Christmas

Table of Contents

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images, Videos & Interactives

What's the difference between Yule and Christmas?

The video thumbnail image includes a 17th century artwork showing men fighting at a gambling table, surrounded by a Christmas garland and overlaid on a photograph of a snowy forest.

U.S. National Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C.

The video thumbnail image shows a collage of Queen Elizabeth I holding up a gingerbread man, surrounded by ginger cake, a gingerbread pig, gingerbread house, and heart-shaped gingerbread cookies.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree: Why do we deck thy branches?

Donegall Square, Belfast, Northern Ireland

For Students

Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A

Pop Quiz: 19 Things to Know About Christianity

Christmas summary

Christmas

Q: What is Christmas?

Christmas was traditionally a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus , but in the early 20th century, it also became a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike. The secular holiday is often devoid of Christian elements, with the mythical figure Santa Claus playing the pivotal role.

Q: When is Christmas celebrated?

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.

Q: How is Christmas celebrated?

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.

Q: Does Christmas have pagan roots?

In ancient Rome, December 25 was a celebration of the Unconquered Sun, marking the return of longer days. It followed Saturnalia , a festival where people feasted and exchanged gifts. The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine , the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.

Q: Did Christmas start in Germany?

Christmas did not start in Germany, but many of the holiday’s traditions began there, including decorating trees . The celebration of Christmas started in Rome about 336, but it did not become a major Christian festival until the 9th century.

holiday

Also known as: Natale, Navidad, Noël

Written by Hans J. Hillerbrand

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 24, 2024 • Article History

Related Topics:: Jesus; church year; Yule; Feast of the Seven Fishes; Twelve Days of Christmas

See all related content

What is Christmas?

When is Christmas celebrated?

How is Christmas celebrated?

Does Christmas have pagan roots?

Did Christmas start in Germany?

News •

Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu • Dec. 24, 2024, 12:10 PM ET (AP)

Seafarers move global trade — and Christmas gifts. These ministries bring them holiday cheer • Dec. 24, 2024, 12:05 PM ET (AP)

Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights • Dec. 24, 2024, 11:56 AM ET (AP)

Middle East latest: Bethlehem marks a somber Christmas Eve amid war in Gaza • Dec. 24, 2024, 10:56 AM ET (AP)

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza • Dec. 24, 2024, 10:48 AM ET (AP)

Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of ...(100 of 1808 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.