Visit our newest blog post for a little movie review from a first time watcher!
December 8, 2011 ~ Unusual Blue Themed Christmas Trees
Interested in decorating your home with a blue themed Christmas tree this year? Check out our newest blog post for a look into this unusual trend! Blue Christmas trees are sure to add a modern look to your home this holiday season! Get inspired!
December 6, 2011 ~ Christmas Holiday Cupcakes (Part 1) - Santa Claus
Check out our newest blog post on Christmas holiday cupcake inspirations! Today's theme is Santa Claus cupcakes! These decorative pieces of dessert are sure to add holiday spirit to any meal! Don't forget to share with us what other Christmas holiday cupcakes you would like to see next in the comments!
December 5, 2011 ~ DIY Christmas Gifts - Candles With Cinnamon Sticks
Save money this holiday season by making your own DIY Christmas gifts! Today's DIY gift idea is how to decorate candles with cinnamon sticks! Check our blog for more seasonal decorating ideas! They're perfect for the holidays!
December 2, 2011 ~ Overhauling Plain Holiday Ornaments - Paper Mache Ed.
Overhaul plain holiday ornaments into one of a kind masterpieces with paper mache! They make fun and easy projects for the whole family and are great decorative pieces! Check out our blog post for ideas!
December 1, 2011 ~ Holiday Reindeer Pretzel Cookies
Leave Santa reindeer inspired cookies for Christmas this year instead of plain chocolate chip cookies. They're easy to make but add a whole lot of festive spirit to the holidays. Check out our newest blog post for directions!
Novemeber 30, 2011 ~ The Eccentric Upside Down Christmas Tree
Many of us are familiar with the traditional Christmas tree, but have you ever seen one that is decorated upside down? This trend has been growing in popularity in the recent years and doesn't seem to be relenting. Check out our newest blog post for pictures of these decorated upside down Christmas trees! You might get inspired to try it out this year!
November 29, 2011 ~ Peppermint Bark Candy Cane Recipe
Check out our newest blog post for a fun and simple recipe to make peppermint bark with candy canes! They are great for the holidays and will definitely put all those extra candy canes to use. They are great to give out as presents or left on the table as a decoration (and a treat)!
November 25, 2011 ~ Bye-Bye Thanksgiving, Hello Christmas!
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over (tummies stuffed and turkeys devoured), we can now start preparing for Christmas! For those of us who are stressed out about shopping for the holidays, have no fear! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here to protect our wallets!
December 25, 2010 ~ Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas
Hello everyone! Thank you for visiting our blog on Christmas Day! On behalf of our team at Home Seasons, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for all your support! We hope that our Christmas holiday decor has helped you make decorating a lot easier. Have a great Christmas Day with all your loved ones and we will see you soon!
December 22, 2010 ~ Cupcake Frenzy! Christmas Holiday edition Part 2
December 21, 2010 ~ Christmas trees around the world
I wondered what Christmas trees all around the globe looked like and how different people decorated them, so I went on to search for pictures of these trees. CBS News.com had some great pictures in their photo gallery. They had pictures of Christmas trees in the United Arab Emirates, the White House…and all the way to Tokyo and China. Take a look at these Christmas decorated trees and see if you become inspired to decorate your own tree in any way!
December 18, 2010 ~ Christmas Decorating DIY ideas
If you want to have more than normal Christmas decorations, decorate your home with something more than a wreath, here are more crafts work steps to follow to achieve chic and affordable holiday decorating.
December 16, 2010 ~ Cupcake frenzy! Holiday Christmas cupcakes edition
Once again, we are going to introduce our cupcake frenzy segment for all of you cupcake lovers to make! If you have been keeping up with our blog or have went back to October and read our previous cupcake frenzy posts, then you can see that we definitely have some very creative and easy ideas for you to make your holiday cupcakes. These fabulous Christmas cupcake decorating ideas are not our own, but enjoy and hope you made the best cupcakes for your guests to try!
December 14, 2010 ~ Gift wrapping ideas for Christmas
Tis the season to be giving! We don’t like wrapping our gifts in the conventional way. We like it unique and different to switch it up for this year’s Christmas decorating! Here we provide you some great ideas for this year’s Christmas gift wrapping.
