Christmas

Christmas is one of the most popular and fondly celebrated occasions all over the world. It is not restricted to only the Christian community any more and it is often seen that other communities also bake the Christmas cakes and visit churches and cathedrals to offer prayers and celebrate the birth of lord Jesus with equal fervor.

Christmas is a day for the commemoration of Jesus. 25th December is the date when Lord Jesus Christ stepped on this Earth. Christians all over the world rejoice this day every year by decorating their surroundings, eating sweets, throwing parties, singing carols, organizing get-togethers and a lot more. Christmas celebrations entice everyone, be it a child or adult. Everyone has a reason to smile on this day. Kids wait for this day exultingly as they get many gifts. Also, adults wait for this time eagerly as they get to attend many parties. People send Christmas wishes to all their acquaintances on this special day. All around the world Christmas is celebrated with great festive zeal. The enthusiasm, fervor, passion and joy in people for this day are truly appreciable. Not only people of Christian origin, but people belonging to other communities also participate in the festivities. People mesmerize in the charm of Christmas and forget all their tensions and worries atleast for sometime.

Love, life laughter – this is what is seen all around during Christmas holidays. Beautifully decorated streets brimming up with life and fragrance of sweets in every corner create a fantastic aura of festivity. When there is echoing reverberation of Christmas music in the streets, churches and homes, one can make out that the merry making time is back again. Everyone has his own choice of music. Some people like classic Christmas music while some prefer to listen to modern Christmas songs. Christmas songs are also there for different age groups and for different moods. There are funny Christmas songs to tickle one’s senses. Then there are child Christmas songs especially composed for kids. The Christmas song lyrics are chosen with care to suit the theme of the songs.

With the onset of winter, people start making preparations for this gala event. Any person who listens to these Christmas carols and Christmas poems on the Christmas Eve cannot help but to hum. Besides the carols, another thing that is an important part of this festival of lights is Christmas Gifts. People exchange gifts on this special day. Apart from the lovely Christmas music, Christmas movies also have a special significance. People watch these movies with great interest. Also, kids get acquainted with the things associated with Christmas through these movies.

Christmas celebrations and customs that are observed in different regions depend upon the culture and traditions followed in those regions. At some places, wearing of lovely Christmas costumes can be very prevalent and still at some other places, Christmas songs can be of great significance. From place to place, cultural differences can deviate the ways of Christmas celebrations, but the spirit and passion in the hearts of people are same everywhere. No matter how much be the variations in the ways of merriment, the reason to smile remains same – and that is the commemoration of Lord Jesus. Christmas tradition and culture can vary but the feeling remains constant.

The very thought of winter brings to mind the festival of Christmas and that reminds everyone of the radiant red and white dressed Santa, Christmas tree, gifts, songs and most importantly- the decorations. The whole world glistens with colorful lights on the Eve of Christmas. Besides Christmas lights and Christmas flowers, other embellishments can also be seen in bulk in the households and shops.

The much-awaited Christmas parties are the hot favorite of each and every person. Christmas games are the life of any party organized on this day. Without the games, any Christmas party would be dull and boring. With the help of these games, all the guests in the Christmas party can be kept involved and that makes the environment enjoyable. Every person keeps aside a special type of Christmas dress that they wear to the party on the eve of Christmas. Christmas dance also provides a good enjoyment in the party.

Much before the grand day arrives, parents start thinking about the Christmas gifts for children. Children have an affinity towards gifts. They love to receive gifts on Christmas. A good amount of thinking should be done before selecting kids Christmas gifts. Their likes and dislikes should be taken into account before finalizing any gift for them. You can find many Christmas gift ideas for kids from the Internet. Internet is a vast source of information. For any kid, Christmas is a great occasion as it brings with it joy, fun, excitement and pleasure.

Some people plan their wedding on Christmas as it the most auspicious day for Christians all across the world. Many a time you also must have received a Christmas wedding invitation of some of your known people. Christmas wedding gifts should be selected with immense care, as they will leave an impression of you on the receiver. The gifts will be remembered for years to come. Yummy Christmas wedding cakes taste even sweeter than the normal wedding cakes as they are mixed with lots of Christmas wishes.

