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[[File:8452 - Milano - S. Marco - Londonio - Presepe (ca 1750) - Foto G. Dall'Orto - 14-Apr-2007.jpg|thumb|300px|''The Adoration of the Shepherds'' from a Crib made of painted board by Francesco Landonio, 1750, Italy]]

[[File:8452 - Milano - S. Marco - Londonio - Presepe (ca 1750) - Foto G. Dall'Orto - 14-Apr-2007.jpg|thumb|300px|''The Adoration of the Shepherds'' from a Crib made of painted board by Francesco Landonio, 1750, Italy]]

'''Christmas''' (which means "Feast day of Christ") is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that honors the birth of [[Jesus]] (whom Christians believe is the Son of [[God]]), and a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for non-Christians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rumela.com/events/christmas_index.htm|title=Merry Christmas|accessdate=2009-12-25}}</ref>

'''Christmas''' (which means "Feast day of Christ") is a Christian [[holiday]] that refers to the birth of Jesus (whom Christians believe is the Son of God), and a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for non-Christians.

The day known as Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th day of December. It is one of the most important days of the year for Christians, along with [[Easter]] when the death and [[resurrection of Jesus]] are celebrated. The season of preparing for Christmas is called [[Advent]] and begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas. The Christmas Season (called Christmastide) ends on January 6 or the Twelfth Day of Christmas, in which ''Epiphany'' is remembered.

The day known as Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th day of December. It is one of the most important days of the year for Christians, along with [[Easter]] when the death and [[resurrection of Jesus]] are celebrated. The season of preparing for Christmas is called [[Advent]] and begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas. The Christmas Season (called Christmastide) ends 6 January or the Twelfth Day of Christmas, in which ''Epiphany'' is remembered.

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, as a [[religious]] holiday or as a time of [[Festival|celebration]] by Christians and non-Christians alike. The [[tradition]]s are different from [[country]] to country, but they nearly always include a [[Meal|feast]], giving gifts or cards, and enjoying [[church]] or public festivities such as singing [[Christmas carol]]s and songs. [[Santa Claus]] is a tradition in many countries of the world.

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, as a religious holiday or as a time of [[Festival|celebration]] by Christians and non-Christians alike. The traditions are different from country to country, but they nearly always include a [[Meal|feast]], giving gifts or cards, and enjoying church or public festivities such as singing [[Christmas carol]]s and songs. [[Santa Claus]] is a tradition in many countries of the world.

Christmastime, as it is often called, is in the [[winter]] of the [[Northern Hemisphere]], at a time when there were already ancient [[festival]]s. Some of the traditions that are used for Christmas are older than Christmas, or come from other non-Christian traditions such as [[Yule]]. Modern traditions of Christmas often focus on the giving of [[gift]]s. The season for [[retail store]]s to sell gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]] begins the day about a month before Christmas Day.

Christmastide, as it is often called, is in the winter of the [[Northern Hemisphere]], at a time when there were already ancient festivals. Some of the traditions that are used for Christmas are older than Christmas, or come from other non-Christian traditions such as [[Yule]]. Modern traditions of Christmas often focus on the giving of gifts. The season for [[retail store]]s to sell gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]] begins the day about a month before Christmas Day.

== The history of Christmas ==

== The history of Christmas ==

{{main|Jesus}}

{{main|Jesus}}

[[File:The visit of the wise-men.jpg|250px|thumb|A Bible Story picture showing the Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus. Pictures like this were made to teach children at [[Sunday School]].]]

[[File:The visit of the wise-men.jpg|250px|thumb|A Bible Story picture showing the Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus. Pictures like this were made to teach children at [[Sunday School]].]]

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. The story of how this happened is told in part of the Bible known as the Gospels. There are four Gospels telling the life of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke tells the most about his birth, and the Gospel of Matthew tells another part of the story. The Gospel of John says that Jesus came from God to bring his "Word" or [[message]] to all people.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. The story of how this happened is told in part of the Bible known as the Gospels. There are four Gospels telling the life of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke tells the most about his birth, and the Gospel of Matthew tells another part of the story. The Gospel of John says that Jesus came from God to bring his "Word" or message to all people.

The Gospels say that many years before Jesus' birth, [[prophet]]s had told a promise to the Jewish people that God would send them a [[Messiah]], or holy teacher. Christians believe that the promised Messiah was Jesus. His mother was a young woman called Mary, who was engaged, but not yet married to a [[carpenter]] called Joseph. Joseph found out that Mary was [[pregnant]] and was upset. He was wondering what he should do, when an angel came from God to tell him that the baby was the Holy One. The angel said that he must ''name the baby''. This was a sign that he would take care of it like his own child.

