Introduction- What Is Christmas?
Christmas is a festival that is celebrated on December 25th every year. It is celebrated as it marks the birth of “Jesus Christ”, who is believed to be the son of God by Christians. Christmas is a time for celebration and joyful moments. People decorate their houses with huge Christmas trees and lights. People also exchange gifts and cook huge feasts to enjoy this celebration.
The Story of the First Christmas
Long ago, in a small town called Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph (parents of Jesus Christ) were travelling but could not find a place to stay. They spent the night in a stable where Jesus was born. Angels, shepherds and the “Three Wise Men” visited Jesus and brought gifts along. This act is considered the beginning of gift giving and marks the story of the first Christmas.
Why Do People Celebrate Christmas?
People celebrate Christmas for various reasons such as:
- Religious reasons: Christians around the world celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ, who they consider as the son of God.
- Non- religious reasons: People view Christmas as a time for joyful memories and gift giving. Before Christmas people used to celebrate the Winter Solstice festival. Gifts were given to people and huge feasts were prepared.
How Christmas Is Celebrated Around the World
Different cultures around the world celebrate Christmas in a different way. Various cultures have unique ways of celebrating. Here are some countries around the world and how they celebrate:
- USA: People in the U.S. buy huge Christmas trees and decorate them beautifully before Christmas begins. They bake sweet treats like cookies and build gingerbread houses. They exchange gifts and sing Christmas Carols. A huge feast is prepared and people spend their time with their families and friends.
- Mexico: In Mexico before the days of Christmas, the reenactment of Mary and Joseph finding shelter is performed from December 16-24. Families and children rush to watch the reenactment and Christmas songs are performed as well. Huge decorated trees are also found in Mexico.
- Philippines: Christmas masses called “Simbang Gabi” take place from December 16-24 in the Philippines. Food like roasted pig and spring rolls are eaten on Christmas and Christmas is called “Pasko” in Filipino. A giant lantern festival also takes place during the Christmas celebration.
- Ethiopia: Christmas is celebrated on January 7th by people in Ethiopia. People wear all white and people are expected to participate in a 43 day fast called “Tsome Nebiyat” or “Fasts of Prophets”. The fast is broken with a feast and has foods like Doro Wat, traditional Jeba and other traditional foods.
Christmas Activities for Kids
There are a lot of activities that kids can do, to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones:
- Bake cookies and sweet treats with your parents.
- Read holiday stories with your siblings.
- Decorate the Christmas tree with your parents.
- Help prepare the family feast for Christmas.
- Watch family friendly Christmas themed movies.
- Hang stockings with your family.
Why Do We Give Gifts at Christmas?
People have many different reasons for gift giving on Christmas but the tradition for gift giving is ancient. Here are few reasons why people give gifts:
- The religious reason behind it is traced back to a biblical story. The story of “Three Wise Men” who brought gifts to honour the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Before the celebration of Christmas, the Winter Solstice festival was widely celebrated. People would exchange gifts and hope for a bright year ahead. Eventually gift giving spread to Christmas as well.
- People give gifts on Christmas as it brings joy to people, especially children and needy people. Always remember to give gifts and receive them with happiness and gratitude!
Conclusion- What Christmas Teaches Us
Christmas teaches us about being kind and sharing with our community. It teaches us about loving one another and spending time bonding with our families. We should be thankful for getting the opportunity to receive and share gifts with others, and for having a caring family that makes us happy on such a celebration.
Christmas Fun Facts for Kids
- Did you know Eggnog is a pirate drink?
- Astronauts play jingle bells in space!
- Did you know that Americans spend more than $1,000 on Christmas gifts?
- The tallest Christmas tree ever recorded is 200 feet tall.
- You probably didn’t know that candy canes were only made 300 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas
What are some Christmas movies?
Rise of the Guardian (2012)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The Grinch (2018)
Klaus (2019)
Who are Christmas Elves?
Christmas elves also referred to as “elves” are dwarf-like creatures that live in the North Pole with Santa Claus. They help Santa create and distribute gifts for children.
Who was born on the first Christmas?
On December 25th, Jesus Christ was born. Hence, the tradition of celebrating Christmas began.
Why do we put up a Christmas tree?
Putting up a Christmas tree is an old tradition and according to religious reasons it is considered a symbol of Christ.