If you are thinking of a way to send Christmas wishes to your near and dear ones, then Christmas cards can be the first option. The market is flooded with many types of Christmas cards during the festive season. These cards not only speak your heart but also bring a smile to the face of the receiver. Also you can search for free Christmas poems on net and can jot them down on the cards. Christmas poems for kids differ from those for adults. The language of poems for kids is simpler. For writing poems on the cards for children, you should choose easy to understand poems so that kids can know their meaning. All types of poems are there for Christmas. Christmas love poems, short Christmas poems and also long poems – poems are there of all types.

Another thing associated with Christmas are the kids Christmas stockings. Small children hang their stocking near the fireplace mantle on the Christmas Eve in the expectation that they will receive gifts in them by their favorite cuddly Santa.

That time of the year is once more knocking at the doors. It is again that time when colorful lights will brighten the streets, fragrance of sweets will spread in the air and carols will be heard everywhere. Yes! It is Christmas season again…

History & origin of Christmas : In the ancient times, the last day of winter was celebrated as the birthday of Sun God especially in the northern hemisphere. The first day of winter was celebrated between 20 th and 22 nd December. Although this period was marked with celebrations, festivity and feasting it was not celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ until about 136 AD. Since no available records were found that mentioned the birth of Christ, it was celebrated on different dates across the world. In 320 AD, Pope Julius I particularly mentioned this date as the birth date of Jesus Christ and hence the occasion came to be celebrated on this day.

Christmas traditions : No celebration of Christmas is complete without entirely observing the Christmas traditions. Every country and community with the country observes distinct Christmas traditions and this adds hues to the occasion, making it all the more special.

To know more about the Christmas traditions as followed in the different parts of the country, browse through the pages of Christmasonnet.com

1. Christmas Traditions in Belgium

Christmas traditions in Belgium are distinctly observed than in most parts of the world. The Waloon speaking communities believe that St. Nicholas visits them on the 4 th December to find out about the children and how they behaved in the past year, only to return on 6 th December, which is his birthday, to give presents to the good children and twigs to the not so good ones. Among the French communities here, it is believed that Pere Noel brought chocolates and cakes for the good children and the sticks for the bad ones. Carol singing by the three kings and scenes depicting nativity are also popular in Belgium .

2. Christmas Traditions in Brazil

There are several Christmas traditions in Brazil that are celebrated across the various cities and communities. The large number of Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese migrants to Brazil have brought along with them their culture and traditions, which have with time intermingled with the local Brazilian customs and developed a new face. Decorating the nativity scene, showcasing folk plays depicting the shepherds, visits by Papai Noel and a huge Christmas dinner, all these form the various facets of the Christmas traditions in Brazil . Major cities like Brasilia , Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro also display magnificent light and fireworks on Christmas.

3. Christmas Traditions in France

Every French home is decorated like a bride on the occasion of Christmas. It is festive time for them starting from Christmas Day and ending after the New Years Day. Popularly called as Noel, there are several Christmas traditions in France that are associated with the day. Nativity scene or the crèche is a very popular feature everywhere in the country. Other than the holy family, clay figurines depicting local dignitaries are also placed in the crèche! Burning of a log and using a part of it in the plough was looked upon as a good sign for harvest. ‘Le Revellion' or the late grand Supper is as popular in France as are the customs of visiting the church for mass.

4. Christmas Traditions in Germany

In Germany preparations for Christmas begin days in advance and the entire household is seen contributing to the same. Christmas carols are sung in every home and Christmas cookies baked as well. People start visiting the Christmas markets to buy gifts and presents for the loved ones. Yes! Gift giving is a significant aspect of Christmas traditions in Germany . While in certain parts it is believed that St. Nicholas brings gifts and presents to the good children, in other parts the traditions of Christ Kind getting presents and goodies for the good children follows. The Christmas tree is set in most homes and young boys posing as the Three Kings visit the manger to see Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.

5. Christmas Traditions in New Zealand

Owing to its geographical diversities, New Zealand celebrates Christmas in summer. Therefore while in the other parts of the world it is fur coats and turkey dinners, in New Zealand it is more of organizing a picnic to the nearby beach! Christmas traditions in New Zealand are a result of the European and American influences more than anything and this fact is clearly evident through the celebrations and festivity. People buy gifts and presents for one another for Christmas and visiting the church also is significant. Special prayer services are held in the numerous homes here to mark the birth of baby Jesus. Roast turkey, vegetables and sauces, fruity Christmas pudding and mince pies form the quintessential elements of the Christmas dinner in New Zealand .

