Christmas - Origin, Significance, and Celebration

December is the most awaited month in the Christian calendar and around the world. A time where there are Christmas gifts under the tree, homes decorated with lights , Christmas flowers, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, Christmas cakes and turkey dinners with family and friends, and exchanging Merry Christmas wishes with people passing in the streets. Christmas is a season of immense joy, a time of God displaying his endless love for us and a time of healing and revived strength. But where did it all start? Let us have a closer look.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Gifts

Flowers

Plum Cake

Chocolates

Hampers

Cake

What is Christmas and its origin?

The Festival of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Holy Bible, around 2,000 years ago, God sent his only begotten son, Jesus, into the world to redeem humankind from their sins, by performing the ultimate sacrifice and bring about salvation. Mary (a virgin) who was promised marriage to Joseph, a descendant of David, was chosen by God to give birth to Jesus. She was visited by Archangel Gabriel, who gave her this good news.
“Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God.
You shall be pregnant, and give birth to a boy,
he will be named Jesus.
He will be a remarkable man,
and will be called the Son of God.
God will give him,
the authority of his predecessor David.
He will be king of Jacob’s people forever,
and his kingdom will never cease.”
Mary questioned, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.”
Gabriel answered, “The Holy Spirit will reach to you, and the power of God will take over you. Hence, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. Luke - 1:31-35
John and Mary were the parents of Jesus. His birth brought immense joy to the world. Angels, wise men, and shepherds knew he was not an ordinary baby. They all shared in the enthusiasm of knowing about this great event, as prophets hundreds of years ago already prophesied his coming.
"Therefore God himself will provide you a sign:
The virgin will be pregnant and give birth to a son,
and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
Jesus was born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem in Judah (now Israel). The star halted over Bethlehem only to mark the way for those who were searching for this unique child.
"But you, Bethlehem,
even though you are minuscule among the tribes of Judah,
one who will be ruler over Israel will come out of you for me,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)
Now, let's also look at the origin of the date that marks Christmas every year. The exact origin of establishing December 25th as the birth date of Jesus Christ is unclear. There are no clues provided in the New Testament regarding this. Sextus Afric Juliusanus was the first to identify December 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth by in 221 A.D., and it became a universally accepted date later. There is a possibility that December 25th was chosen to counteract the influence of paganism, as two pagan commemorations honoring the sun were also celebrated on that day. One theologian in 320 A.D. answered this criticism stating, “We observe this day as holy, unlike the pagans, we don’t believe in the birth of the sun, but in the one who made it.”

Significance of Christmas

More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was conceived by the Holy Spirit to a virgin and born in Bethlehem. The importance of Christmas goes beyond Christmas carols, Christmas gifts, Christmas cakes, Christmas flowers, & Christmas trees. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers as they will be called sons of God.” In a world full of war and terrorism, Jesus’s message of peace has a distinguished pertinence. The Bible says: “For God loved the world so much that he sacrificed his only Son, so that whosoever trusts in him will not die, but will be granted eternal life.” That is God’s pure love for the world that Jesus exhibit on the Cross by sacrificing himself for human sins. The importance of Christmas is known to people around the world. Christmas is celebrated as the day of Christ's Birth in this world, but it also represents a profound substantial truth of the spiritual life. Jesus is the human characteristic of Divinity. He took birth at a time when superstition, ignorance, hatred, hypocrisy, and greed prevailed upon the land. Purity was forgotten, and morality neglected. In such conditions, Christ was born, and He worked a conversion in the lives of people. He gave a spiritual and new turn to the lives of people. There came a difference upon the land, and people began a new way of life. Thus a new era was born.
In the modern world, Christmas holds a lot of importance. It is a time for friends and families to come together and celebrate, share, and enjoy with each other. All of the Christmas gifts, Christmas greeting messages, Christmas flowers, Christmas cakes, and exceptional food are the expressions of appreciation and love that we have for each other - whether it be friends, family, or even co-workers. Churches organize special ‘Midnight Mass,’ a special prayer session which is attended by a massive number of people of the Christian community. The Mass goes on for a couple of hours, where people reverently remember Jesus -The Saviour, who sacrificed his life so that they may live. After the Church Mass, people head home in the hollow night with children gamboling. People eat, drink, and make merry, and there are Christmas wishes for family, Christmas wishes for friends, and also Christmas wishes for lovers being exchanged. On the next BIG day, people visit family, friends, and relatives exchanging greetings & enjoying together. The entire Christian community comes along, prays with reverence, and enjoy a feast. With all that said, the true essence of Christmas is still prevalent; in all the enjoyment, the poor and meek are not forgotten. There are charity events organized, where poor and needy people are helped with food, clothing, and whatever support required. People do their best to be the ‘PEACEMAKERS’ Jesus wants us to be, not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

How is Christmas Celebrated?

