Merry Christmas : Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians 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. Christians celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7.
Christmas is celebrated by many Christians on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar. For Eastern Orthodox churches that continue to use the Julian calendar for liturgical observances, this date corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve in most European countries and on Christmas morning in North America.
Christians and non-Christians participate in some of the most popular Christmas traditions, many of which have no origins in Christianity. These customs include decorating evergreen trees—or, in India, mango or bamboo trees; feasting (picnics and fireworks are popular in warm climates); and exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season organized around it.
The word “Christmas” comes from the old English “Cristes maesse”, or the mass of Christ. It is likely that the Christmas date of December 25 was chosen to offset the Pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. It it 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.
The mistletoe is a commonly used Christmas decoration. By tradition, people who meet under a hanging mistletoe are obliged to kiss. Mistletoe has pagan associations. For example, the druids of Gaul regarded mistletoe growing on oak trees as sent from heaven.
Other common decorations associated with Christmas are holly and ivy – both are associated with Pagan festivals as it was customary to decorate with greenery for these festivals.
Images of Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, snowmen, reindeer, and candy canes are seen in cards, posters, signs and other printed or marketing material associated with the Christmas celebrations. Images of baby Jesus, the Christmas star, and other symbols associated with the religious meaning of Christmas are also seen during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas Wishes and Quotes
“May the Christmas Season bring only happiness and joy to you and your family.”
“The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness. May all these be yours at Christmas.”
“Wishing you a season full of light and laughter for you and your family.”
“Best wishes for a joyous Christmas filled with love, happiness and prosperity!”
“May all that is beautiful, meaningful and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year!”
“Merry Christmas! Wishing you all the happiness your holiday can hold!”
“May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter.”
“I hope the magic of Christmas fills every corner of your heart and home with joy — now and always.”
“Our family wishes you love, joy and peace … today, tomorrow and always.”
“May your family have a holiday season that is full of wonderful surprises, treats and nonstop laughter.”
“Merry Christmas! Wishing you all the best this holiday season!”
“Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!”
“We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday season.”
“I hope your holiday season is full of peace, joy and happiness.”
“Merry Christmas with lots of love.”
“I hope your Christmas is filled with joy this year!”
“Happy Holidays! I hope all of your Christmas wishes come true.”
“May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy He brings to our lives.”
“Merry Christmas! May God bless you richly throughout the year.”
“Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!”
“May God fill your Yuletide season and all your days with immeasurable prosperity and joy! Merry Christmas!”
“Sending prayers and hearty Christmas greetings to you. May you receive the most special of God’s blessings during this amazing Christmas season!”
“May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and always!”
“Merry Christmas! I hope you receive one blessing after another this coming year.”
“May the Lord grant you and all your loved ones peace, joy and goodwill.”
“Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright with the light of God’s love.”
“May God’s blessings be yours this Christmas.”
“May the wonder of that first Christmas, the joy of God’s abundant blessings and the peace of Jesus’ presence be with you always.”
“May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.”
“Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas.”
“May God bless and keep you during the holiday season and all through the year.”
“May God bless your life with love and joy this holiday season.”
“Merry Christmas! May God’s love be with you.”
“May the spirit of Christmas be with you all year round.”