Christmas – one of the most widely celebrated festivals of the world. The time around one of the coldest months of the year, when streets deck-up with lights, families get together, choirs sing age-old carols and you find yourself searching for gifts to buy for your near and dear ones.
But if you come from a part of the world where it isn’t necessarily as widely celebrated as some other festivals, or you just have been unversed about how and where this joyous festival came to be, then we’ve got you.
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Why Is Christmas Celebrated?
Christmas, that is the 25th of December every year, marks the day of birth of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the ‘son of God’ in Christian faith.
The name itself is derived from ‘Mass of Christ’, and the service was organized post the birth of Jesus – usually celebrated after sunset and before sunrise.
However, it has to be noted that the Bible itself does not mention the date of birth of Christ. So the actual date was never certain. But based on probability, the first Christmas Day to mark the birthday of Christ was celebrated sometime around the year 336 during Roman Emperor Constantine.
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Can Only Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Anyone can celebrate Christmas. There are no hard-and-fast rules on how you want to celebrate it. Although traditionally, it would include – going to the Church, decorating the tree, and take part in prayers.
Christmas is now celebrated across the world by non-Christians also. People often like the idea of families getting together, gorging on holiday delicacies and giving and receiving gifts – which everyone loves.
Why Is A Christmas Tree Brought Home And Decorated?
The tradition also dates back to Roman times which started as a Pagan tradition. The evergreen leaves of the tree, decorated and kept at home, is symbolic of life – in the midst of the cold and dark times of winters.
A popular folktale also tells an interesting story of how during the birth of Christ, during a cold night of December, the snow-clad trees shook all the ice away – to reveal green branches, yet again exemplifying warmth of life.
The most popular types of trees, cut and brought home for the seasons are – Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, among others. If you don’t have access to any of these, thanks to consumerism, you can now also purchase artificial trees from gift shops.
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Who Is Santa Claus?
Another thing that has fascinated many of us since we were little kids, is the thought of Santa Claus bringing little (and big) kids – gifts and goodies.
Santa – also called ‘Father Christmas’, or even – Saint Nicholas or Saint Nick, is a saint living or conducting his ‘workshop’ in the North Pole, as per Christian beliefs, – who brings children gifts and surprises on the eve of Christmas, often leaving them by the tree.
Often times, you may see, in some celebrations, that grown men of the family would dress-up as Santa to surprise kids and little ones, with gifts – carried inside a large red pouch-bag.
This is in continuation of the fables of Santa flying all the way from the North Pole in his sleigh-ride carried by flying reindeers, passing down through the chimneys of each household in town – and leaving gifts for everyone at the bottom of the tree.
The character originated in Easter Christian culture and has become a part of the tradition since.
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So, find yourself a reason to celebrate. If not for anything else, then for all the fun time you are going to have indulging with your family, exchanging gifts and the warmth of each other’s company.
‘Tis the season.
Wondering what music to play during Christmas?
Here are – 20 essential classic Christmas songs by popular singers, that you can include in your playlist.