Christmas celebration includes spending time with family, decorating homes in and out with beautiful lights, Christmas flowers & other decorative items. Also, shopping for Christmas gifts for family, friends, and relatives. Celebrating Christmas with the family is essential. On Christmas day, all members of the family spend time baking Christmas cakes, cookies, making fudge, and prepare a big Christmas dinner. Children love to spend the day playing games and sharing new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for them. Everyone feels lucky to have their family amidst them at Christmas time. December 25th, the year's most celebrated holiday, is significant for both churches and homes worldwide. The meaning of Christmas is to recognize the birth of Jesus Christ - Our Saviour, the exact date of which is unknown. However, whether you are celebrating a religious or secular Christmas, it’s a day full of love, fun, and happiness. To celebrate Christmas, get yourself into the festive spirit, enjoy the Christmas traditions with your family, friends, and relatives.
Let’s now look at how is Christmas celebrated:

1. House decorations

It’s not a hidden fact that during Christmas, every Christian house is beautifully decorated. Let’s look at a few decorations that are done during Christmas.

Christmas tree

Christmas tradition of decorating an evergreen tree began in Germany in the 16th century. It's your choice whether you want a live tree or an artificial one. Start by stringing lights on the tree by moving from the bottom and upwards, then wrap the lights around each branch. Put your preferred ornaments on the tree, such as Christmas flowers, stars, balls, small trinkets, or Merry Christmas quotes. Ornaments can be store-bought or homemade. To finish the decoration, place an angel or star at the tip of the tree.

Hanging stockings

Traditionally, children would hang their actual stockings over the mantle, and they would be filled with coins, foods, or other small trinkets by St. Nickolas. Nowadays, socks are likely to be decorative but are still left hanging over the mantel for Santa Claus to leave small Christmas gifts and toys in it. If you do not have a mantel , hang them anywhere you like or near your Christmas tree.

Christmas lights

Illuminate your house with Christmas lights. Try threading them through bushes and around your trees or surround your home with lights. Make a boundary around your yard or hang them around the porch. Also, try hanging them on the bookshelves or across the mantle. Wrapping them around the handrail on your stairs with few fake evergreen garlands could also be a good idea.

Crib decoration

To focus on a religious Christmas, add a nativity scene. Christmas day is considered to be the birth date of Jesus, so scenes of the nativity are traditional. They illustrate the birth of Jesus, including Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, the three wise men, and all the animals that were in attendance and baby Jesus is placed in a stable. The small ones can put on the mantle or in other parts of your home, or you can arrange a life-size one outside. As per the story, Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a barn as there was no room available at the inn.

2. The festive spirit

To enjoy festivities, one needs to get into the festive spirit. Let’s find out how it can be done.

Music

Turn up the Christmas music and put yourself in a festive mood. Whatever your choice may be, traditional Christmas carols, hymns, or contemporary Christmas music, Christmas songs are usually everywhere this time of year. Typically, all you have to do is tune in to a local radio station to spot some Christmas tunes. You can find songs online if you don't have a local radio station playing Christmas songs.

Movies

To learn the meaning of Christmas watch classic Christmas movies, they will undoubtedly put you in the Christmas spirit. They are a variety of them from fun and silly to serious, but they mainly concentrate on the essence of Christmas, either in a religious or secular sense.

Christmas stories

Reading Christmas stories together with family is a fantastic way to enjoy quality time with one another. A plethora of stories focusing on Christmas along with a piece of Christmas cakes and reading them with family is a great way to get in a festive mood.

Find the meaning of Christmas

Contemplate on the reason for Christmas. If you're unsure about the meaning of Christmas or you're not well versed with the background, then do some research. In the Bible, you will find the Christmas story in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapters 1 and 2. You can also see videos about Jesus’s birth.

Church Services

Attend a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Several local churches arrange candlelight services on Christmas Eve that includes scripture readings about Christmas, a short sermon, and Christmas hymns. Churches anticipate visitors, especially on significant days like Christmas Eve, so don't worry if you've never been there before.

3. Savoring Christmas Traditions

To enjoy Christmas to the fullest, you need to be a part of the Christmas traditions.

Christmas Carols

In Christmas caroling, you go to other people's homes giving inspirational Christmas messages and sing Christmas songs for them. You can also sing carols at a senior living center or your own home. You need to gather some friends and learn some Christmas songs.

Santa Claus

St. Nicholas, the man behind the legend of Santa Claus, was born in Patara, near Myra (modern-day Turkey) around 280 A.D. A monk who donated all his wealth to help the sick and poor. Children around the age of eight generally stop believing in Santa, but younger kids love the story of Santa. Tell them who Santa is and how he is going to come and visit your home on Christmas Eve and leave Christmas gifts.

