Merry Christmas 2023: Why is Xmas celebrated on Dec 25? Here’s all you need to know

Merry Christmas 2023: The most joyous time of the year – Christmas is here. The festival commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth. It is both a religious and a commercial holiday. The holiday spirit has filled the air as you see twinkling lights covering everything, ornament-adorned Christmas trees at malls and offices, the smell of cinnamon and gingerbreads, and gatherings with close friends and family to make memories.

For Christians, Christmas is one of the most important festivals. People spend the day singing carols, eating delectable plum cakes, exchanging gifts, visiting friends and family, and cooking a decadent meal. They also decorate their homes with a Christmas tree decked out with personalised ornaments, wreaths on the front door, and stockings hung above the fireplace. 

Also, children expect Santa Claus and his gifts, which arrive on Christmas Eve night and are opened first thing in the morning. 

Here’s all you should know about Christmas, from its history to its importance to significance.

Merry Christmas 2023: History

Christmas, derived from the words ‘Mass of Christ,’ commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Joseph and Mary. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born during Mother Mary’s engagement to Joseph. On March 25, Mother Mary heard she would be having a special child, and nine months later, on December 25, Jesus was born. 

There is no proof that Jesus was born on December 25, however, because the Gregorian calendar did not exist at the time. Instead, the story of Jesus Christ’s birth is told in the gospel of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew in the New Testament. According to early Roman history, the date December 25 was first associated with the birth of Jesus Christ in the fourth century.

Christmas was first celebrated on record in 336, during Constantine’s reign – the first Christian Roman emperor and Roman emperor at the time.

Christmas is known differently in different countries. In Germany, it is referred to as Yuletide. It is referred to as Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian and Noël in French. Some Christians, however, celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth on January 6, the Epiphany, when they believe he was baptised.

Merry Christmas 2023: Importance

For Christians, Christmas is a religious holiday. On this day, people remember Jesus Christ and his sacrifices for humanity. People also attend mass services to thank Jesus for removing hatred and greed from the world, as well as eradicating evil and bringing about happiness. They believe that because he came to save humanity from all suffering, his ultimate sacrifice during the crucifixion should be remembered.

Merry Christmas 2023: Traditions

Christmas 2023 Traditions: Christmas is associated with several traditions. Baking cakes and cookies, decorating Christmas trees with ornaments, visiting church, shopping for close friends and family, enjoying Christmas feats with loved ones, singing carols, and going to mass are the most common activities. On Christmas Eve, children also wait for Santa Claus to arrive and enter their homes through the chimney with their gifts. Christmas traditions, on the other hand, differ from region to region.