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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}

[[File: Giotto - Scrovegni - -18- - Adoration of the Magi.jpg |thumb|300px|Christmas is the birthday of [[Jesus Christ]] also known as “The Nativity of Christ”. Jesus himself was born in [[Bethlehem]] (Modern day [[State of Palestine|Palestine]]) on 25th December. The [[Star of Bethlehem]] is represented on top of a [[Christmas tree]].]]

[[File:Badnjak-Beograd.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Serbia|Serbian]] Orthodox priest places the badnjak on a fire during a Christmas Eve celebration at the Temple of Saint Sava in [[Belgrade]].]]

'''Christmas''' (which means "The Mass 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.

'''Christmas''' (which means "The Mass 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.

== 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, cultures 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.

==== Family get-togethers ====

==== Family get-togethers ====

[[File:Sing along.jpg|thumb|300px|A family celebrating Christmas with music and singing]]

[[File:Sing along.jpg|thumb|300px|A family celebrating Christmas with music and singing]]

Most families think of Christmas as a time to get together with other members of the family. People often travel from far away to be with other family members at Christmas. Those people who cannot travel often make long-distance phone calls on Christmas Day. Many people also see Christmas as a time to reach out to others that they know might be lonely, and invite them to dinner on Christmas Day. Christmas is seen as a time for people of all ages to have fun together, for cousins to get to know each other, for grandparents to see their grandchildren and for the family to admire the babies that have been born during the year. Big family parties are usually a time of joy, but some families often talk about their disagreements and have big fights at Christmas time.

Most families think of Christmas as a time to get together with other members of the family. People often travel from far away to be with other family members at Christmas. Those people who cannot travel often make long-distance phone calls on Christmas Day. Many people also see Christmas as a time to reach out to others that they know might be lonely, and invite them to dinner on Christmas Day. Christmas is seen as a time for people of all ages to have fun together, for cousins to get to know each other, for grandparents to see their grandchildren and for the family to admire the babies that have been born during the year. Big family parties are usually a time of joy, but some families often talk about their disagreements and have big fights at Christmas time.

==== Christmas dinner ====

==== Christmas dinner ====

Christmas Dinner, usually eaten in the middle of the day, is an important part of the family celebration. The food differs from country to country and also from family to family. In the Northern Hemisphere, roasted meat and vegetables is generally the main course of the meal. Often several types of meat are served, which may include [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], ham, roast beef or lamb. There are often several courses, with special treats that are usually only eaten at Christmas.

Christmas Dinner, usually eaten in the middle of the day, is an important part of the family celebration. The food differs from country to country and also from family to family. In the Northern Hemisphere, roasted meat and vegetables is generally the main course of the meal. Usually one of  several types of meat are served, which may include [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], chicken, ham, roast beef or lamb. There are often several courses, with special treats that are usually only eaten at Christmas.

[[File:Christmas in Australia 01.JPG|thumb|left|300px|The Christmas pudding is served at the end of Christmas dinner on the [[verandah]] in Australia.]]

[[File:Christmas in Australia 01.JPG|thumb|left|300px|The Christmas pudding is served at the end of Christmas dinner on the [[verandah]] in Australia]]

In English-speaking countries, the traditional dessert is Christmas plum pudding. Nowadays these are often bought from bakers, but many people make their own to a family recipe. The tradition came from the Middle Ages when the pudding was used to preserve some of the fruit from the Autumn until the mid-winter. A traditional pudding is baked six weeks before Christmas and is left tied up in a cloth, in a cool place. Stirring the pudding is sometimes a family tradition, with everyone making a wish as they stir. Traditionally a silver coin would be stirred into the pudding, to bring luck to the person who found it. Nowadays most coins cannot be used because they taste horrible and may be poisonous. Some families use old coins or silver charms. On Christmas Day the pudding must be boiled in a pot for several hours. When it is served, the cloth is cut off, [[brandy]] is poured onto the pudding, and is set on fire before it is carried to the table.

In English-speaking countries, the traditional dessert is Christmas plum pudding. Nowadays these puddings are often bought from bakers, but many people make their own to a family recipe. The tradition came from the Middle Ages when the pudding was used to preserve some of the fruit from the autumn until the mid-winter. A traditional pudding is baked six weeks before Christmas and is left tied up in a cloth or basin with a cloth covering, in a cool place. Stirring the pudding is sometimes a family tradition, with everyone making a wish as they stir. Traditionally a silver coin would be stirred into the pudding, to bring luck to the person who found it. Nowadays most coins cannot be used because they are not made of silver so taste horrible and may be poisonous. Some families use old coins or silver charms. On Christmas Day the pudding must be boiled in a pot for several hours. When it is served, the cloth is cut off, [[brandy]] is poured onto the pudding, and it is set on fire before it is carried to the table. [[Christmas cracker|Christmas crackers]] are  used to decorate and are often opened prior to serving dish or starter course. It is usually served with hard sauce.

Many families have a Christmas Cake or a special bread instead of a pudding (or as well as a pudding). These are very different depending on the country, but often have [[Marzipan]] which is made from [[almond]]s and is traditional in many countries at Christmas. In [[France]] ''Buche de Noel'' or [[gingerbread]] men and women are decorated and hung on the [[Christmas tree]]. In [[Scotland]] a pastry biscuit called [[shortbread]] is made and has become a popular tradition in many countries. A German tradition is ''pfeffernuss'', spiced [[cookie]]s rolled in powdered sugar. Other Christmas food includes raisins, sultanas, ginger, Turkish delight, almonds, chocolates, caramel toffee, candy canes and oranges.

Many families have a Christmas cake or a special bread instead of a pudding (or as well as a pudding). These are very different depending on the country, but often have [[marzipan]] which is made from [[almond]]s and is traditional in many countries at Christmas. In [[France]] ''Buche de Noäl'' or [[gingerbread]] men and women are decorated and hung on the [[Christmas tree]]. In [[Scotland]] a pastry biscuit called [[shortbread]] is made and has become a popular tradition in many countries. A German tradition is ''pfeffernuss'', spiced [[cookie]]s rolled in powdered sugar. Other Christmas food includes raisins, sultanas, ginger, Greek [[baklava]], almonds, chocolates, caramel toffee, candy canes and oranges.

Many families also prepare mulled wine which is warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg or [[egg nog]]s, a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, eggs, nutmeg and sometimes alcohol.

Many families also prepare mulled wine which is warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg or [[egg nog]]s, a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, eggs, nutmeg and sometimes alcohol.

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.

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:Christmas Presents for the Chil;dren-04+ (332216251).jpg|thumb|250px|Christmas presents delivered by Santa.]]

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.

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.

{{Canada Holidays}}

{{Canada Holidays}}

{{Public holidays in the United Kingdom}}

{{Public holidays in the United Kingdom}}

{{Mexico Holidays}}

{{Christianity}}

[[Category:Christmas]]

[[Category:Christmas]]