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'''Christmas''' is an annual [[holiday]] held on December 25 that marks the birth of [[Jesus]], the central figure of [[Christianity]]. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, [[holly]] and [[Christmas trees]], the exchange of [[gift]]s and [[Christmas card|cards]], and the arrival of [[Father Christmas]] or ([[Santa Claus]]) on [[Christmas Eve]] or Christmas morning.
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In Western countries, Christmas has become the most economically significant holiday of the year. The popularity of Christmas can be traced in part to its status as a winter festival. Many cultures have their most important holiday in winter because there is less agricultural work to do at this time. Examples of winter festivals that may have influenced Christmas include the pagan festivals of [[Yule]] and [[Saturnalia]].
[[Image:Leech_ghostpresent_big.jpg|thumbnail|350px|right|"The Ghost Engine of Christmas Present", an illustration from [[Charles Dickens]]'s novel ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'' (1843).]]
Certain old rite or old style [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es celebrate Christmas on [[January 7]], the date on the [[Gregorian calendar]] which corresponds to December 25 on the [[Julian Calendar]]. The December 25 date is merely traditional. The actual date of the birth of Jesus is unknown.<ref>The Oxford Dictionary of [[Christian Church]], [[Oxford University Press]], London (1977), p. 280.</ref>
'''Christmas''' has two main meanings:  one, ''Christmas Day'', an annual national holiday held on December 25 in many countries, and two, ''Christmastide'', also known as ''The Twelve Days of Christmas'', a holy season that marks the birth of [[Jesus]], the central figure of [[Christianity]]. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, [[holly]] and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of [[Father Christmas]] or [[Santa Claus]], also called [[Saint Nicholas]]. In addition, religious observances include special church services, the singing of particular [[hymn]]s and [[Christmas carol|carols]] and Nativity plays. Christmas has inspired a wide range of music, literature and performance art.


In Western countries, Christmas has become the most economically significant holiday of the year. In the United States, the holiday of [[Thanksgiving]] marks the beginning of the Christmas season, although shopkeepers may begin Christmas marketing several weeks before this, and continue promotions through the "after-Christmas sales" of January.
The modern celebration of Christmas blends modern religious and ancient pagan elements.  The origins of Christmas can be traced in part to pre-Christian winter festivals. Many cultures have their most important holiday in winter because there is less agricultural work to do at this time. Examples of winter festivals that may have influenced Christmas include the pagan festivals of [[Yule]] and [[Saturnalia]].<ref>Flanders, J (2017). ''Christmas: A Biography''. London: Picador.</ref>
In most observances, the Christmas season begins on December 25 and ends on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, although this date is merely traditional, as the actual date of the birth of Jesus is unknown.<ref>The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Church, Oxford University Press, London (1977), p. 280.</ref>  Most [[Orthodox Church]]es celebrate Christmas on January 7, the date on the Gregorian calendar which corresponds to December 25 on the Julian Calendar.
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==Etymology==     
==Etymology==     
The word "Christmas" is a contraction meaning "[[Christ|Christ's]] [[Mass (liturgy)|mass]]." It is derived from the [[Middle English]] ''Christemasse'' and [[Old English language|Old English]] ''Cristes mæsse,'' a phrase first recorded in 1038.<ref name="CathChrit">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], ''[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]]'', 1913.</ref> [[Dutch language|Dutch]] has a similar word, ''Kerstmis'' often shortened to ''Kerst''. The words for the holiday in [[Spanish language|Spanish]] (''navidad''), [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] (''natal''), [[Polish language|Polish]] (''Boże Narodzenie''), [[French language|French]] (''noël''), [[Italian language|Italian]] (''natale''), and [[Catalan language|Catalan]] (''nadal'') refer more explicitly to the Nativity. In contrast, the German name ''Weihnachten'' means simply "hallowed night." After the conversion of [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] Britain in the early 7th century, Christmas was referred to as ''geol''<ref name="CathChrit"/>, the name of a pre-Christian winter festival from which the current English word '[[Yule]]' is derived.  
The word "Christmas" is a contraction of "Christ's Mass." It is derived from the Middle English ''Christemasse'' and Old English ''Cristes mæsse.''<ref name="CathChrit">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', 1913.</ref> Dutch has a similar word, ''Kerstmis'' often shortened to ''Kerst''. The words for the holiday in Spanish (''navidad''), Portuguese (''natal''), Polish (''Boże Narodzenie''), French (''noël''), and Italian (''natale''), refer explicitly to the Nativity. In contrast, the German name ''Weihnachten'' means simply "hallowed night." The Anglo-Saxons referred to Christmas as ''geol'',<ref name="CathChrit"/> the name of a pre-Christian winter festival from which the current English word "Yule" is derived.


