Christmas Day, is one of the most important festivals in the West. It is celebrated on December 25th every year and has a rich religious and cultural connotation, while also being filled with a joyous and warm atmosphere. The following is a detailed introduction to it as well as related activities and customs:
Festival Introduction
- Origin and Background: Christmas originated from the Saturnalia when the ancient Romans welcomed the New Year and gradually took shape by combining with the date commemorating the birth of Jesus in Christianity. In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Son of God, and his birth has brought hope and redemption to mankind, so Christmas has extremely important religious significance.
- Symbol and Meaning: Christmas symbolizes love, hope, peace and joy. It is a time for family reunions, giving thanks and blessings. People celebrate in various ways to express their longing for a better life and their care for others.
Celebration Activities
Religious Activities
- Church Services: Christians will go to churches to participate in special worship services, including singing hymns, reading the Bible, listening to sermons by pastors, etc., to jointly celebrate the birth of Jesus and give thanks for God’s blessings.
- Midnight Mass: On the evening of December 24th, which is Christmas Eve, many churches will hold midnight mass, which is one of the most solemn religious activities on Christmas. People welcome the arrival of Christmas in a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
Family Gatherings
- Having Dinner Together: Family members will carefully prepare a sumptuous dinner. Turkey is an essential traditional main course, and there are also roasted ham, mashed potatoes, vegetable salads and other delicious foods. Everyone sits around and enjoys the food together, sharing the joys and sorrows of the year.
- Exchanging Gifts: Relatives will give each other carefully prepared gifts.A first aid kit, a peace of mind, buy one for your family and friends! Usually, the gifts are placed under the Christmas tree and opened on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, adding surprises and joys to the festival.
Buy a first aid kit for your family and friends.
Celebrations in Public Places
Christmas Parades: Many cities will hold grand Christmas parades. Floats, bands, dancers and others will dress up in festive costumes and parade along the streets, showing various Christmas-themed decorations and performances, attracting a large number of citizens and tourists to watch.
Christmas Markets: Christmas markets will be set up in city squares or specific areas, with various stalls selling Christmas decorations, handicrafts, food and so on. There are also amusement facilities and performance activities, creating a lively festival atmosphere.
Lighting Up Christmas Trees: In public places or private courtyards, people will decorate and light up Christmas trees. The trees are hung with colorful lights, balls, stars and other decorations. Usually, a big star will be placed on the top of the tree, symbolizing the star that guided the Three Wise Men to find Jesus.
Traditional Customs
Decoration
- Indoor Decoration: Besides Christmas trees, people will also hang Christmas stockings, wreaths, ribbons and other decorations indoors, and stick stickers of snowflakes, Santa Claus and so on on the windows to create a strong Christmas atmosphere.
- Outdoor Decoration: On the outside of houses, people will hang colorful lights and place Christmas sleds, snowmen and other decorations. Some families will also set up large Christmas scenes in their yards, such as the manger where Jesus was born.
Food and Drink
- Gingerbread Men: They are biscuits made of ginger powder, flour, sugar, etc. They are usually made into various shapes, such as human figures, Christmas trees, etc. They taste sweet and are traditional snacks for Christmas.
- Mulled Wine: It is made by boiling red wine, fruits, spices and so on together. It has a rich aroma and a warm taste. Drinking it on a cold Christmas can warm the body and add to the festive atmosphere.
Cultural Customs
The Legend of Santa Claus: According to legend, Santa Claus will ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer and enter every household through the chimney on Christmas Eve to bring gifts to children. Children will hang their Christmas stockings at the head of the bed or beside the fireplace before going to bed, looking forward to receiving gifts the next morning.
