
Images of baby Jesus, the Christmas star, and other symbols associated with the religious meaning of Christmas are also seen during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Images of Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, snowmen, reindeer, and candy canes are seen in cards, posters, signs and other printed or marketing material associated with the Christmas celebrations. Other common decorations associated with Christmas are holly and ivy – both are associated with Pagan festivals as it was customary to decorate with greenery for these festivals. For example, the druids of Gaul regarded mistletoe growing on oak trees as sent from heaven. By tradition, people who meet under a hanging mistletoe are obliged to kiss. Ive been all over the world, and the Dallas Arboretum is one of the most extraordinary experiences in my life. The mistletoe is a commonly used Christmas decoration. 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. It is likely that the Christmas date of December 25 was chosen to offset the Pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. The word “Christmas” comes from the old English “Cristes maesse”, or the mass of Christ. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7.

Christians celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25. There is disagreement among scholars on when Jesus was born. His birth date is unknown because there is little information about his early life. About Christmas DayĬhristmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. If you plan to travel with public transport, check with the local transport authority on schedule changes. Government offices, educational institutions, many businesses and post offices are closed on this day. What's Open or Closed?Ĭhristmas Day is a public holiday in many countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Churches have special services and may include a crèche or miniature Nativity scene. Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day.įor some, Christmas is an exclusive family affair, while others invite friends to a Christmas buffet or pot luck meal. It's a special time when children get presents from family, friends and Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Festive activities include exchanging presents, singing Christmas songs, going to parties. Some workplaces hold Christmas parties prior to December 25. Many homes have Christmas trees and other decorations in the weeks leading to Christmas Day. ©/DNY59 Celebrate Christmas DayĬhristmas Day is a holiday in many, but not all, countries. Many people celebrate Christmas Day with a festive meal. – Hong Kong Christmas Day 2023Ĭhristmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. When Is Christmas Day 2022? Christmas Day 2022 Business Date to Date (exclude holidays).