6. Christmas Traditions in Portugal

Portuguese Christmas traditions are more centered on the gift giving and feasting aspects and includes the occasions of Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of the Holy Innocents. In every household, a variety of Christmas delicacies are prepared for the feast and apart from the members of the family, it is also believed that even the dead ancestors also come to relish on them. It is for them that extra plates are served believing that they would come and bless the household for better luck, next year. Christmas traditions in Portugal also include the visits of the 3 wise men who come to visit the children and present them candies and sweet breads!

7. Christmas Traditions in Russia

Christmas traditions in Russia involve the religious characteristic of the day and are marked with fasts and prayers that are customarily observed in every Russian home. A 39-day fast is observed that ends on the Christmas Eve on 6 th January and then begins the feast of the Supper of 12 courses. Other Russian Christmas traditions include the signing of hymns and carols, decorating of the Yelka (Christmas) tree, and most importantly visiting the churches and cathedrals. Other than a grand Christmas dinner comprising of a variety of meat and sweet dishes, gift giving by Babushka or grandmother is also widely popular in Russia .

8. Christmas Traditions in United States

The various states in the United States follow distinct Christmas traditions. While in Alaska children happily move around carrying lanterns on poles and a large star, In New Orleans a decorated ox is paraded on the streets. In Boston Carol signing is of utmost significance and in Hawaii the Santa Claus arrives on the land by sailing in a boat! Wherever you may be in America , the variety of Christmas traditions in United States will never cease to amaze you. However the one common trait found in most parts of the country is the attending of the midnight mass on the Christmas Eve and also the grand Christmas dinner that consists of Roast turkey and pastries and the plum pudding.

9. Christmas Traditions in Sweden

The celebrations of Christmas in Sweden begin days in advance, on the 13 th of December, which is celebrated as the day of Saint Lucia . Traditionally this day was also observed as the thanks-giving day for the return of the Sun. Christmas traditions in Sweden are many and the decorating of the Christmas tree in every household is the most popular of them all. Apples, candles, gnomes and various other goodies are used to decorate the Christmas tree and on the Christmas Eve, the mother lights up candles in the homes. Christmas dinner is another characteristic associated with the event. Fish, besides a wide variety of meat and other sweet delicacies are served for the Christmas dinner.

10. Christmas Traditions in Argentina

Feliz Navidad is how Argentines wish each other on Christmas. It is more of a family matter here and Christmas traditions in Argentina therefore revolves much around the family gatherings and religious features than anything else. It is mandatory for every member of the household to visit the church along with the family to attend the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. After the mass families get together for the extended family feast comprising of a wide selection of delicacies ranging from roast turkey and pork to mince pies and Christmas pudding. The toast at midnight is equally significant and then follows the ceremony of opening the gifts and presents. Christmas tree is decorated in every home and white and red flower garlands are used to decorate the house.

11. Christmas Traditions in India

Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ in India and calls for great celebrations. Every Christian household starts preparing for the festival days in advance. In several non-Christian households also candles are lit and cakes baked to mark the festivity. The crèche or scene of Nativity is decorated in most areas of the country. The Christmas tree is decorated with small gifts, tinsel stars, balls and candies. In certain parts a banana or mango tree is decorated instead of the traditional Christmas tree. In several areas clay lamps are lit and in others colorful candles are lit to mark the occasion. Visiting the church to attend the midnight mass on Christmas Eve as well as the evining service on Christmas Day is almost mandatory. Christmas Traditions in India also includes Carol singing that begins days in advance, feasting and gift giving to the children as well as the needy.

12. Christmas Traditions in Italy

Christmas traditions in Italy centers around the artistic depictions of the elaborate mangers and cribs! A great selection of figures and figurines depicting the ambience of Bethlehem is the highlight of the festival in Italy . Christmas in Italy is called as Novena and the preparations begin 8 days in advance and goes on till the 6 th of January when gifts and goodies are distributed to the young children. There are several Christmas traditions in Italy that are followed with great elaboration. Burning of the traditional log, celebration meals and visiting the Vatican Square to be blessed by the Pope are the most significant Italian Christmas traditions. The Christmas Eve dinner and the Christmas lunch are both key elements of the festivity as well.

