Discover Why Christmas is the Most Magical Time of the Year! Christmas is my favorite holiday! I adore arranging my collection of nutcrackers, Santas, and snowmen. The beauty of twinkling lights on a beautifully decorated tree fills my heart with joy. Most importantly, I cherish the time spent with family, enjoying delicious food, exchanging gifts, and having fun together.
The Joy of Preparing for Christmas
Part of the excitement of Christmas is the preparation. Here are some of my favorite activities:
- Finding Special Treats: I love searching for treats that my grandkids will enjoy.
- Baking Cookies: Making our family’s favorite cookies is a cherished tradition.
- Advent Calendar: Counting down the days until Christmas adds to the anticipation.
Understanding the Commercialism of Christmas
While I love Christmas, I understand why some people criticize its commercialism. Many who are not Christians or who do not celebrate Christmas may feel left out or even annoyed by its widespread presence in the U.S. I enjoy buying a few Christmas decorations, but I also love making my own. My eclectic collection of decorations reflects my unique style!
The Origins of Christmas
Christmas hasn’t always existed. In the early days of Christianity, there was no holiday to celebrate Jesus’s birth. In fact, the Bible does not specify the date, month, or season of Jesus’s birth. When Christians in the 4th century decided to celebrate Jesus’s birth, they chose December 25. Pope Julius I picked this date to coincide with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a time of fun and celebration near the Winter Solstice.
Historical Opposition to Christmas
Some Christians do not celebrate Christmas due to its uncertain historical origins. The Puritans who settled in New England opposed the holiday. In fact, celebrating Christmas in Boston was illegal from 1659 to 1681. After the American Revolution, many English customs, including Christmas, lost popularity. Interestingly, on December 25, 1789, the first U.S. Congress was in session, and Christmas was not declared a federal holiday until 1870.
Christmas Celebrations Around the World
In the Republic of Congo, December 25 is celebrated as Children’s Day. In Angola and Mozambique, it is known as Family Day. These three African nations share a history of Marxist government, which led to the change in Christmas celebrations. Regardless of the name, people in these countries likely celebrate in similar ways:
- Gathering with Loved Ones: Families come together to enjoy each other’s company.
- Sharing Meals: Food plays a central role in the celebrations.
- Exchanging Gifts: Gift-giving is a common practice.
- Playing Games and Singing: Music and games add to the festive atmosphere.
Fun Facts About December 25
Here are some interesting events that also occur on December 25:
- Anniversary of the Eggnog Riot: A historical event that took place in 1826.
- Discovery of Christmas Island: A significant geographical discovery.
- Coronation Day: Celebrating royal events.
- No “L” Day: A quirky holiday.
- Birthday of Clara Barton: The founder of the American Red Cross.
- Christmas Pudding Day: A delicious treat enjoyed during the holiday.
- Quaid-e-Azam Day in Pakistan: Celebrating the founder of Pakistan.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time of joy, family, and tradition. While its origins may be complex, the spirit of the holiday remains strong. Whether you celebrate with a beautifully decorated tree, delicious treats, or simply by spending time with loved ones, Christmas brings people together.
Embrace the magic of Christmas and create your own cherished traditions!