Baked Delicacies

Make cookies, Christmas Cakes, and other baked goods. Christmas shapes sugar cookies such as snowmen, candy canes, gingerbread men and stars, is one classic Christmas cookie. Also, you can decorate them with sprinkles and icing. More fun options include gingerbread men, thumbprint cookies, molasses cookies, yule logs, fruit cakes, or an apple pie.

Christmas Dinner

Relish Christmas dinner with your family and friends. Classic Christmas meals include foods like ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, rolls, and green bean casserole. However, more important than food is, they get together with your family and friends around the dinner table decorated with Christmas flowers and other items. Don't be anxious to invite more than just your family! Think about people you know who might be alone on Christmas Eve and call them over!

4. Share the joy

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” Matthew 22:39. These were the words spoken by Jesus Christ, who’s birth is celebrated on December 25th. So during this festive season, let us spread the joy & love of Christ.

Christmas Gifts

Give presents to family, friends, and people in need. Exchanging Christmas gifts is a tradition at this time of year. Gifts don't need to be big or expensive, giving a chocolate bar, Christmas cakes, Christmas flowers, or small handmade gifts are welcome. It's also an appropriate time to give gifts to people in need.

Greeting Cards

You can look for Santa quotes for Christmas cards or cards with funny Christmas quotes and Mail them to family, friends, and those in need. Sending Christmas cards is a tradition around this time of the year, and is a way to let people know that you care. You might have to send Christmas cards to different parts of the world. For instance, you may have to send a Christmas card with Christmas wishes in Tamil, so include a small note about how you're remembering the person and wish them well.

Charity

Charity is a symbol of Christmas, and you can participate in that by picking a charity you want to give money. Some common ones include homeless shelters, food banks, and other charities that serve those who are having a hard time with their luck. You won't find it tough to discover someplace to give, as several charities set up donation centers and boxes around this time of the year. You can also become a SECRET SANTA by anonymously buying groceries for families you know struggling.

Donate

It’s not necessary to give money to spread Christmas cheer. You can offer to help with Christmas decorations for a neighbor who is unable to do it or send them baked items. Donate coats, blankets, food, or other supplies for local charities. Spend some time with people at a homeless shelter or unprivileged children on Christmas Day.

When is Christmas in 2024?

Christmas 2024 is on Wednesday, December 25th,2024.

Christmas Decoration Ideas

1. Snowman Christmas Tree

This is probably one of the cutest and simplest Christmas decoration ideas. A two in one Christmas decoration that will impress your guests or visitors and will also show your creativity. A fresh and unique idea for an indoor Christmas decoration.

2. Christmas Dining room

A beautiful way to celebrate Christmas Eve with this colorful and spectacular Christmas dining room decoration. The colors of the decors and adornment certainly give that festive atmosphere to the room. If you want something elegant and magical, then this is one of the best Christmas decorating ideas you could try.

3. Hanging Balls

Bored with greens and garlands? This year, you might want to keep your Christmas embellishment as simple as dangling a few Christmas balls in your railing. You can try various sizes and colors, use different colored balls and ribbons. This Christmas beautification idea is perfect for those who have plain-painted stairs/banisters and plain walls.

4. Display of Nativity

An artistic way to display the nativity scene is the Crib. This simple indoor Christmas decoration will drag the attention of your guests at Christmas. This can be a remarkable center of attraction in your indoor Christmas decorations.

Gift Guide for Christmas 2024

When it comes to gifting during festivals, people often find themselves in tricky situations. If that's the case with you, don’t worry, we will help you out with these tips.

1. How much to spend

The important factor is the budget! Set a budget for yourself before deciding what gifts to buy. First, think about what you can afford, then look at how you can get the best price.

2. When is the best time to buy Gifts

EARLY! The closer we get to Christmas, you can't imagine the number of people walking in the markets, and then, the pressure to find a present builds up. However, Mornings are the best time, as the markets are more vacant in the morning, and it makes for a better shopping experience where the items can be seen more clearly.

3. How to choose the right gift

Vintage or trend, this depends on the taste & interest of the person receiving the present. If you’re doubtful, remember, in this new era, the technology always interests people. Gift cards are easy and convenient, but there is still something special about a personal gift. However, you can get online and go through a plethora of gifting options.

Latest Christmas Quotes, Messages, and Wishes 2024

Here are a few of the latest Quotes, Messages & Wishes.

1. May the blessings of Jesus Christ be with you, May God show you the right path, May you be guided by the Holy Angels, And protect you every day.

2. May this Christmas season bring you fond memories, laughter, and happiness. Merry Christmas.

3. Christmas is not about small and large gifts under the tree. It's about the people we call family, who are in our hearts, and for whom we care.

4. Wishing you a blissful and magical holiday, have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy & prosperous New Year!

5. May your home overflow with love and joy this Christmas season. Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year!