About Christmas
Christmas is the famous festival of Christian religion celebrated to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrated as a traditional festival around the world on 25th December, Christmas is the special time of the year when people have a great time with their friends and family members, exchange gifts, and dine together. That brings them closer and strengthen their relationship in a beautiful manner. However, Jesus Christ was not born on 25th December exactly. This date was chosen as it matched with the pagan Roman celebrations honoring Mithras, the Ancient God of Light and Saturnus, the Harvest God. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of the world who came to die for their sins so that they may go to heaven. The term Christmas comes from Mass of Christ, which was later shortened to Christ Mass. At a mass service, people reminisce the contributions of Jesus Christ when he died for them and came back to life. It was only allowed to take place after sunset, that’s why people celebrate it at midnight. Read further to know some of the interesting fun facts about Christmas.
Some Fun Facts About Christmas
- For the first time, Christmas trees were used in Germany in the 16th century. These trees are evergreen that reminds people of hope and life in grey, dreary winters. That’s why people bring Christmas trees to their houses and decorate it with fairy lights, bells, and stars during the festive season.
- Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Nikolaas or Sinterklaas. Initially, Santa wore clothes that are green, purple, and blue in color. However, Coca-Cola decided to dress him up in colors that match their brand. Since then Santa Claus is in red clothes forever.
- The famous Jingle bells song was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. It was also the first song to be broadcast from space.
- Boxing Day takes place on December 26th, a day after the Christmas Day. Started in the UK about 800 years ago, it was the day when the collection boxes kept for the poor in Churches were opened so that the gifts could be distributed among the poor and needy people.
- The Statue of Liberty is the biggest Christmas gift ever presented by France to the USA in 1886.
- According to legends, the three kings took twelve days to travel to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. That’s why Christmas holidays are also referred to as the 12 days of Christmas.
Why Do We Celebrate?
The festival of Christmas is all about family gatherings, house decoration, break from work, and relishing yummy cuisines. And yes, how can we forget the kids eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to leave their gifts hanging in their stockings. The birth of Jesus Christ was considered a good news that caused great joy among people. Therefore, people express their happiness through Christmas celebration. On the birth of Jesus Christ, the angel said, “A savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Therefore, Christmas is celebrated to cherish the presence of the savior who saves people from sin and death.
Apart from commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is considered the festival of offering love and gifts to all the friends, family members, and people in need. It is the season of giving without expecting anything in return. The houses are decorated with lights to cherish the arrival of the light of the world in the form of Jesus Christ. Through carols, the joy and happiness are expressed. So the real reason behind the celebration of Christmas is to worship God and express gratitude for the gift we have received from him.
