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Christmas is a celebrated by all. It is the time for giving and receiving gifts and love from all your loved ones around you. Many people have different interpretations of how to celebrate. Some people see it as a way to gather the whole family together and celebrate. Others see it as a possibility to be thankful for their saviour to be born. Everyone around the world celebrates Christmas in different ways. This could include eating different foods, different traditions, and how they celebrate overall (parties, family gatherings, etc.) One thing for certain is how Christmas came to be; no matter who you are or where you come from, the origin of Christmas remains the same.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was believed to be born on December 25th, 1 C.E. Christmas is a shortened form of "Christ's mass". Jesus' parents, Mary and Joesph, had to give birth in the manger since no spots were left at the location they were hoping to birth at. When Jesus was born,The Star of Bethlehem revealed [where] Jesus [was] to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. When the Biblical Magi, known also as the wise men, followed the star to where Jesus was, they marveled at the little miracle. At that time, everyone there was gathered and gave the baby all the presents they had gotten for him. This later became the tradition everyone knows and loves; spending time with family and exchanging gifts as a way of appreciation; and some appreciating their Saviour being more.
Many different countries have different views on how Christmas should be celebrated. Some may say that the meaning of Christmas is to gather all of your family and spend it with them. Others may be at church celebrating a miracle being born. One of the most outgoing way is to have a parade in your neighboorhood. In Japan, people don't have family dinners at their home, but at KFC! It gets so packed there that you have to make reservations to be able to eat there. Although most countries celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Russia and Ukraine tned to celebrate it on the 7th of January. This date is because the Orthodox church uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious celebration days. In Iceland, the children put their shoes near the window so Santa Claus would give them little gifts. In the Philippines, people buy Christmas laterns, shaped like the star of Bethlehem, that people use to go and decorate their homes. On December 25th (Christmas day in the US), families tend to be gathered together, enjoying the good meals ther family presented. The next day, known as Boxing Day, is when the families exchange gifts with each other.
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Virgin Mary, Joesph, and the wise men gazing at Jesus Christ |