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

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

[[File:Nativity tree.jpg|thumb|244x244px|A [[Christmas tree]] and a [[Nativity scene]], two popular parts of Christmas]]

[[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 (liturgy)|Mass]] of Christ”) is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christmas is also a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for many non-Christians all over the world. It is usually celebrated in the month of [[December]], with the main day being '''Christmas Day''' on [[December 25]].

== Religious meaning ==

== 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 an 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. The Christmas season (called Christmastide) ends 6 January, also called the Twelfth Day of Christmas. On this day, Christians celebrate ‘’[[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]‘’. Many Christians also attend [[Church (building)|Church]] on Christmas Day.

 

The Christmas season (called Christmastide) ends 6 January, also called the Twelfth Day of Christmas. On this day, Christians celebrate ‘’[[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]‘’.

 

People celebrate Christmas in many places around the world. Some people celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. In some places, Christmas is a time of [[Festival|celebration]] for Christians and non-Christians alike. Christmas traditions are different in different countries. However, they almost always include a [[Meal|feast]]; giving gifts or cards; and enjoying church or public festivities, like singing [[Christmas carol]]s and songs. Christmas is not limited to Christianity. The idea of [[Santa Claus]] is based on [[Saint Nicholas]], a [[4th century|4th-century]] Christian [[saint]] of Greek origin.

 

In the [[Northern Hemisphere]], Christmastide happens during the [[winter]]. Before Christmas was ever celebrated, ancient peoples celebrated winter [[Festival|festivals]]. Some traditions from these ancient festivals became Christmas traditions.  For example, some Christmas traditions come from the [[Paganism|pagan]] holiday of [[Yule]].

 

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 ==

== The history of Christmas ==

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]].

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]].

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]]. In  2023 [[Ukraine]] celebrated Christmas on 25 December for the first time since 1917.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2023-12-23|title=Ukraine war: New Christmas date marks shift away from Russia|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67801204|access-date=2023-12-23}}</ref>

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 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{{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 believe that Jesus was probably not born on 25 December. Some historians 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.]]

[[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".]]

[[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.

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.

[[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]]

Many cities and towns celebrate Christmas by putting up [[Christmas decoration|decorations]]. These may be banners and bunting which are strung from buildings or lampposts. They may be Christmas lights which can also decorate buildings and street trees. Many large cities put up a huge Christmas tree in a public place, such as those in Trafalgar Square in London, Times Square in New York and Martin Place in Sydney. This is often combined with an appeal to the people of the city to give money or gifts to help the poor and needy.

Many cities and towns celebrate Christmas by putting up [[Christmas decoration|decorations]]. These may be banners and bunting which are strung from buildings or lampposts. They may be Christmas lights which can also decorate buildings and street trees. Many large cities put up a huge Christmas tree in a public place, such as those in [[Trafalgar Square]] in [[London]], [[Times Square]] in [[New York City|New York]] and Martin Place in [[Sydney]]. This is often combined with an appeal to the people of the city to give money or gifts to help the poor and needy.

In many cities, the usual shopping hours are made longer before Christmas so that workers have more time to buy Christmas food and presents. Shop windows are often decorated with Christmas scenes, with large department stores often having animated scenes to entertain children. Shopping malls and big stores often have a Santa Claus, who sits on a throne, while children tell him what they want for Christmas, and have their photos taken.

In many cities, the usual shopping hours are made longer before Christmas so that workers have more time to buy Christmas food and presents. Shop windows are often decorated with Christmas scenes, with large department stores often having animated scenes to entertain children. Shopping malls and big stores often have a Santa Claus, who sits on a throne, while children tell him what they want for Christmas, and have their photos taken.

== Tree and decorations ==

== Tree and decorations ==

{{main|Christmas decorations}}

{{main|Christmas decorations}}

In most homes when Christmas is celebrated, people set up a [[Christmas tree]] in the house. This old Yuletide custom began in Germany as the “Tannenbaum” (German for ‘’Fir Tree’’). These are traditionally [[evergreen]]s, the best type being the Fir Tree which does not shed its needles or lose its [[Odor|fragrance]]. The tree may be a cut tree that is bought from a plantation or taken from the forest. Artificial trees are sometimes preferred to real trees. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights, shiny coloured balls, sparkly tinsel and other ornaments. A wreath of leaves or pine is often put on the front door of a house as a sign of welcome. Other plants that have special significance at Christmas are holly which is used as decoration and [[mistletoe]] which is hung in the centre of a room. The tradition is that people who meet under the mistletoe must kiss.

In most homes when Christmas is celebrated, people set up a [[Christmas tree]] in the house. This old Yuletide custom began in Germany as the “Tannenbaum” (German for ‘’Fir Tree’’). These are traditionally [[evergreen]]s, the best type being the Fir Tree which does not shed its needles or lose its [[Odor|fragrance]]. The tree may be a cut tree that is bought from a plantation or taken from the forest. Artificial trees are sometimes preferred to real trees. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights, shiny coloured balls, sparkly tinsel and other ornaments. A wreath of leaves or pine is often put on the front door of a house as a sign of welcome. Other plants that have special significance at Christmas are holly which is used as decoration and [[mistletoe]] which is hung in the centre of a room. The tradition is that people who meet under the mistletoe must kiss.

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]].''

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]].''

== ChristmasChristmas Dinner Media ==

== Christmas Media ==

<gallery widths='160px' heights='100%' mode='traditional' caption=''>

<gallery widths='160px' heights='100%' mode='traditional' caption=''>

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: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:Hortus Deliciarum, Die Geburt Christi.JPG|''Nativity of Christ'', medieval illustration from the {{lang|la|[[Hortus deliciarum]]}} of [[Herrad of Landsberg]] (12th century)

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: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:Scrooges third visitor-John Leech,1843 edit.jpg|[[Ebenezer Scrooge]] and the [[Ghost of Christmas Present]]. From [[Charles Dickens]]'s ''[[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: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]]

File:Adolph Tidemand Norsk juleskik.jpg|A Norwegian Christmas, 1846 painting by [[Adolph Tidemand]]

</gallery>

</gallery>

== Related pages ==

== Related pages ==

* [[Christianity]]  

* [[Eid al-Adha]]  

* [[Advent]]

* [[Advent]]

* [[Epiphany (holiday)]]

* [[Epiphany (holiday)]]

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

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

* {{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]

* {{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}}