Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations; Christmas is also celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christian.
The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. In the 15th century, it was recorded that in London, it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with Holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". The heart-shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed
The traditional colors of Christmas are green and red. White, silver and gold are also popular. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which was shed in his crucifixion, while green symbolizes eternal life, and in particular the evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in the winter.
A special Christmas family meal is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food that is served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for Christmas Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey or goose, meat, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread and cider. Special desserts are also prepared, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit cake.
The exchanging of gifts is one of the core aspects of the modern Christmas celebration, making the Christmas season the most profitable time of year for retailers and businesses throughout the world.
As the Christmas season approaches, children as well as adults go out and visit every house of their locality and sing carols. Wherever we go we see Star, Christmas tree and decoration in every house of both Christian and Non-Christian. We can hear Christmas songs played everywhere in the month of December. The belief in the existence of “Santa Claus” is imprinted in the minds of children. Therefore in the month of December or so, Children would write letter or Pray to “Santa Claus” for their gifts.
Everyone has different understanding of Christmas. Today’s Christmas celebrations bear little resemblance to the celebrations of years past. Some celebrate, and don't even know why? Nowadays, it is more of a holiday to pad the pockets of retailers and businesses than a true remembrance of the real reason for the season. Many who are excitedly preparing for their Christmas celebrations would prefer not knowing about the holiday’s real significance. If they do know the history, they often object that their celebration has nothing to do with the holiday’s monstrous history and meaning. They would simply say “We are just having fun.”
We are actually supposed to give honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords because of His being born. Many people say we give gifts to remember the day that God gave our world the greatest gift of all. The wise men from the Orient brought Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts honoring His birth and who He is. The best gift we can give is remembering the King who came to show God's love for one and all.
Therefore, let us all celebrate this Christmas in a more appropriate, memorable and meaningful one. May the Joys of the season fill your heart with goodwill and cheer. May the chimes of Christmas glory add up more shine and spread smiles across the miles, to-day and In the New Year.
The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. In the 15th century, it was recorded that in London, it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with Holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". The heart-shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed
The traditional colors of Christmas are green and red. White, silver and gold are also popular. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which was shed in his crucifixion, while green symbolizes eternal life, and in particular the evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in the winter.
A special Christmas family meal is traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration, and the food that is served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for Christmas Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey or goose, meat, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes bread and cider. Special desserts are also prepared, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit cake.
The exchanging of gifts is one of the core aspects of the modern Christmas celebration, making the Christmas season the most profitable time of year for retailers and businesses throughout the world.
As the Christmas season approaches, children as well as adults go out and visit every house of their locality and sing carols. Wherever we go we see Star, Christmas tree and decoration in every house of both Christian and Non-Christian. We can hear Christmas songs played everywhere in the month of December. The belief in the existence of “Santa Claus” is imprinted in the minds of children. Therefore in the month of December or so, Children would write letter or Pray to “Santa Claus” for their gifts.
Everyone has different understanding of Christmas. Today’s Christmas celebrations bear little resemblance to the celebrations of years past. Some celebrate, and don't even know why? Nowadays, it is more of a holiday to pad the pockets of retailers and businesses than a true remembrance of the real reason for the season. Many who are excitedly preparing for their Christmas celebrations would prefer not knowing about the holiday’s real significance. If they do know the history, they often object that their celebration has nothing to do with the holiday’s monstrous history and meaning. They would simply say “We are just having fun.”
We are actually supposed to give honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords because of His being born. Many people say we give gifts to remember the day that God gave our world the greatest gift of all. The wise men from the Orient brought Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts honoring His birth and who He is. The best gift we can give is remembering the King who came to show God's love for one and all.
Therefore, let us all celebrate this Christmas in a more appropriate, memorable and meaningful one. May the Joys of the season fill your heart with goodwill and cheer. May the chimes of Christmas glory add up more shine and spread smiles across the miles, to-day and In the New Year.