The Gospels say that many years before Jesus' birth, [[prophet]]s had told a promise to the Jewish people that God would send them a [[Messiah]], or holy teacher. Christians believe that the promised Messiah was Jesus. His mother was a young woman called Mary, who was engaged, but not yet married to a [[carpenter]] called Joseph. Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant and was upset. He was wondering what he should do, when an angel came from God to tell him that the baby was the Holy One. The angel said that he must ''name the baby''. This was a sign that he would take care of it like his own child.

At this time, the [[Middle East]] was ruled by the [[Roman Republic|Romans]]. An order came that all the people had to travel back to their home town, to put their names on the [[tax]]ation lists. Joseph took his new wife to [[Bethlehem]]. There was nowhere for them to stay, except a [[stable]] where the animals slept. This is where the baby was born. Joseph called him Jesus, as the angel had said.

At this time, the [[Middle East]] was ruled by the [[Roman Republic|Romans]]. An order came that all the people had to travel back to their home town, to put their names on the taxation lists. Joseph took his new wife to [[Bethlehem]]. There was nowhere for them to stay, except a [[stable]] where the animals slept. This is where the baby was born. Joseph called him Jesus, as the angel had said.

The baby Jesus had two lots of visitors. On the night he was born, angels told some [[shepherd]]s in the fields that they would find a newborn king lying in an animals' feed bin (or ''manger''). Jesus' other visitors were some wise men who saw a new star in the sky and followed it, until they found the house where the family was now living and gave the young child expensive gifts of gold, [[incense]] and a precious herb called [[myrrh]]. (The wise men are often traditionally called the Three Kings, because there were three very expensive presents but the Bible does not say how many wise men there were.)

The baby Jesus had two lots of visitors. On the night he was born, angels told some [[shepherd]]s in the fields that they would find a newborn king lying in an animals' feed bin (or ''manger''). Jesus' other visitors were some wise men who saw a new star in the sky and followed it, until they found the house where the family was now living and gave the young child expensive gifts of gold, [[incense]] and a precious herb called [[myrrh]]. (The wise men are often traditionally called the Three Kings, because there were three very expensive presents but the Bible does not say how many wise men there were.)

=== Date of celebration ===

=== Date of celebration ===

Most Christian countries of the world use a [[calendar]] called the [[Gregorian Calendar]], but some churches use a calendar called the [[Julian Calendar]]. Most Christians, such as those of the [[Catholicism|Catholic]] and [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Churches, celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25.

Most Christian countries of the world use a [[calendar]] called the [[Gregorian Calendar]], but some churches use a calendar called the [[Julian Calendar]]. Most Christians, such as those of the [[Catholicism|Catholic]] and [[Protestant]] Churches, celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December.

The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Church still uses the [[Julian Calendar]] in some regions such as [[Russia]]. In such regions, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in the Julian Calendar, but because of the difference between the calendars it is the 7th of January in the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]].

The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Church still uses the [[Julian Calendar]] in some regions such as [[Russia]]. In such regions, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December in the Julian Calendar, but because of the difference between the calendars it is 7 January in the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]].

Some Christians, like [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], do not celebrate Christmas because there is no instruction from Jesus in the Bible which tells Christians to celebrate his birth. [[Mormonism|Mormons]] celebrate Christmas on December 25 but they believe that Christ's actual birth took place on April 6.

Some Christians, like [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], do not celebrate Christmas because there is no instruction from Jesus in the Bible which tells Christians to celebrate his birth. [[Mormonism|Mormons]] celebrate Christmas on 25 December but they believe that Christ's actual birth took place on 6 April.

Some{{fact|date=December 2012}} believe that Jesus was probably not born on December 25. Some historians{{fact|date=December 2012}} believe this date was used by the Catholic Church to replace the [[pagan]] [[rite]]s that took place at that time of the year.

Some{{who|date=December 2012}} believe that Jesus was probably not born on 25 December. Some historians{{who|date=December 2012}} believe this date was used by the Catholic Church to replace the [[pagan]] [[rite]]s that took place at that time of the year.

=== Advent ===

=== Advent ===

[[File:Advent2007candlelight.JPG|thumb|250px|Lighting the Advent candles at a church in the US.]]

[[File:Advent2007candlelight.JPG|thumb|250px|Lighting the Advent candles at a church in the US.]]

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. It is a time for people to prepare themselves for two different things: for the coming of the baby Jesus and Christmas, and for the second coming of Jesus, when he shall rule over all the Earth in peace. Not all Christian people remember Advent. Some people use it as a time of [[fasting]], [[study]], [[meditation]] and [[prayer]]. Special [[Advent Calendar]]s are made for children, with pictures or treats for each day of Advent.

