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KS update 1.3
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{nosources|date=December 2021}}
{{nosources|date=December 2021}}
[[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]].]]
[[File:Nativity tree.jpg|thumb|244x244px|A [[Christmas tree]] and a [[Nativity scene]], two popular parts of Christmas]]
'''Christmas''' (which means “The Mass of Christ”) is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus]], who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christmas is also a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for many non-Christians.
'''Christmas''' (which means “The Mass of Christ”) is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus]], who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christmas is also a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for many non-Christians.
== Religious meaning ==
Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is a really important day, mainly for Christians, along with [[Easter]] (which celebrates [[Crucifixion of Jesus|the death]] and [[resurrection of Jesus]]). The season of [[Advent]] begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas. During Advent, people prepare for Christmas.
Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is a really important day, mainly for Christians, along with [[Easter]] (which celebrates [[Crucifixion of Jesus|the death]] and [[resurrection of Jesus]]). The season of [[Advent]] begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas. During Advent, people prepare for Christmas.
Today, Christmas traditions often focus on gift-giving. About a month before Christmas Day, [[retail store]]s start selling gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, [[Sugar cookies]], [[Candy canes]], and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]].
Today, Christmas traditions often focus on gift-giving. About a month before Christmas Day, [[retail store]]s start selling gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, [[Sugar cookies]], [[Candy canes]], and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]].
== The history of Christmas ==
== Christmas in the Gospels ==
{{main|Jesus}}
{{main|Jesus}}
[[File:Birthplace in the Grotto of the Nativity 2010 2.jpg|250px|thumb|Star marking the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem Israel.]]
[[File:Birthplace in the Grotto of the Nativity 2010 2.jpg|250px|thumb|Star marking the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem Israel.]]
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”.
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”.
== 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 [[Protestant]] Churches, celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December, although holidays begin on 24 December also known as [[Christmas Eve]].
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, although holidays begin on 24 December also known as [[Christmas Eve]].
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.
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 ==
[[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]], [[Education|study]], [[meditation]] and [[Prayer in Christianity|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 in Christianity|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.
== Religious celebrations ==
=== Celebrations ===
Before the 4th century AD, Christians could only worship and celebrate in secret. The feast of Christmas probably began while [[Constantine I (Rome)|Constantine]] was the Emperor of Rome, because it was he who made Christianity a legal religion and built some of Rome’s oldest churches. Some old stone [[coffin]]s or ‘’sarcophagi’’ from this time are carved with pictures of [[Madonna and Child|Mary and baby Jesus]] and the [[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]].
Before the 4th century AD, Christians could only worship and celebrate in secret. The feast of Christmas probably began while [[Constantine I (Rome)|Constantine]] was the Emperor of Rome, because it was he who made Christianity a legal religion and built some of Rome’s oldest churches. Some old stone [[coffin]]s or ‘’sarcophagi’’ from this time are carved with pictures of [[Madonna and Child|Mary and baby Jesus]] and the [[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]].
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]]“.
Many Christians celebrate Christmas by attending church, and with prayers and singing. And each year there are Bible readings from the Gospels that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
Many Christians celebrate Christmas by attending church, and with prayers and singing. And each year there are Bible readings from the Gospels that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
===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:Friedrichshafen Ailingen Krippendarstellung.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Nativity scene]] from Germany]]
[[File:Friedrichshafen Ailingen Krippendarstellung.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Nativity scene]] from Germany]]
The celebration of Christmas is a very important time for churches. Almost every church has special services or celebrations. Here are some of the ways that churches celebrate Christmas.
The celebration of Christmas is a very important time for churches. Almost every church has special services or celebrations. Here are some of the ways that churches celebrate Christmas.
== The Crib ==
It is the custom in many churches to set up a Crib (or ‘’Creche’’) scene of the ‘’Nativity’’ or birth of Jesus. The first scene of this type was set up by St. Francis of [[Assisi]] in the 13th century. They have been very popular in Italy ever since then, and the custom has spread to other countries.
It is the custom in many churches to set up a Crib (or ‘’Creche’’) scene of the ‘’Nativity’’ or birth of Jesus. The first scene of this type was set up by St. Francis of [[Assisi]] in the 13th century. They have been very popular in Italy ever since then, and the custom has spread to other countries.
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 ==
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.
== Christmas Traditions ==
[[File:Countries that recognize Christmas as a Public Holiday.svg|thumb|250px|Map of countries where Christmas is a [[formal]] [[public holiday]] either on December 24/25 or January 6/7. The red color shading shows the number of "Days of rest".]]
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.
== Public and commercial celebrations ==
[[File:Christmas Lisbon 2005 e.JPG|thumb|250px|A huge Christmas tree in Lisbon, Portugal]]
[[File:Christmas Lisbon 2005 e.JPG|thumb|250px|A huge Christmas tree in Lisbon, Portugal]]
Because many people feel very lonely, hungry and sad at Christmas, many cities, churches, charities and service organisations try to help the poor and lonely by providing Christmas food and gifts for poor families, and Christmas parties for people who are hungry or who are lonely and without any friends or family.
Because many people feel very lonely, hungry and sad at Christmas, many cities, churches, charities and service organisations try to help the poor and lonely by providing Christmas food and gifts for poor families, and Christmas parties for people who are hungry or who are lonely and without any friends or family.
