CHRISTMAS is the most joyful holiday of the year for Christians. On that day, December 25th, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated.

Jesus Christ's birth was announced with a proclamation of
"Peace on Earth good will to men"

Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, all is bright

The birth of Christ so many years ago began a new age - the age of Christianity. His life and teachings have had more effect on the world than those of any other man in history. And on Christmas, his birthday is celebrated in every Christian country in the world.

The story of the first Christmas is perhaps the best known story ever told. Joseph, a carpenter, and his wife Mary had to return to Bethlehem for a census of all Roman citizens. Mary, who was expecting a child, rode upon a donkey. Bethlehem was crowded with travelers, and there was no lodging to be found. It was a cold winter night. Finally, the wife of an innkeeper allowed Joseph and Mary to stay in a stable behind the inn. There Jesus Christ was born.

That night a great star was seen in the sky. Shepherds in the fields followed the star. It led them to the stable. They found Christ lying in a manger, and fell to their knees to worship the newborn king.

In Persia, three wise men, called the Magi', also saw the star and followed it. To them, the star was the signal for the birth of the Messiah, come to save the world. It was the first Christmas, quietly and sacredly celebrated in a cold and tiny stable.

 Christmas is first a religious holiday. Beautiful ceremonies are held in churches everywhere to honor the birth of Jesus. The churches are decorated, and millions of people attend services.

Christmas is also a day for giving gifts and, of course, receiving them. Santa Claus, that jolly old man from the North Pole, is as much a part of Christmas as fingers are a part of your hand. They say that each Christmas Eve he loads his sleigh with toys, candy, and presents, and delivers them to all good boys and girls.

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In some countries gifts are brought by St. Nicholas; in others, by Kris Kringle. The legend of Santa Claus comes from the story of St. Nicholas, who lived over 1,600 years ago. St. Nicholas is said to have gone from house to house in those days, leaving gifts in the shoes of little children. In Belgium and Holland, it is St. Nicholas who delivers gifts. He brings them on December 6th, his feast day.

The story that Santa comes down the chimney began in Norway many years ago. Our American Santa Claus, with his red suit and white beard, looks like the one in the poem "The Night Before Christmas."

The Christmas tree is another important Christmas custom. With ornaments and lights, tinsel and beads, and, of course, a star or an angel on top, it is a beautiful sight. The Christmas tree first became a part of the celebration in Germany. Some say it began with St. Boniface back in the eighth century. At that time, the Teutons, a tribe of barbarians, would sacrifice a child each year before a great oak tree. St. Boniface suggested that instead of killing a child they should cut down a fir tree, take it home and celebrate around it. Another story is that Martin Luther brought a fir tree home one Christmas Eve in the 1500's. He decorated it with candles to look like the stars in the sky.

Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree Garland

Nativity scenes, sometimes called cribs or creches, show the Baby in the stable, with his family and the shepherds. Homes and churches throughout the world set up manger scenes. In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, there is the largest Nativity scene in the world. Hundreds of live animals are used, and people come from miles around to see it. The star placed above it can be seen for twenty miles.

Manger - Crèche Scene  /  Bethlehem Scene

Christmas carols are sung in the streets, in churches, and in homes at Christmas time. Holly, mistletoe, wreaths, and Christmas candles are among the most popular Christmas decorations. And, of course, there is the tradition of hanging a Christmas stocking from the mantel, to be filled by Santa.

These are some ways that Christmas is celebrated in America. But in other parts of the world, there are many other Christmas customs.

In Mexico, the children play a Christmas game. A piñata, which is a colorfully decorated jar, is hung from the ceiling. The piñata is filled with gifts and candies. One child is blindfolded and given a stick. He swings the stick around in the air. When he hits the piñata it breaks, and the presents pour out on the floor. All the children rush to gather up the gifts. A special Mexican Christmas dish is a mixture of fruits and vegetables, covered with all kinds of candies.

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The children in France do not hang up Christmas stockings. Instead, they put their shoes outside to be filled with gifts.

In Italy, each child has his own Ceppo. A Ceppo is shaped like a Christmas tree, except that it is made with poles and looks like a pyramid. There are shelves where gifts are placed. The bottom shelf is often a nativity scene. The Ceppo is also decorated with candles, ornaments, and pine cones.

The Yule Log is a tradition in many countries. With great ceremony the log is brought in and placed in the fireplace. People in countries as far apart as England and Yugoslavia bring in the Yule Log.

Throughout the world, children go through the streets singing Christmas carols. In Poland, carolers used to carry a star. Many dressed as shepherds and wise men. In some Slavic countries, children receive gifts as they go caroling.

Christmas dinner is always a wonderful event. It, too, is different throughout the world. In America, it is usually turkey or goose. Long ago in England, it was boar's head and brawne, peacock, and mutton pies. Some countries even serve a whole roast pig. In Poland, Christmas dinner has 12 courses. A chair at the table is always left empty in case a traveler stops.

Twelth Night, January 6th, is an important part of some countries' Christmas celebrations. In England, it was the "twelfth day of Christmas," just as in the song. It was the day to take down the Christmas greens and burn them in a gay celebration. Some people in the United States still follow this custom.

In certain countries, January 6th, called the Day of the Three Kings, is the day of gift-giving. It is believed be the day that the three wise men, traveling from far countries, finally arrived in Bethlehem to bring the baby Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Latin America, children get their gifts from the three kings on January 6th, not from Santa Claus. The three kings come riding through town, people say, and leave presents in the children's shoes set outside the door. Thoughtful children, of course, remember to leave hay and water for the kings' camels.

Three Kings Scene

In South America there are exciting parades and fireworks on the Day of the Kings. People dress up as servants from Egypt and Oriental countries to march in the procession ahead of the three kings. Parades in Peru show the three kings as Ethiopian, Inca, and Spanish!

In southern France and in Spain, children go out the eve of January 6th carrying gifts of fruit and cake for the Christ Child, and hoping to meet the three kings who will deliver their gifts. If they do not see kings, they take their gifts to the church.

There are many Christmas customs and traditions. And all people have their own special ways of celebrating Christmas. It is a time of great joy. And it should be a time of great charity, a time of giving. After all, it is day to celebrate the birth of Christ, who gave his for mankind. Perhaps the best description of Christmas is in the beautiful carol:

Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright.

"May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and always"

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Traditionally Americans send Christmas cards to friends, family and business associates to wish them holiday greetings and good tidings for the coming new year.

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