What date is Christmas? Christmas falls on December 25 every year. The songs "Jingle Bells" and "Last Christmas" play in department stores and tourist spots, signaling that Christmas is approaching. Christmas 2025 is drawing near.
Although this festival is part of Western culture, it influences tourism and boosts the global economy. It has become a time for relaxation and celebration. Have you ever wondered what Christmas is about, what to do, and where it originated? Discover the answers in 7 things to know about Christmas. Christmas right here.
Christmas 2025 (English: Christmas) is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. It is an important annual holiday for Christians.
The term " Christmas " means "the mass of Christ," deriving from the phrase Christes Maesse, since Christmas is traditionally celebrated with a mass service. the mass of Christ The word originates from Christes Maesse because Christmas is a day when Christians commonly hold mass ceremonies.
Although Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, the Bible does not specify the exact date. Christians believe Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, during the reign of Emperor Augustus of Rome.
Later, in 274 CE, Emperor Aurelian designated December 25 as a festival honoring the Roman sun gods. Christians in the Roman Empire, believing Jesus was supreme over death and their highest prophet, chose to celebrate his birth on that day instead.
Records show that the first official Christmas celebration took place in 336 CE. Since then, Christmas has been observed annually on December 25.
Christmas Eve falls on December 24 every year, one day before Christmas. According to Christian tradition, Christmas celebrations begin on the evening of Christmas Eve. Children hang stockings by the fireplace to await gifts from Santa Claus.
On Christmas morning, families gather to celebrate together, sharing special meals. A traditional menu often includes turkey and various drinks.
The image of a chubby old man dressed in red, with a white beard, arriving in a sleigh pulled by reindeer with a red nose—known as "Santa Claus"—is a classic Christmas symbol. Santa Claus was inspired by Saint Nicholas, a Turkish priest famed for his kindness. Santa Claus Saint Nicholas was widely known as a kind man. Dutch people called him "Sinterklaas," which Americans adapted to "Santa Claus," a name now popular worldwide.
A story tells that Saint Nicholas once climbed down a chimney to leave silver coins as gifts for poor girls. The coins fell into stockings hung by the fireplace, starting the tradition of children hanging stockings to await Santa’s gifts on Christmas—forming the legend of Santa Claus and the stocking tradition.
Did you know that originally, the image of "Santa Claus" Santa Claus was not of a man in a red suit? Around 1930, the Coca-Cola company depicted Santa in red clothing matching their brand for advertisements. This popularized the now-iconic image of Santa Claus as an elderly man in a red suit.
An essential symbol on December 25 is the "Christmas tree." Christmas tree Originally made from fir trees, which were common in Europe and America, these trees are decorated with gifts, stockings, and colorful lights. Early Christians believed the Christmas tree represented the tree from the Garden of Eden from which Adam and Eve took fruit.
Today, other trees like holly, with green spiny leaves and bright red berries symbolizing Jesus' crown of thorns and blood, are also used. Another popular plant is the poinsettia, known as the Christmas flower, with bright red leaves. A story tells of a poor girl who wished to give a gift to the Virgin Mary but had no money; an angel appeared and gave her seeds that grew into the poinsettia, hence its Christmas association. Christmas tree (Seethe meaning behind Christmas tree decorations here)
What do people do on Christmas? Christmas is a joyful festival filled with celebrations, Christmas tree decorations in various places, and beautiful light and sound displays. Historically, Romans exchanged valuable gifts like food, sweets, and gold. Europeans often donated and gave gifts to the homeless. Today, families reunite to celebrate, exchange gifts, send greeting cards, bake, and share special dinners. Children sing carols at homes and churches and hang stockings by the fireplace awaiting gifts from Santa Claus (usually their parents). Department stores set up Christmas trees and lights to attract tourists for photos.Christmas trees are decoratedto welcome visitors for photos.
Common greetings include " Merry Christmas " meaning "peace." Sometimes "Merry Xmas" is used since the Greek letter X is the first letter of "Χριστός" (Christos), meaning "Christ." Other popular greetings include:
Every major festival reflects history, beliefs, and ways of life. Christmas is another festival with an interesting origin that people worldwide value deeply. Merry Christmas 2025
Source:www.history.com