Christmas — December 25
Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. It is also a major cultural and secular holiday across most of the world, with traditions ranging from family dinners and tree decorating to elaborate light displays and gift-giving.
A short history
December 25 was first established as the date of Christ's birth by the Roman church in the 4th century — the exact date isn't known from biblical sources. The holiday absorbed elements from earlier winter festivals (Roman Saturnalia, Germanic Yule), which is why many modern traditions are not strictly religious in origin.
Most common traditions
- Christmas tree: A decorated evergreen, dating to 16th-century Germany.
- Gift-giving: Linked to the Three Wise Men, but commercialised heavily from the 19th century onwards.
- Santa Claus / Father Christmas: Modern figure blending Saint Nicholas, Dutch Sinterklaas and Victorian English Father Christmas.
- Christmas dinner: Turkey is traditional in the US and UK. Italy serves the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Germany favours goose. Japan, oddly, has KFC.
- Carols and Christmas music: A genre of its own — from medieval hymns to modern pop.
- Advent calendars: Counting down the 24 days of December — chocolate, beauty, beer or hand-crafted versions.
Practical Christmas planning
- Buy gifts gradually from October. Two-day shipping queues clog Amazon and Etsy from December 10 onwards.
- Set a budget per person. Family-wide Secret Santa often beats individual gifts financially and reduces clutter.
- Cook ahead. Many dishes — gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mince pies — freeze well and can be made a week early.
- Don't forget the deliverers. Mail carriers, garbage collectors and apartment doormen traditionally receive a small tip or card in December.
Fact
The image of Santa Claus in red and white was popularised globally by Coca-Cola's 1931 ad campaign. Before that, Santa appeared in everything from blue to green to brown robes.
Christmas FAQ
When is Christmas?
December 25 every year for Catholic, Protestant and most Orthodox traditions that follow the Gregorian calendar. Russian and some other Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate on January 7.
Is Christmas a public holiday?
Yes, in 160+ countries. In the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada and most of Latin America, both December 25 and 26 (Boxing Day) are holidays.
Where did the Christmas tree come from?
Decorated evergreens originated in 16th-century Germany. Queen Victoria's husband Albert popularised the tradition in Britain, and from there it spread to the US.
Why is Santa Claus in red and white?
It became standard thanks to Coca-Cola's 1931 holiday ads featuring artist Haddon Sundblom's Santa. Before that, Santa was depicted in many colors.
Why do people kiss under the mistletoe?
The tradition traces back to Norse mythology and was popularised in Victorian England. The plant was considered a symbol of love and fertility.
