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

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}

[[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 (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]].

'''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 [[25 December]].

== Religious meaning ==

== Meaning ==

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.

Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 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 history of Christmas ==

== History ==

== Christmas in the Gospels ==

== Description 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.]]

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. There are four different [[Gospel|Gospels]] in the [[Bible]] which talk about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives details about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Matthew]] tells another part of the story.  The [[Gospel of John]] says that Jesus came from God to bring his “Word” (his message) to all people.  Christians believe these Gospels are based on fact.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. There are four different [[Gospel|Gospels]] in the [[Bible]] which talk about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives details about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Matthew]] tells another part of the story.  The [[Gospel of John]] says that Jesus came from God to bring his “Word” (his message) to all people.  Christians believe these Gospels are based on fact.

 

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 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.

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 trough (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.)

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 ==

== Date ==

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]]. 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>

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=23 December 2023|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=23 December 2023}}</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]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Celebrate Christmas?|url=https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/why-not-celebrate-christmas/|access-date=24 December 2024|website=JW.ORG|language=en}}</ref> 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 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.

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.]]

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 ==

 

== Classical antiquity ==

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]].

 

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.

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.

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]]“.

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.--->

===Church traditions===<!---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 ==

== 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 ==

== 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 ==

== 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".]]

[[File:Countries that recognize Christmas as a Public Holiday.svg|thumb|250px|Map of countries where Christmas is a [[formal]] [[public holiday]] either on 24/25 December or 6/7 January. 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.

== 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]]

[[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]]

[[file:Silent Night Librivox 2009.ogg|thumb|right|[[Silent Night]]]]

[[File:Silent Night Librivox 2009.ogg|thumb|right|[[Silent Night]]]]

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.

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 [[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]].''

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]], and White Christmas.''

== 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:Adoration of the sheperds - Matthias Stomer.jpg|''Adoration of the Shepherds'' by Dutch painter [[Matthias Stomer]], 1632

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: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]]'s ''[[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:Christmarkt.jpg|19th century lithograph showing the ''[[Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg|Christkindlesmarkt]]'' (Christmas market) in Nuremberg, Germany

File:Christmarkt.jpg|19th-century lithograph showing the ''[[Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg|Christkindlesmarkt]]'' (Christmas market) in [[Nuremberg]], Germany

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 ==

* [[Pentecost]]

* [[Pentecost]]

* [[Holiday]]

* [[Holiday]]

== Other websites ==

== Other websites ==

{{wikiquote}}

{{wikiquote}}

{{Commons|Christmas}}

{{Commons|Christmas}}

* {{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]

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

{{reflist}}

{{U.S. Holidays}}

{{U.S. Holidays}}

{{Canada Holidays}}

{{Canada Holidays}}

{{Public holidays in the United Kingdom}}

{{Public holidays in the United Kingdom}}

[[Category:Christmas]]

[[Category:Christmas| ]]