Christmas
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| Christmas | |
|---|---|
| Holiday name | Christmas |
| Caption | A decorated Christmas tree with wrapped gifts, a common modern symbol. |
| Observedby | Christians, many non-Christians |
| Type | Christian, cultural |
| Significance | Commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus |
| Date | December 25 (Gregorian, Julian) |
| Celebrations | Gift-giving, family gatherings, carol singing, special meals, church services |
| Relatedto | Advent, Epiphany, Christmastide, Yule |
Christmas. It is an annual festival commemorating the Nativity of Jesus, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A central feast of the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent and initiates the period of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates in Epiphany. The traditional narrative of the birth of Jesus is detailed in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew, and the holiday's customs incorporate a mix of pre-Christian, ecclesiastical, and secular traditions involving gift-giving, music, decorations, and special foods.
Etymology and terminology
The English term is derived from the Old English *Cristes-mæsse*, meaning "Christ's mass", with the earliest recorded use found in 1038. The Greek letter chi, the first letter of Christ (Χριστός), is the source of the common abbreviation "Xmas", a form used since at least the 16th century. In many other languages, such as Spanish (*Navidad*) and Italian (*Natale*), the name for the holiday is derived from the Latin *nātālis* (birth). The Germanic festival of Yule (Jól) has also contributed its name to the season in languages like Danish (*Jul*) and the English phrase "Yuletide".
History and origins
The choice of December 25 for the celebration was formalized in the 4th century, possibly to correspond with the Roman festival of *Dies Natalis Solis Invicti* (the birthday of the Unconquered Sun) or the winter solstice on the Julian calendar. Early Christian writers like Augustine of Hippo and John Chrysostom promoted the date. Pre-Christian winter festivals, including the aforementioned Saturnalia in Rome and Yule among Germanic tribes, involved feasting, lighting candles, and evergreen decorations, traditions which later syncretized with the Christian feast. The modern, more secularized celebration, emphasizing family, Santa Claus, and gift-giving, largely developed in the 19th century, influenced by literature such as Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol* and the popularization of the Christmas tree from Germany.
Observance and customs
Observance varies globally, blending religious and cultural practices. Religious adherents typically attend church services, including Midnight Mass and pageants depicting the birth of Jesus. Widespread customs include decorating evergreen trees, exchanging gifts often attributed to the legendary figure of Santa Claus (whose modern image was shaped by Clement Clarke Moore's poem *A Visit from St. Nicholas* and Thomas Nast's illustrations), and sharing a special meal which might feature dishes like turkey, Christmas pudding, or gingerbread. Other traditions include the sending of greeting cards, the singing of carols like *Silent Night*, and the display of creches or illuminations.
Economic impact
The period is a major event and significant sales period for retailers and businesses, a phenomenon often referred to as the "holiday shopping season". In many countries, sales increase dramatically in months like November and December, with key shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Industries such as tourism, aviation, and entertainment also see substantial activity. The economic importance is such that analysts, including those from the National Retail Federation, use holiday sales as a key indicator of economic health.
Controversies and criticism
The holiday has been subject to various controversies, including debates over its secularization and the phrase "Happy Holidays" versus more specific greetings. Some Christian groups, like certain Puritans in 17th-century England and later in colonial New England, opposed its celebration, viewing it as unbiblical and linked to paganism. Modern criticisms often focus on its commercialism, a theme famously explored in Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*, and the associated pressures of consumerism. Legal and political disputes sometimes arise over public displays, such as Nativity scenes on government property, with cases heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.
In popular culture
It is a pervasive theme in literature, film, and music, often reinforcing themes of family, generosity, and redemption. Enduring literary works include Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol* and Dr. Seuss's *How the Grinch Stole Christmas!*. The holiday film genre is vast, encompassing classics like *It's a Wonderful Life* (directed by Frank Capra), *Miracle on 34th Street* (1947), and more recent additions like *Home Alone*. Television has produced numerous specials, such as *A Charlie Brown Christmas* and *Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer*. Musical contributions range from traditional hymns like *O Holy Night* to popular songs like *White Christmas* by Irving Berlin.