The earliest word for Christmas was 'Yule,' derived from the German language, which means the feast of the winter solstice. Christmas means "The Mass of Christ" or "Feast day of the Christ." Christmas is celebrated in December all over the world. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. It is one of the biggest Christian festivals. The birthday of Jesus Christ is solemnized with great joy. The birthday of Jesus Christ, the holy God of the Christians, is celebrated as Christmas on 25th December every year.
This is a festival of merry-making. The festival falls in winter and a few days before the New Year. The celebration is conducted with great adulation and respect to honour the Lord. People across the world celebrate it with great fun and enthusiasm. The festival is secular to all; any community can celebrate it with family members and friends.
Usually, Christians celebrate Christmas by attending events in Church, passing the time with dear ones, putting up new dresses, and eating a festive meal. After the service, the church bells ring to announce that Christmas Day has arrived.
History Of Christmas Day
The first Christmas was celebrated in336 A.D. in Rome. This played an important role during the famed Arian controversy during the 300s. Soon after the controversy, during the early middle age, epiphany overshadowed it. Christmas was again brought back around 800 A.D. It was made a proper holiday around 1660 but was still quite disreputable. Around the early 1900s, the Oxford movement of the Anglican Communion church started, leading to the revival of Christmas.
Preparations For Christmas Day
Christmas is a cultural festival. Preparations for this start early to celebrate it on the eve of Christmas. Christmas preparations involve a lot of activities. Christmas brings joy, from buying new clothes to decoration items to gifts to food. The common preparations include:
Celebration Of Christmas Day
On Christmas day, Christmas carols are played on radios and televisions. People start Christmas day by attending church, where performances and songs are done. They join with various families to exchange gifts and celebrate with food and music. Happiness during Christmas is like no other. Homemade traditional plum cakes, cupcakes, and muffins are special treats on Christmas. Kids are showered with numerous presents and new dresses.
Public Life On Christmas Day In India
Christmas day reminds us of the importance of giving and sharing. Christmas day made us understand that Jesus' birth was the beginning of great things in the world. It is an opportunity to think about nature and the reason for our existence. Christmas is a festival that people from all religions and faiths celebrate worldwide despite being a Christian festival. It is the essence of this festival that unites the people so much. Christmas day binds people worldwide and promotes unity among the people.
On Christmas Day, all the state, national and local banks, offices, schools, and colleges remain closed. Businesses and stores owned by Christians in India remain closed. There may be reduced working hours. Those willing to utilize public transport facilities on the day may require contacting the local authorities to check on timetables.
Top Five Destinations To Celebrate Christmas Day In India
On Christmas Day, all the state, national and local banks, offices, schools, and colleges remain closed. Businesses and stores owned by Christians in India remain closed. There may be reduced working hours. Those willing to utilize public transport facilities on the day may require contacting the local authorities to check on timetables.
- Shillong: The Cathedral Church is one of the oldest churches in North East India. People from all over the world visit this city to attend the Midnight Mass.
- Mumbai: Malls offer attractive discounts. Bandra, Hill Road, and ChurchGate are the best localities to celebrate the festival in the city.
- Pondicherry: Pondicherry has been India's finest destination for a traditional Christmas.
- Lansdowne: Lansdowne is the best Indian destination to celebrate the Christmas holiday away from the crowd.
- Kerala: In Kerala, every street has wonderful Christmas decorations to make your Christmas day jolly.