Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. His birth date is unknown because there is little information about his early life. There is disagreement among scholars on when Jesus was born. Christians celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7.
The word “Christmas” comes from the old English “Cristes maesse”, or the mass of Christ. It is likely that the Christmas date of December 25 was chosen to offset the Pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. It it also possible that the celebration of the birth of the “true light of the world” was set at the time of the December solstice because this is when the days in the northern hemisphere begin to grow longer. Christmas holiday customs derive from various cultures, including Teutonic, Celtic, Roman, West Asian and Christian.
hristmas is a sacred religious holiday and also a worldwide commercial and cultural phenomenon. People around the world have been observing it with practices and traditions that are both secular and religious in nature. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
The festivity begins with decoration of Churches, brightly-lit pine trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The markets glisten with strings of lights, stockings, tree toppers, glass balls, garlands and several other attractive goods.
Many Christians celebrate Christmas by attending churches, and with prayers and singing. Bible readings from the Gospels and skits narrate the story of the birth of Jesus.
On this day, Christian people decorate their houses, streets, offices and churches with colorful lights, and make it joyful as this festival is the day of merrymaking and joy.
People wish each other ‘Merry Christmas’ as a gesture on this occasion. In the churches and abbeys, people sing special Christmas carols, and the plum cake remains as the main attraction of this festival.
On Christmas, there is a tradition of gifting sweets, greeting cards, chocolates, Christmas trees, decorative things, etc. to family members, friends, neighbours and relatives.
Christmas Day Wishes
1. This Christmas, you’re the best gift I could ask for.
2. Merry Christmas! May your happiness be large and your bills be small.
3. Wishing you nothing but the best this holiday season.
4. May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!
5. Merry Christmas! I hope you receive one blessing after another this coming year.
6. “We clap hands and welcome the peace of Christmas. We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.” – Maya Angelou
7. May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.
8. Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright!
9. For you at Christmas time: A wish for happiness, warmth, and love.
10. May this season be full of light and laughter for you and your family.
11. “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: Loving others.” – Bob Hope
12. Merry Christmas, and may your Christmas be white!
13. Wishing you peace, joy, and unconditional love at Christmas and always.
14. It’s people like you that make Christmas so special and meaningful. Thank you!
15. Please note: Christmas is canceled. Apparently, you told Santa you’ve been good this year and he died of laughter.
16. It’s not what’s under the tree that matters most, it’s who’s around it. Every year, I’m so grateful to have you.
17. Thinking of you this season and wishing you a joyful holiday.
18. Cheers to eggnog by the fire, warm holiday memories, and you.
19. My love for you shines brighter than the lights on the tree.
20. “May this season find you among those you love, sharing in the twin glories of generosity and gratitude.” – Oprah Winfrey
