Christmas is both a religious holiday as well as a secular and federal holiday celebrated every December 25. Secular traditions include decorated Christmas trees, colorful light displays, Santa Claus (aka St. Nicolas or St. Nick), gift exchanges, family gatherings, sumptuous feasts and cookies, Christmas movies, Winter Markets, and other modern revelry. These traditions have evolved over time and include both religious and non-religious origins.
What is the meaning of Christmas?
For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ depicted by the Nativity. It is the second most important religious holiday in the Christian calendar after Easter. The date December 25 is arbitrary because Jesus’ date of birth is unknown. In fact, Orthodox and Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas in January.
The holy day is typically marked by nativity scenes, church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and scripture readings. From there, traditions vary widely by Christians around the globe. In the Bible, Jesus’ birth is foretold in Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 1:26-38. The nativity of Jesus is recorded in Luke 2:1-21. The story of the Magi (“wise men”), who brought gifts to the Christ Child is in Matthew 2:1-13, is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on January 6, known as the Epiphany.
The term Christmas is an English word meaning “Christ’s Mass”. In other languages and traditions, Christmas is known as Navidad (Spanish), Natale (Italian), and Noël (French), referring to the nativity. And Weihnachten (German), meaning “hallowed night”. Or Yule, referring to the winter solstice.
Christmas is a time for Christians to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth. The holiday season emphasizes love, peace, and goodwill toward all. You’ll find many secular Christmas events on our calendar, along with public religious activities such as nativity re-enactments and Christmas church services attended by people of all faiths.
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- U-cut, pre-cut fresh Christmas trees around the Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Where to get pictures with Santa Claus (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Restaurants open for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Nativity scene in stained glass window image via Depositphotos_12033239
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