CHRISTMAS DAY – 25 DECEMBER
Christmas is not only a festival but a carnival. It is also famous with the name of FEAST OF THE NATIVITY. It is a traditional Christian festival which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It has become a secular holiday which is observed by both Christians and non-Christians. The secular holiday is often devoid of Christian elements, with the mythical figure Santa Claus playing the pivotal role. This day is always celebrated on 25th December which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve in most European countries and on Christmas morning in North America. It is a cultural and religious celebration among a lot of people all over the world. Christmas is celebrated in all Christian countries but there are differences in the way each nation celebrates this date.
HISTORY
The history of this carnival dates back to a long time. It was first celebrated in 336 A.D. in Rome. during the Middle Ages, epiphany overshadowed it. Christmas was brought back to limelight around 800 A.D. when the emperor Charlemagne received the crown on Christmas day. During the 17th century, the Puritans had Christmas banned because it was associated with drunkenness and different other misbehavior. Around the early 1900s, the Oxford movement of the Anglican Communion church started and this led to the revival of Christmas.
CELEBRATIONS
Christmas is celebrated with great hubbub in a prolific manner. the onset of the festivities is done with the offering of prayers to the Almighty. Families go to church and numerous songs and dances take place to nark the day. Later , gifts and well wishes are exchanged among friends and relatives. Homemade traditional plum cakes, cupcakes, and muffins are the special treats on Christmas. Kids are showered with lots of presents and new dresses. They also get to meet ‘Santa Claus’, dressed in a fluffy red and white costume, who greets them with hugs and gifts.
Happiness is the motto which was envisaged on this day. The common preparations include decorations of the place with Christmas trees, lighting. Before decorations begin, the house must be deep cleaned. The Christmas tree brings the Christmas spirit in homes. Presents are placed under the Christmas tree in wrapped gift boxes and are not to be opened until Christmas day. The church is also decorated for the special event. Thorough cleaning of the churches is also done to usher in Christmas. Songs and skits to be performed on Christmas day.
CONCLUSION
Christmas is a time to be with the people you love. It is a festival of sharing love among friends and families. It not only teaches cordial values but also preaches to believe in the thought of sharing with people. It dedicates positivity and marks new beginnings in life. Christmas is such a festival which people from all religions and faith celebrate worldwide despite it being a Christian festival. It is the essence of this festival which unites the people so much.
Written by : Ditipriya Das