13. Christmas Traditions in Japan

Christmas is celebrated by only a handful of the Japanese population as majority of the people here follow Buddhism. However, this does not dampen the Christmas spirits here and everywhere one can see the celebrations taking place in the highest magnitude, though not in the religious sense. Some of the significant Christmas traditions in Japan are decorating the homes and the Christmas tree, performing of the nativity scene, Christmas feasts and also the practice of gift giving. However on the Christmas Day, most Japanese visit the hospitals, meet the sick and the needy and also distribute food, clothes and other articles among them. Organizing of Christmas parties and grand Christmas meals and the Christmas cake are also popular elements of the festival.

14. Christmas Traditions in Greece

Christmas traditions in Japan largely concentrate around the 40 days of fasting and the traditional feast after that. Christmas is celebrated for 12 days here and on Christmas Eve, young boys sing carols and go from door to door beating drums. They are generally greeted with dried figs and almonds etc and in certain households they receive presents as well. The traditions of ‘Kallikantzeri' when the goblins disappear from earth and the tradition of keeping the ‘Killantzaroi' away from the house is also widely popular. The Christmas feast is the most popular and fondly observed part of the festival and a number of delicacies including the ‘Christ Bread' and Greek nut cookies are prepared to mark the occasion.

15. Christmas Traditions in Norway

Snowfall, chilled nights, partying in the cozy interiors and lots of decorations mark the Christmas in Norway . Out of the many rituals the primary Christmas traditions in Norway are the decorating of the Christmas tree, singing of the Norwegian Christmas carols and even visiting the church for the midnight mass. Gift giving is an important aspect of the festival here and there are two beliefs that govern this realm. In one, it is believed that ‘Fjøsnisse' is the secret helper of the farmers and on Christmas Eve if the family offered him a bowl of porridge, he would help them throughout the year. According to the other belief, Santa Claus visited the homes to distribute gifts to the good children. The traditional Christmas dinner is also very popular and involves an elaborate spread of local delicacies.

16. Christmas Traditions in Spain

Christmas traditions in Spain have been observed for centuries and the legacy has been passed on for generations. It is a highly religious affair here and the celebrations begin from the 8 th of December with the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Decoration of the Christmas tree and attending the midnight mass as well as relishing on the Christmas dinner is as important here as in the rest of the world. However what marks the distinctive features of the Spanish Christmas traditions is the performing of the special Christmas dance called Jota and the honoring of the cow. The cow is believed to have kept baby Jesus warm in the stable. Spanish homes also immaculately design the manger with numerous figurines and the entire family gets around it to sing carols for days in advance. To celebrate ‘Navidad' that is Christmas people go to the church and exchange presents and also enjoy family meals.

17. Christmas Traditions in Switzerland

The Swiss population believes in ‘Christkindli' who brings gifts and presents to the young children. More than Santa Claus, the belief in Christkindli is more widespread and popular. Among other Christmas traditions in Switzerland , decorating of the Christmas tree, visiting the church service for the midnight mass and getting together for the traditional meal are of prime importance. Most homes also have an area decorated as the crèche and after the Christmas dinner the family gets around here to read out passages from the bible and also sing Christmas carols and hymns. All through December, until Christmas Eve, a new candle is lit every Sunday marking the waiting period in Switzerland .

18. Christmas Traditions in United Kingdom

Christmas traditions in United Kingdom have inspired several rituals and customs as followed in several other parts of the world. These traditions have been followed here for several centuries and every family still follow them with great reverence. Traditions like kissing under the mistletoe and singing of Christmas carols as well as exchanging presents are highly popular here. Children hang socks or stockings on the fireplace or the foot of their bed for the Santa Claus to come and stock their presents there. Serving of the Christmas pudding, Christmas cake and the grand Christmas dinner is an important part of the festival in the UK . Another popular British Christmas tradition is visiting the church, bursting of crackers and also listening to the Queens message broadcast on Radio and television.

19. Christmas Traditions in Mexico

Mexicans celebrate Christmas in a distinct way and the celebrations mark the procession taking Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem . ‘La Posada' or the Christmas Eve begins on December 16 th and every night a procession is carried out from house to house. Children do receive gifts in Mexico though not necessarily from Santa Claus. A traditional ‘Pinata' is hung from the ceiling in every home and the young children are made to break it only to gather the candies and other goodies stocked in it. ‘Misa de Gallo' or the midnight mass is of great reverence and the families get together for the splendid dinner after the mass. Tamales, rice and Atole are the most popular Christmas delicacies served in the Mexican homes. These varied Christmas traditions in Mexico make it a big family affair.

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