Why is Christmas Celebrated? Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, however it's origin is varied and it's current observance involves much more than a religious fesitval. It is celebrated on several different dates, the most common being December 25th. Even atheists partake, celebrating the secular holiday rather than it's religious meaning.
A great deal of tradition has grown up around this date, over thousands of years, so that now most people participate even if they do not believe in Jesus. Prior to the birth of Christ many festivals fell around this time of year. For example Saturnalia-a Roman time of relaxation and merry making began on December 17th and lasted about a week, and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti-the birth of the unconquered sun, which was seen as the rebirth of the sun at the winter solstice was celebrated on December 25th (on the Julien calender). When Christianity was beginning to grow it is thought that this time was chosen so that pagans would be more likely to convert, because in this way they could keep the celebrations they were acustomed to. The date is in fact wrong for Christ's birthday which was more likely around March 25-the same as he died-as the bible said that he lived a whole number of years. Furthermore the bible tells us that shephards were in the fields, which they would not have been in late December. What people do, and how Christmas is celebrated Christmas tends to be a time for family, relaxation and indulgence in many forms in the Western world. In most Western countries, December 25th is a public holiday, and in the UK, many of the commonwealth countries and some other European countries, the 26th is also a holiday called boxing day. People spend the day with family if they choose to, and may open gifts, share a meal, and attend religious services. They may pretend that Santa brought gifts for the children. Services at this time of year have higher attendance than any other. Places to be for Christmas A family with children might enjoy taking a Christmas trip to the North Pole-the mythical home of Santa. Tours especially designed around the Christmas experience are available every year. Locally there are often nativity depictions performed in schools, and even shopping centres and town squares that one might like to attend. Christmas Activities Activities differ depending on your religious beliefs and what country you live in. Typically they would include; Attending Christmas mass, or other Christmas services at your church. Giving and receiving of gifts and seasonal cards. Decorating your house in a festive manner, and decorating a Christmas tree. The sharing of a large family meal, that is not standard fare. For example in the UK the typical Christmas dinner is a large roast turkey, and in the US it may be a ham. The singing of Christmas carols and playing of music that is only played around that season. |