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. It is a time for people to prepare themselves for two different things: for the coming of the baby Jesus and Christmas, and for the second coming of Jesus, when he shall rule over all the Earth in peace. Not all Christian people remember Advent. Some people use it as a time of [[fasting]], [[Education|study]], [[meditation]] and [[prayer]]. Special [[Advent Calendar]]s are made for children, with pictures or treats for each day of Advent.

Generally, Advent is a time when many people are very busy in preparation for Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating, buying food and presents, writing cards and letters, and cooking the Christmas feast.

Generally, Advent is a time when many people are very busy in preparation for Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating, buying food and presents, writing cards and letters, and cooking the Christmas feast.

Through the [[Middle Ages]] Christmas was celebrated with feasting, singing and plays. The plays were held in churches, and also in castles and in [[market place]]s, where a big hay wagon was sometimes used as a stage.

Through the [[Middle Ages]] Christmas was celebrated with feasting, singing and plays. The plays were held in churches, and also in castles and in [[market place]]s, where a big hay wagon was sometimes used as a stage.

Because Advent was a time of prayer and preparation, most parties were held after Christmas, rather than before it. The main pre-Christmas celebration was the Feast of St. [[Nicholas of Myra|Nicholas]] on December 6. In some countries, particularly the Netherlands, the tradition grew for children to receive presents on this day, rather than Christmas Day. The name of Saint Nicholas is now remembered in many countries as Santa Claus.

Because Advent was a time of prayer and preparation, most parties were held after Christmas, rather than before it. The main pre-Christmas celebration was the Feast of St. [[Nicholas of Myra|Nicholas]] on 6 December. In some countries, particularly the Netherlands, the tradition grew for children to receive presents on this day, rather than Christmas Day. The name of Saint Nicholas is now remembered in many countries as Santa Claus.

[[File:SanktaLuciaProcession.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The procession of St Lucy, Sweden]]

[[File:SanktaLuciaProcession.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The procession of St Lucy, Sweden]]

Another festivity that takes place is the Feast of [[Saint]] Lucy ([[St. Lucia Day]]) on December 13th which is particularly celebrated in Scandinavia, where girls take part in candlelit processions, and the daughters of the house must rise early to bring coffee or chocolate to the family.

Another festivity that takes place is the Feast of [[Saint]] Lucy ([[St. Lucia Day]]) on 13 December which is particularly celebrated in Scandinavia, where girls take part in candlelit processions, and the daughters of the house must rise early to bring coffee or chocolate to the family.

For many centuries, the celebration of Christmas often began with a church service or [[mass (liturgy)|mass]], which lasted from late at night to after midnight on Christmas morning. Christmas Day was a time of feasting. On the following day, the Feast of [[Saint Stephen]] people from rich households would carry boxes of food out to the street for the poor and hungry. Many people would go back to work but employers would give gifts of money to their workers. The Holy Days continued with the feast of [[John the Apostle|Saint John]] and [[Holy Innocents' Day]]. The feasting and parties ended on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day of the [[Three Wise Men]], often called the "Three Kings". The season is nowadays remembered by the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". [[William Shakespeare]] wrote a play to be performed as part of the celebration, called "[[Twelfth Night]]".

For many centuries, the celebration of Christmas often began with a church service or [[mass (liturgy)|mass]], which lasted from late at night to after midnight on Christmas morning. Christmas Day was a time of feasting. On the following day, the Feast of [[Saint Stephen]] people from rich households would carry boxes of food out to the street for the poor and hungry. Many people would go back to work but employers would give gifts of money to their workers. The Holy Days continued with the feast of [[John the Apostle|Saint John]] and [[Holy Innocents' Day]]. The feasting and parties ended on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day of the [[Three Wise Men]], often called the "Three Kings". The season is nowadays remembered by the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". [[William Shakespeare]] wrote a play to be performed as part of the celebration, called "[[Twelfth Night]]".

[[File:Winterwald Christmas market Bozen.JPG|thumb|250px|Christmas shopping in a market in Italy]]

[[File:Winterwald Christmas market Bozen.JPG|thumb|250px|Christmas shopping in a market in Italy]]

For many, Christmas has become a time when having parties, sending messages to family and friends and giving presents has become more important than the celebration of Jesus' birth. Manufacturers and stores have responded to the feasting and present-giving with lots of advertising, decorations and displays. In the US, the Christmas displays are put up right after [[Thanksgiving]], late in November. In some countries such as Australia, stores put up decorations at the beginning of November. Given that Jesus himself called people making money in the Jewish Temple 'robbers' (Matthew 21:13) many Christians are uneasy about [[profit]] instead of [[prophet]]s at Christmas.

