Christmas

The most wonderful time
of the year!

Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. In many of the world's nations Christmas is a civil holiday, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians. To read more about the birth of Jesus click here.

Many of the popular celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, several figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. On the NORAD website, they show a Santa Tracker for kids to see where Santa is. To the left are highlights from last year. To see more of the NORAD website click here.

Back to top

Click here to go to the homepage.