What Date Is Christmas? A Summary of Its History Along with 5 Interesting Facts You May Not Know
Christmas Day Christmas Day is an important festival filled with warmth that reflects religion, lifestyle, culture, and long-standing traditions. What date is Christmas? What is its history? Follow these interesting facts here.
Christmas Day falls on December 25 every year. It is an ancient festival celebrated worldwide with activities and family gatherings, as this date marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity.
Why is the history of Christmas important?
Christmas is a significant celebration. Originally, at the end of December, people held festivals to welcome the new season with activities such as cooking, drinking homemade wine, and burning logs. In the Roman Empire, festivities also honored the god of agriculture.
In the 4th century, the Church designated December 25 as a holiday to mark the birth of Jesus, the prophet of Christianity. Celebrations included feasts and giving food and drink. Over time, this festival spread worldwide. The word "Christmas" comes from "Cristes Maesse," meaning the Mass of Christ.
What activities are done on Christmas Day?
As Christmas is a celebration, popular activities include:
- Decorating Christmas trees with lights, gifts, toys, and stars atop the tree.
- Exchanging Christmas gifts, a tradition symbolizing wishes and family togetherness.
- Giving food and drinks to the homeless.
- Organizing singing shows and decorating many areas beautifully with lights and colors.
- Sending greeting cards with short messages expressing good wishes.
- Attending religious ceremonies at churches.
- Cooking and baking to share with family and to distribute to others.
What are 5 interesting facts about Christmas?
Beyond the long and fascinating history of Christmas, there are other interesting facts, such as:
- The traditional Christmas colors are red, green, and gold. Red represents Jesus’ sacrifice, green symbolizes eternity, and gold stands for prosperity and hope.
- Many countries observe December 26 as a holiday called "Boxing Day," a day for shopping as many stores offer promotions and fun activities.
- The custom of children hanging stockings for Santa Claus’s gifts originated from the Dutch. According to legend, Saint Nicholas climbed down a chimney to deliver money, which fell into a stocking hung by the fireplace, starting the tradition.
- Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas, a Turkish priest. Originally, Santa’s outfit was not red, but in the 1930s, Coca-Cola’s advertisements depicted him in red clothing matching their brand, creating the iconic image.
- Originally, people ate goose, but turkey became popular because it has more meat, can be prepared in many ways, serves the whole family, and symbolizes the upper class, making it a Christmas favorite.
Christmas Day is a warm festival many eagerly await because it not only celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth but also offers a great chance for family reunions, decorating, exchanging gifts, and enjoying heartwarming activities throughout the season.
