Christmas, What is it all about?
Christmas. It’s that time of year again. December has come and with, all the joys of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians culture believe is the Son of God.
The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.
The ‘Christ-Mass’ service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so people had it at Midnight! So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas.
Christmas is now celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It’s a time when family and friends come together and remember the good things they have for all year passed. People, and especially children, also like Christmas as it’s a time when you give and receive presents! and it’s festival to enjoy the nice show the light and signature red and green symbols all around.
“Merry Christmas”
“What is the meaning of “Merry Christmas”?
“Merry”, derived from the Old English myrige, originally meant merely “pleasant, agreeable” rather than joyous or jolly. Christmas has been celebrated since the 4th century AD, the first known usage of any Christmas greeting dates was in 1565 when it appeared in The Hereford Municipal Manuscript: “And thus I commit you to God, who send you a Merry Christmas.” “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” (thus incorporating two greetings) were in an informal letter written by an English admiral in 1699. The same phrase is contained in the 16th-century secular English carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and the first commercial Christmas card, produced in England in 1843.
Merry Christmas means, simply, “be as happy as you can during this time of year when you can celebrate it in a religious sense or in the spiritual sense of PEACE and HOPE and all that positive shit.” By July you’ll be on to other things, whatever they may be.” Of course, We all feel joyful and grateful for the Christmas season but For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends.
Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength.
Christmas or Xmas?
Christmas is also sometimes known as Xmas. Some people don’t think it’s correct to call Christmas ‘Xmas’ as that takes the ‘Christ’ (Jesus) out of Christmas. (As Christmas comes from Christ-Mass, the Church service that celebrated the birth of Jesus.) But that is not quite right! In the Greek language and alphabet, the letter that looks like an X is the Greek letter chi / Χ (pronounced ‘kye’ – it rhymes with ‘eye’) which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, Christos.
So Xmas can also mean Christmas, but it should also be pronounced ‘Christmas’ rather than ‘ex-mas’!
We’d like to introduce you the pre-day of Christmas
“Christmas Eve” on December 24
If there’s anything better than Christmas, it’s Christmas Eve. The anticipation of reindeer hooves pitter-pattering on the roof, Christmas Eve dinner by the fire, Christmas caroling amidst glowing holiday lights, evening church services, staying up late to prepare the stockings on the gorgeous Christmas tree …. These are what make Christmas Eve, for many, the most magical day of the year. While Christmas Eve traditions vary by culture and country, one thing is for sure, no matter who or where you are—on December 24, the fantastical becomes possible, and magic is all around us.
Christmas Eve Activities
1. Have a Christmas movie marathon
Most people don’t have solid plans on Christmas Eve—it’s all about the Pre-Christmas relaxation before the big Christmas rush.
Snuggle up on the couch with family, pop in Home Alone or White Christmas, and bask in the Christmas film’s spirit. All. Day. Long.
2. Go on a Christmas light driving tour
Need to distract the kids while Santa Claus is delivering his gifts? Pop them in the car and take them for a Christmas lights tour around the neighborhood and Christmas lights tour in the neighboring town.
3. Get your drink on
Because Christmas is a family-oriented holiday, alcohol does not traditionally play a starring role in the festivities. Not the case for Christmas Eve. So drink up! Whip up a batch of eggnog, spiked hot chocolate mulled wine or a hot toddy. Pair your concoction with a Christmas movie marathon, and you’ve set yourself up for a foolproof Christmas Eve.
The Date of Christmas
No one knows the real birthday of Jesus! No date is given in the Bible, so why do we celebrate it on the 25th December?
Because The early Christians certainly had many arguments as to when it should be celebrated! Also, the birth of Jesus probably didn’t happen in the year 1 but slightly earlier, somewhere between 2 BCE/BC and 7 BCE/BC, possibly in 4 BCE/BC (there isn’t a 0 – the years go from 1 BC/BCE to 1!).
Calendar showing 25th December
The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December.
However, there are many different traditions and theories as to why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.
There are so many things to love about the Christmas holiday the winter-themed drinks, the festive parties, the outrageous decorations, and the delicious food.
The great thing about Christmas is that there is a joyful festivity for everyone to enjoy. Although Christmas has roots in Christianity and honors the birth of Jesus Christ, it has evolved over two millennia into a worldwide celebration that’s both religious and secular and chock full of fun-filled, family activities. Every year on Dec 25, we celebrate Christmas, a day for spending time with family, honoring Christ’s birth, partaking in lighthearted traditions, or just spreading some holiday cheer!
Christmas Activities
1. Make your own advent calendar
Spread the holiday excitement by making a calendar filled with sweet surprises for the month. Create your own advent calendar by using paper bags, a muffin tin, envelopes or other accessible items around the house and include a cute and quirky present to celebrate each day. These make perfect holiday gifts or a great way to treat yourself every day in December.
2. Spread cheer
The holidays are the perfect excuse to spread cheer to those around you and in doing so, help you enjoy the holiday more too. Whistle along to your favorite Christmas tune, smile at other, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Your joyful holiday spirit will be contagious.
3. Organize a Christmas potluck
Organize a special potluck dinner with your friends and family. One of the most important traditions of the Christmas season is to gather with those you care about and make winter a little warmer by sharing the warmth of compassion with them. Your friends and family will leave with stomachs full of food and hearts filled with happiness!