For many, Christmas has become a time when having parties, sending messages to family and friends and giving presents has become more important than the celebration of Jesus' birth. Manufacturers and stores have responded to the feasting and present-giving with lots of advertising, decorations and displays. In the US, the Christmas displays are put up right after [[Thanksgiving]], late in November. In some countries such as Australia, stores put up decorations at the beginning of November. Given that Jesus himself called people making money in the Jewish Temple 'robbers' (Matthew 21:13) many Christians are uneasy about profit instead of [[prophet]]s at Christmas.

Town councils celebrate by decorating streets and squares, and providing Christmas entertainment for shoppers. In countries of the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas falls in Summer, there is a tradition of open-air Carol Services, often organised by the town council, which are attended by thousands of people.

Town councils celebrate by decorating streets and squares, and providing Christmas entertainment for shoppers. In countries of the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas falls in Summer, there is a tradition of open-air Carol Services, often organised by the town council, which are attended by thousands of people.

== Christmas Traditions ==

== Christmas Traditions ==

Christmas traditions are of several types. There are traditions of the church, traditions which are public celebrations and traditions that are kept by families. These traditions are different in different times, places, [[culture]]s and even families.

Christmas traditions are of several types. There are traditions of the church, traditions which are public celebrations and traditions that are kept by families. These traditions are different in different times, places, cultures and even families.

===Traditions of the Church===<!---NOTE. Leave the word church with a capital letter because HERE it means the Church throughout the World.--->

===Traditions of the Church===<!---NOTE. Leave the word church with a capital letter because HERE it means the Church throughout the World.--->

[[File:Advent wreath.jpg|thumb|left|An Advent wreath on the Second Sunday in Advent<!---Leave capitals--->]]

[[File:Advent wreath.jpg|thumb|left|An Advent wreath on the Second Sunday in Advent<!---Leave capitals--->]]

The Advent wreath is a circle of leaves, usually pine boughs, ivy and holly, with 4 (or sometimes 5) candles in it which is hung up in a church. The candles are lit on each Sunday in Advent, and the central candle is lit on Christmas morning. Churches are often decked with green branches and leaves, and many churches also have a Christmas tree.

The Advent wreath is a circle of leaves, usually pine boughs, ivy and holly, with 4 (or sometimes 5) candles in it which is hung up in a church. The candles are lit on each Sunday in Advent, and the central candle is lit on Christmas morning. Churches are often decked with green branches and leaves, and many churches also have a Christmas tree.

==== Carols by Candlelight ====

==== Carols by Candlelight ====

A popular tradition in many churches is the Carol Service which is often lit only by candles. The carol service generally has lots of singing and Bible readings. There is a tradition in England which began in the Temple Church in London and has now spread to many other places for a service of [[Nine Lessons and Carols]]. The lessons are [[Bible]] readings. Some carols are sung by a choir and others by the choir and people (the congregation). Every year one of these services is recorded in a large English Church, often [[King's College Chapel, Cambridge]], and is broadcast on radio and television to be enjoyed by people who love good music and carol singing, but particularly for people who cannot go to a Christmas service.

A popular tradition in many churches is the Carol Service which is often lit only by candles. The carol service generally has lots of singing and Bible readings. There is a tradition in England which began in the Temple Church in London and has now spread to many other places for a service of [[Nine Lessons and Carols]]. The lessons are Bible readings. Some carols are sung by a choir and others by the choir and people (the congregation). Every year one of these services is recorded in a large English Church, often [[King's College Chapel, Cambridge]], and is broadcast on radio and television to be enjoyed by people who love good music and carol singing, but particularly for people who cannot go to a Christmas service.

=== Public and commercial celebrations ===

=== Public and commercial celebrations ===

The giving of gifts at Christmas comes from several different ideas. One is that God gave his son, Jesus, to the world at Christmas. There is also the story of the Wise Men who came to the baby Jesus with three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. For many centuries it has been the custom for people to give small gifts at Christmas, and also to give generously to the poor and needy to help them through the winter. Another tradition has become linked to this one, and the result is the tradition of [[Santa Claus]], or Father Christmas as he is sometimes called, and who is nowadays thought by many children to be the bringer of presents and happiness.

