The Popular Traditions of Christmas
by HiGreetings.com
It’s winters and Santa Claus is coming to town!
Winter all across the world is associated with Christmas, the festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25 is a widely observed holiday by millions of people belonging to various cultures around the world. To the Christian liturgical year, this day marks the closing of the Advent season as well as the beginning of the twelve days of Christmastide that ends after the twelfth night. Though Christmas is essentially a celebration of the Christians, different cultures and communities commemorate the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. In many parts of the world, it is a civil holiday and increasing numbers of non-Christians are celebrating December 25 as an integral part of the holiday season.
According to the Bible, there are two accounts describing the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and they are found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. Though these accounts differ from each other, they are basically two versions of the same story which says Jesus was born to Mary in a stable in the city of Bethlehem with the assistance of her husband Joseph.
Christians from around the world celebrate this day in various ways. One of the most popular ways is the attendance of church services; besides, there are other popular traditions followed. Many Christian denominations celebrate the day with children re-enacting the event or sing carols relevant to the event. Many follow the tradition of setting a stable with nativity scenes and livestock and also includes baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the manger along with the three wise men, the angels, the shepherds with their sheep, and the Star of Bethlehem. Some even place crèche or Nativity scene, using figurines in their homes to portray the event’s key characters. The 40-day Nativity Fast is practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church prior to Christmas Day. However, the Western Christianity usually commemorates four weeks of Advent. For most families, the major observation of the event starts on Christmas Eve, which marks the final preparations for celebrating the birth of Jesus.
One of the most popular symbols easily associated with the event is the Christmas tree. It is the pride of every family and placed with decorations and ornaments in the living room. It stays there right up to New Year and decorating a Christmas tree is nice way to renew the family bonding, bringing all together during this annual festival.
There are several popular traditions associated with Christmas. One of them is exchanging gifts and greeting cards Christmas Eve as well as on the day of Christmas. Innocent children wait eagerly to get their favorite gifts from Santa Claus. In many countries, it is a popular tradition to hang stockings with the belief that Santa will fill it up with goodies. Christmas is all about giving more than receiving for our loved ones. And if your loved ones are away from you this Christmas, wish them with Season's Greetings cards and ecards to show your love and caring.
Winter all across the world is associated with Christmas, the festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25 is a widely observed holiday by millions of people belonging to various cultures around the world. To the Christian liturgical year, this day marks the closing of the Advent season as well as the beginning of the twelve days of Christmastide that ends after the twelfth night. Though Christmas is essentially a celebration of the Christians, different cultures and communities commemorate the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. In many parts of the world, it is a civil holiday and increasing numbers of non-Christians are celebrating December 25 as an integral part of the holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
According to the Bible, there are two accounts describing the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and they are found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. Though these accounts differ from each other, they are basically two versions of the same story which says Jesus was born to Mary in a stable in the city of Bethlehem with the assistance of her husband Joseph.
Christians from around the world celebrate this day in various ways. One of the most popular ways is the attendance of church services; besides, there are other popular traditions followed. Many Christian denominations celebrate the day with children re-enacting the event or sing carols relevant to the event. Many follow the tradition of setting a stable with nativity scenes and livestock and also includes baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the manger along with the three wise men, the angels, the shepherds with their sheep, and the Star of Bethlehem. Some even place crèche or Nativity scene, using figurines in their homes to portray the event’s key characters. The 40-day Nativity Fast is practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church prior to Christmas Day. However, the Western Christianity usually commemorates four weeks of Advent. For most families, the major observation of the event starts on Christmas Eve, which marks the final preparations for celebrating the birth of Jesus.
One of the most popular symbols easily associated with the event is the Christmas tree. It is the pride of every family and placed with decorations and ornaments in the living room. It stays there right up to New Year and decorating a Christmas tree is nice way to renew the family bonding, bringing all together during this annual festival.
There are several popular traditions associated with Christmas. One of them is exchanging gifts and greeting cards Christmas Eve as well as on the day of Christmas. Innocent children wait eagerly to get their favorite gifts from Santa Claus. In many countries, it is a popular tradition to hang stockings with the belief that Santa will fill it up with goodies. Christmas is all about giving more than receiving for our loved ones. And if your loved ones are away from you this Christmas, wish them with Season's Greetings cards and ecards to show your love and caring.
