Christmas
Observed by Christians all around the world as well as by non-Christians by the way of secular aspects, Christmas is celebrated worldwide on December 25 as the day of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Origin
Western Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 as it is nine months after the Festival of Annunciation on March 25 and hence the Incarnation. Also this is the day when Romans marked the winter solstice. Whereas Eastern Orthodox Churches, who stick to Julian calendar for festivals, celebrate on January 7. However, both dates are merely traditional and none can provide evidence for the actual birth date of Jesus. The word is derivative of Christemasse from Middle English and Cristes mæsse from Old English. The ellipsis is Christ's mass, further Christmas.
Facts
Charles Dickens owns the major credit for enlivening Christmas as a celebrated holiday through his book A Christmas Carol in 1843 that accentuated family benevolence and consideration. The Christmas tree and the idea of placing gifts under them were promoted by Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert . Christmas cards were first designed in 1843 and though they gained popularity much later in 1860. The tradition of Santa Claus was also imported from Germany in the nineteenth century. The Christmas crèche is known to be the invention of St Francis of Assisi way back in 1224.
The Gifts
The Westernized culture, typify the holiday by the exchange of gifts baskets among friends and family members, along with due attribution to Santa Claus or Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas or Saint Basil or Father Frost. There are various assorted types readily accessible. For adults, anything in chocolate is a universal favorite. The range may vary from gourmet chocolates to truffles and turtles. There are even chocolate Christmas trees and chocolate oranges to suit requirement. For the offspring, these come filled with toys and sweets usually and stuffed animals, toy vehicles, little books and Christmas candies as a special treat. For the origins of Romeo and Juliet, there are custom made romantic ranges of gift baskets on hand.
Celebrations
Decorating a Christmas tree is another integral part of joyous festival. The beautification may be by the way lights and embellishments like poinsettias, swags, wreaths, angels, carolers, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, sleighs, sleds, drums, drummer boys, bows, reindeer, gingerbread people and gingerbread houses, candies, stars, snowflakes, snowmen and penguins.
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The house may be decorated with garlands and evergreen foliage. In Australia , North and South America and in some parts of Europe , it is conventional to place illuminated sleighs, snowmen and other Christmas figures outside the houses. In plants, the poinsettia has been associated with Christmas since the 19th century. Other popular Christmas plants include Christmas cactus, holly, mistletoe and red amaryllis.
Both on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, a special meal of customary Christmas dishes is by and large served. Also in some regions, like Eastern Europe , these extensive family meals are preceded by a period of fasting. Candy and treats are also part of Christmas celebration in many countries.