Origin and Religious Meaning
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. According to Christian tradition, the Nativity narrative recounted in the New Testament describes Jesus being born in Bethlehem. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room, and they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds who then spread the word.
For Christians, celebrating that God came into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity is central to Christmas's meaning. The earliest church records from the 2nd century indicate that Christians were remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, though they did not initially agree upon a set date. The church formally fixed December 25 as Christmas Day in the early fourth century. The earliest document to place Jesus's birthday on this date is the Chronograph of 354, written in Rome around AD 336. December 25 was the traditional date of the winter solstice in the Roman Empire, and Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome from 337 to 352, is credited with formally setting this date.
Most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in civil calendars worldwide. However, part of the Eastern Christian Churches celebrate Christmas on December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.
Etymology and Historical Names
The English word Christmas is a shortened form of 'Christ's Mass'. The word is recorded as Crīstesmæsse in 1038 and Cristes-messe in 1131. "Xmas" is an abbreviation based on the initial letter chi (Χ) in the Greek Χριστός (Christ).
Throughout history and across cultures, Christmas has been known by various names. The Anglo-Saxons referred to Christmas as midwinter, and the period corresponding to December and January was called Gēola ('Yule'), a term that was eventually equated with Christmastide. The term 'Noel' entered English in the late 14th century and derives from Latin nātālis meaning 'birth day'. Koleda is the traditional Slavic name for Christmas and the period from Christmas to Epiphany.
Preparation and Liturgical Calendar
Christmas preparation begins on the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is followed by Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. In 567, the Council of Tours established the season of Christmastide, proclaiming "the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent fasting in preparation for the feast".
Traditional Customs and Celebrations
The customs associated with Christmas in various countries have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins. Popular holiday traditions include:
- Gift-giving among family members and friends
- Completing an Advent calendar or Advent wreath
- Christmas music and carolling
- Watching Christmas films
- Viewing a Nativity play
- Exchange of Christmas cards
- Attending church services
- Preparing and sharing a special festive meal
- Displaying Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, poinsettias, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly
Figures known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and Christkind are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season and have their own body of traditions and lore.
Festive Decorations and Symbols
Christmas trees, typically evergreen, symbolize life and hope and were popularized by Queen Victoria in 19th-century England. Lights and candles represent light during winter darkness. Nativity scenes depict the birth of Jesus and originated as a tradition with Saint Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. Christmas dinners typically feature special meals including turkey, pies, and cookies. Advent calendars countdown from December 1 to Christmas Day.
Global Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries and is observed by a majority of Christians; it is also celebrated culturally by many non-Christians and forms an integral part of the annual holiday season. Families typically gather on December 25 morning for gifts, breakfast, church services, and festive activities. Christmas lights decorate homes, streets, and trees, while movies, stories, and holiday music create the festive atmosphere.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity, Christmas has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. Over the past few centuries, Christmas has had a steadily growing economic effect in many regions of the world.