The giving of gifts at Christmas comes from several different ideas. One is that God gave his son, Jesus, to the world at Christmas. There is also the story of the Wise Men who came to the baby Jesus with three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. For many centuries it has been the custom for people to give small gifts at Christmas, and also to give generously to the poor and needy to help them through the winter. Another tradition has become linked to this one, and the result is the tradition of [[Santa Claus]], or Father Christmas as he is sometimes called, and who is nowadays thought by many children to be the bringer of presents and happiness.

In the 4th century, in a Greek village that is now part of Turkey, there was a good man who would secretly given presents to the poor to help them. He became a bishop and is called Saint Nicholas. Over the centuries, he became a very popular saint and lots of churches were named after him. He was very popular in places where there were lots of sailors. One of those places was the Netherlands. In the Netherlands and many other European countries, presents are given on the feast of Saint Nicholas, December 6th. Traditionally, the presents are not big, and are sometimes hidden, or have a funny joke or poem that must be read. In many towns of Europe a man dressed in bishop's robes comes on a horse or in a boat, acting as St. Nicholas. His name was often shortened to Sante Claus, or Santa Claus in English.

In the 4th century, in a Greek village that is now part of Turkey, there was a good man who would secretly given presents to the poor to help them. He became a bishop and is called Saint Nicholas. Over the centuries, he became a very popular saint and lots of churches were named after him. He was very popular in places where there were lots of sailors. One of those places was the Netherlands. In the Netherlands and many other European countries, presents are given on the feast of Saint Nicholas, 6 December. Traditionally, the presents are not big, and are sometimes hidden, or have a funny joke or poem that must be read. In many towns of Europe a man dressed in bishop's robes comes on a horse or in a boat, acting as St. Nicholas. His name was often shortened to Sante Claus, or Santa Claus in English.

[[File:Reyes Magos en centro comercial.jpg|thumb|250px|In Spain it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children.]]

[[File:Reyes Magos en centro comercial.jpg|thumb|250px|In Spain it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children.]]

In English speaking countries, where presents are usually given on Christmas Day, not December 6th, Santa Claus, (or Father Christmas) is usually thought of as coming on Christmas Night, when his magic sleigh is pulled across the sky by reindeer, and he comes into houses through the chimney. While in Europe, children put out their shoes for St. Nicholas, the English tradition is to hang up stockings (or long socks) in front of the fireplace. Santa Claus would traditionally fill the socks or shoes with nuts, raisins, chocolates and an orange. Nowadays children usually get much more expensive presents, and hang up pillow cases or have the presents in a big pile under the Christmas tree.

In English speaking countries, where presents are usually given on Christmas Day, not 6 December, Santa Claus, (or Father Christmas) is usually thought of as coming on Christmas Night, when his magic sleigh is pulled across the sky by reindeer, and he comes into houses through the chimney. While in Europe, children put out their shoes for St. Nicholas, the English tradition is to hang up stockings (or long socks) in front of the fireplace. Santa Claus would traditionally fill the socks or shoes with nuts, raisins, chocolates and an orange. Nowadays children usually get much more expensive presents, and hang up pillow cases or have the presents in a big pile under the Christmas tree.

Another Christmas tradition is the sending of cards to friends and relatives. 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.

Another Christmas tradition is the sending of cards to friends and relatives. 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.

== Related pages ==

== Related pages ==

* [[Christianity]]  

* [[Christianity]]  

* [[Advent]]  

* [[Advent]]

* [[Epiphany (holiday)]]  

* [[Epiphany (holiday)]]

* [[Carnival]]

* [[Carnival]]

* [[Easter]]  

* [[Easter]]

* [[Pentecost]]  

* [[Pentecost]]

* [[Holiday]]

* [[Holiday]]

== Other websites ==

== Other websites ==

{{wiktionary|Christmas}}

{{wiktionary|Christmas}}

{{Commons|Christmas}}

{{Commons|Christmas}}

* {{dmoz|Society/Holidays/Christmas/|Christmas}}

* {{dmoz|Society/Holidays/Christmas/|Christmas}}

* {{en icon}} {{fr icon}} & ([[Occitan language|Occitan]]) [http://mtcn.free.fr/mtcn-traditional-music-midi-christmas-carol.php Traditional Christmas carols from County of Nice, France]

* {{in lang|fr}} & ([[Occitan language|Occitan]]) [http://mtcn.free.fr/mtcn-traditional-music-midi-christmas-carol.php Traditional Christmas carols from County of Nice, France]

{{U.S. Holidays}}

{{U.S. Holidays}}

{{U.S. Federal Holidays}}

{{U.S. Federal Holidays}}

{{Mexico Holidays}}

{{Mexico Holidays}}

[[Category:Christmas]]

[[Category:Christmas]]