Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
The Origins of Christmas
From a religious standpoint, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition, Christmas has become a cultural holiday for many over the years with the evolution of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus.
When Christmas is Observed
The Christmas season begins for Western Christianity and some of the Eastern Churches on December 24 with Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Day on December 25 and runs through either the Epiphany or the Baptism. The Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, and some Anabaptists recognize January 6 as Christmas. Most Oriental Orthodox and some of the Eastern Orthodox churches recognize Christmas on January 7.
How Christmas is Celebrated
Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. Popular traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
The Christmas tree originated in Germany and is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen. The custom was developed in medieval Livonia, and in early modern Germany where German Protestant Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The popularity of the trees spread across countries and today they are a traditional staple in many Christian homes, decorated with ornaments, candy canes, lights, etc. An angel or star often sits on top to represent the Nativity.
Take a stroll through Boston’s holiday displays
Interested in a stroll through Boston during the holiday break? There are plenty of holiday displays to explore. Not mentioned in the article: take a walk by Community Boating Inc. for a festively decorated sailboat on the Charles River.