In other families, presents are given on St. Nicholas Day, on Christmas Eve or not until after church on Christmas morning. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul mentions Passover, presumably celebrated according to the local calendar in Corinth.The calculation hypothesis is considered academically to be "a thoroughly viable hypothesis", though not certain.The rival "History of Religions" hypothesis suggests that the Church selected December 25 date to appropriate festivities held by the Romans in honor of the Sun god "It was a custom of the Pagans to celebrate on the same 25 December the birthday of the Sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity.

The day known as Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th day of December.

This practice recalls the ancient Christian liturgical notion that the celebration of Christmas, as well as that of Easter and of Pentecost, should last the entire week. Some families have a tradition of carol singing, and might go around the streets, to hospitals and other such places singing with members of their church. It was only later that carols began to be sung in church.

These contain warm greetings and may also have a letter telling all the things that have happened to the person or family during the year. Theologically, the feast day reminded Christians of God’s gift of Jesus to humankind even as the coming of the Wise Men, or The tradition of celebrating Christmas as a secular family holiday is splendidly illustrated by a number of English “Christmas” carols such as “Here We Come A-Wassailing” or “Deck the Halls.” It can also be seen in the practice of sending In most European countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24, in keeping with the notion that the baby Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. The world faces ‘untold suffering due to the climate crisis’ unless there are major transformations to global society, according to 11,000 scientists All the major events of Christ's life, especially the passion, were celebrated on this date. Churches are often decked with green branches and leaves, and many churches also have a Christmas tree.

Nowadays these are often bought from bakers, but many people make their own to a family recipe. They were popularised by Saint The traditional colors of Christmas decorations are The Christmas tree was first used by German Lutherans in the 16th century, with records indicating that a Christmas tree was placed in the Cathedral of Strassburg in 1539, under the leadership of the Christmas lights and banners may be hung along streets, music played from speakers, and Christmas trees placed in prominent places.For the Christian celebration of Christmas, the viewing of the The earliest extant specifically Christmas hymns appear in fourth-century The songs now known specifically as carols were originally communal folk songs sung during celebrations such as "harvest tide" as well as Christmas. Yoghurt rice with chana dal, vegan palak paneer and braised eggs with leeks and beans – to be enjoyed around the table Santa, Part II (What to Do with Him) 4.

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On the night he was born, angels told some All these parts of the Christmas story are remembered and celebrated in different ways at Christmas: in pictures, songs, plays, stories and in models that are called "cribs", "creches" or "presepe". Period between Christmas and New Year is utilised for activities from ice-cold swimming to birdwatching

On October 25, 2017. These decorations may be just a few lights around the porch, or hundreds of lights and colourful Christmas figures decorating the whole house and garden. The plum pudding might be served with ice cream. The day known as Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th day of December. These traditions are different in different times, places, cultures and even families.

All the latest breaking news on Christmas. The Season of Advent, which begins on Sunday about four weeks before Christmas Day, is celebrated by the Catholic and Anglican Churches, as well as others. Manufacturers and stores have responded to the feasting and present-giving with lots of advertising, decorations and displays.

The holiday is officially observed on December 25, but often celebrations begin a few days earlier and last until the new year.