== Family celebrations ==
Family celebrations are often very different from each other, depending on where a family comes from, and the customs that have grown in particular families.
Family celebrations are often very different from each other, depending on where a family comes from, and the customs that have grown in particular families.
== 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]]
[[file:We Wish you a Merry Christmas (Kevin MacLeod ) (ISRC USUAN1100369).oga|thumb|right|[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]] by Kevin MacLeod]]
[[file:We Wish you a Merry Christmas (Kevin MacLeod ) (ISRC USUAN1100369).oga|thumb|right|[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]] by Kevin MacLeod]]
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. Other families like to watch certain television programs together, which might include carol services and the Queen’s Message. Some families use Christmas as a time to play music and sing together, or to read a favourite book such as “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, a visit to the beach or a swim in a pool is often part of the Christmas Day tradition.
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. Other families like to watch certain television programs together, which might include carol services and the Queen’s Message. Some families use Christmas as a time to play music and sing together, or to read a favourite book such as “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, a visit to the beach or a swim in a pool is often part of the Christmas Day tradition.
== 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 are generally the main courses 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.
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 are generally the main courses 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 the Southern Hemisphere, the traditional roast dinner is often replaced with cold cuts of meat, and served with salads. The first course might be prawn cocktail or a cold soup like borsch. The plum pudding might be served with ice cream. White wine and beer are both served cold (beer is kept in a refrigerator). Christmas dinner may be served on the veranda, or sometimes as a picnic.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the traditional roast dinner is often replaced with cold cuts of meat, and served with salads. The first course might be prawn cocktail or a cold soup like borsch. The plum pudding might be served with ice cream. White wine and beer are both served cold (beer is kept in a refrigerator). Christmas dinner may be served on the veranda, or sometimes as a picnic.
== Tree and decorations ==
{{main|Christmas decorations}}
{{main|Christmas decorations}}
[[File:ATC Christmas Tree.JPG|thumb|right|A Christmas tree in [[Armenia]]]]
[[File:ATC Christmas Tree.JPG|thumb|right|A Christmas tree in [[Armenia]]]]
[[File:Santa-eop2.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Santa Claus is a popular Christmas tradition.]]
[[File:Santa-eop2.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Santa Claus is a popular Christmas tradition.]]
== Cards and presents ==
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.
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.
== Pop culture ==
[[File:Mariah Carey Toronto 2022 2.jpg|thumb|275x275px|Mariah Carey, often called Queen of Christmas, performing in [[Toronto]]]]
In [[December]], many Christmas movies are shown on [[television]]. Some of the most popular Christmas films are: ''[[Home Alone]], [[The Grinch (movie)|The Grinch]], [[Scrooge]], [[The Polar Express (movie)|The Polar Express]], [[A Christmas Carol (2009 movie)|A Christmas Carol]], [[Elf (movie)|Elf]] and [[The Nightmare Before Christmas]].''
In addition to movies, many Christmas songs are played on [[Radio|radios]] throughout [[Winter]]. Some of the most popular songs are: ''[[All I Want for Christmas Is You]], [[Last Christmas]],[[Santa Baby]] and [[Feliz Navidad (song)|Feliz Navidad]].''
== Christmas Media ==
<gallery widths='160px' heights='100%' mode='traditional' caption=''>
File:Nativity (15th c., Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow).jpg|[[Eastern Orthodox]] [[icon]] of the birth of Christ by [[Andrei Rublev|Saint Andrei Rublev]], 15th century
File:Hortus Deliciarum, Die Geburt Christi.JPG|''Nativity of Christ'', medieval illustration from the ''[[Hortus deliciarum]]'' of [[Herrad of Landsberg]] (12th century)
File:Gerard van Honthorst - Adoration of the Shepherds (1622).jpg|''Adoration of the Shepherds'' (1622) by [[Gerard van Honthorst]] depicts the nativity of Jesus
File:ChristAsSol.jpg|Mosaic in Mausoleum M in the pre-fourth-century necropolis under [[St Peter's Basilica]] in Rome, interpreted by some as Jesus represented as ''Christus Sol'' (Christ the Sun).
File:Nativity from Sherbrooke Missal cropped.jpg|''The Nativity'', from a 14th-century [[Missal]]; a liturgical book containing texts and music necessary for the celebration of Mass throughout the year
File:Scrooges third visitor-John Leech,1843 edit.jpg|[[Ebenezer Scrooge]] and the [[Ghost of Christmas Present]]. From [[Charles Dickens]]' ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'', 1843.
File:The Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle, by J. L. Williams - ILN 1848 (cropped).jpg|The Queen's Christmas tree at [[Windsor Castle]], published in the ''Illustrated London News'', 1848
File:Adolph Tidemand Norsk juleskik.jpg|A Norwegian Christmas, 1846 painting by [[Adolph Tidemand]]
</gallery>
== Related pages ==
== Related pages ==
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Christianity]]
* [[Pentecost]]
* [[Pentecost]]
* [[Holiday]]
* [[Holiday]]
== Other websites ==
== Other websites ==
{{wiktionary|Christmas}}
{{wiktionary|Christmas}}