December is here and with it comes the festivities of Christmas, which is just around the corner. Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world on December 25. As a family, you share love and follow customs during this time. Discover the dates, fun facts, customs, and historical stories that will make Christmas 2023 a one-of-a-kind and happy event.
Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and it is a day to remember Christ and his teachings. While Christmas is a major Christian festival, it is celebrated by people of different faiths across the world. On this day, people get together with their families and loved ones and exchange gifts with them, eat meals together, and create happy memories.
Christmas history and interesting facts
Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. His parents, Mary and Joseph, had trouble finding a place to stay in Bethlehem a long time ago. And so, Jesus was born in a simple barn and the shepherds heard the news from angels. To honor the arrival of Jesus Christ, wise men gave him gifts.
But, did you know that Christmas didn't always happen on December 25? People picked this date a long time ago because of a Roman holiday called the winter solstice. In the 1600s, people in Germany were the first to decorate their Christmas trees with pretty trinkets. Now, people all over the world do the same.
In many countries, kids eagerly wait for Santa Claus to arrive on Christmas Eve. The idea of Santa Claus is inspired from Saint Nicholas, a good man who lived a long time ago. He became well-known for being kind, especially to kids. An old story says that Santa helped three poor sisters by putting gold in their stockings. This is where the practice of hanging stockings for Santa to fill with gifts came from.
Christmas is a time for families to get together and enjoy special meals and keep presents by the fireplace. Giving and getting gifts is a way to show love and care to people who matter to us. Apart from this, people also visit the church and participate in midnight mass.
Unique Christmas traditions followed across the world
1. Japan - KFC Christmas Feast:
In Japan, people practice a unique Christmas tradition which involves in feasting on Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). This unique tradition started off as a marketing campaign in the 1970s which was a huge success, and since then has been practiced by many.
2. Ukraine - Spider Web Decorations:
In Ukraine, people adorned their Christmas trees with an unusual décor piece– spider webs! According to legend, once a poor widow couldn't decorate her tree as she had no money. But in the morning, she notices that spiders had covered her Christmas tree with webs which shined in the sunlight. And since then, Ukrainians believe that using spider web ornaments on Christmas tree brings good luck and prosperity. However, with the on-going war between Ukraine and Russia, unfortunately Christmas won't be celebrated with much enthusiasm by people there.
3. Greenland - Christmas Kayaking:
In Greenland, people celebrate Christmas and the holiday season in a unique way-- by wearing traditional clothes and taking to the icy waters which are beautifully decorated with kayaks.
4. Venezuela - Roller Skating to Mass:
In the Venezuela's capital, Caracas, residents go on roller skate early in the morning for Christmas Mass!
5. Australia - Beachside Christmas:
In Australia, Christmas occurs during their summer. And so, Australians celebrate it with beachside barbecues and picnics!
May the Christmas spirit bring you love, peace, and joy.
