Christmas Day is a holiday in many, but not all countries. Many homes have Christmas trees and other decorations in the weeks lading to Christmas Day. Somd workplaces hold Christmas parties prior to December 25th. Festive activities include exchanging presents, singing Christmas songs, going to parties.
It is a special time when children get presents from family, friends and Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day. For some, Christmas is an exclusive family affair, while others invite friends to a Christmas buffet or pot luck meal. Churches have special services and many include a miniature nativity scene.
What is Open or Closed?
Christmas Day a a public holiday in many countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Government offices, educational institutions, many businesses and post offices are closed on this day. If you plan to travel with public transport, check with the local transport authority on schedule changes.
About Christmas Day
Christmas celebrates and birth of Jesus Christ, who Christmas believe is the son of God. His birth date is unknown because there is little information about his early life. There is disagreement among scholars on when Jesus was born. Christmas celebrate Jesus; birthday on December 25th. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7th.
The word “Christmas” comes from the old English “Cristes maesse”, or the mass of Christ. It is likely that the Christmas date of December 25th was chosen to offset the Pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. It is also possible that the celebration of the birth of the “true light of the world” was set at the time of the December solstice because this is when the days in the northern hemisphere begin to grow longer. Christmas holiday customs derive from various cultures, including Teutonic, Celtic, Roman, West Asian and Christian.