Christmas is sometimes shortened to ''[[Xmas]]'', an abbreviation that has a long history.<ref name="Bratcher">Bratcher, Dennis. [http://www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html "The Christmas Season"] ''The Voice,'' CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.</ref> In early Greek versions of the [[New Testament]], the letter [[Chi (letter)|''Χ'']] (chi), is the first letter of Christ (''Χριστός''). Since the mid-sixteenth century ''Χ'', or the similar [[Latin alphabet|Roman]] letter [[X]], was used as an abbreviation for Christ.<ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/pressroom/archive/xmas Oxford English Dictionary]</ref>
Christmas is sometimes shortened to ''Xmas'', an abbreviation that has a long history.<ref name="Bratcher">Bratcher, Dennis. [http://www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html "The Christmas Season"] ''The Voice,'' CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.</ref> In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter ''Χ'' (chi), is the first letter of Christ (''Χριστός''). Since the mid-sixteenth century ''Χ'', or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ.<ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/pressroom/archive/xmas Oxford English Dictionary]</ref>
{{Image|Adorazione del Bambino - Beato Angelico.jpg|left|250px|''Adorazione del Bambino'' ''(Adoration of the Child)'' (1439-43), a mural by Florentine painter Fra Angelico.}}


==The Nativity==
==The Nativity==
[[Image:Adorazione del Bambino - Beato Angelico.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Adorazione del Bambino'' ''(Adoration of the Child)'' (1439-43), a mural by Florentine painter [[Fra Angelico]].]]
{{main|Nativity of Jesus}}
The Nativity refers to the birth of Jesus. The story of Christmas is based on the [[bible|biblical accounts]] given in the [[Gospel of Matthew]], namely {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=1|verse=18}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=2|verse=12}} and the [[Gospel of Luke]], specifically {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=1|verse=26}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=1|verse=56}}. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]], assisted by her husband [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], in the city of [[Bethlehem]]. The birth took place in a "stable", surrounded by farm animals, and the [[Child Jesus|infant Jesus]] was laid in a [[manger]]. Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an [[angel]], and were the first to see the child.<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=9; Luke 2:1-6]</ref> Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled many prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth.


Remembering or re-creating the Nativity is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. The Eastern Orthodox Church practices the [[Nativity Fast]] in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of the [[Western Christianity|Western Church]] celebrates Advent. In some Christian churches, children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity scene, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity scenes are also performed, using actors and live animals to portray the event with more realism.<ref>Krug, Nora. [http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], ''The New York Times'', [[November 25, 2005]].</ref>
The Gospel of Matthew<ref> Matthew 2:18-25 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%1:18-2:12;&version=50; Matthew 1:18-2:12]</ref> and the Gospel of Luke<ref>Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%1:26-56;&version=50; Luke 1:26-56]</ref> each contains a distinct version of the Nativity story. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the town of Bethlehem (literally the "House of bread", also called "David's City", a place of historical importance to the ancient Jews). Because Luke's version mentions that the infant Jesus was laid in a "manger", a hay-filled animal feeder, the birth is presumed to have taken place in a stable of sorts, with the Holy Family surrounded by farm animals. Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem  were told of the birth by an angel, and were the first to see the child.<ref> Luke 2:8-20 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=50; Luke 2:1-6]</ref> Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth.  Later,  three "wise men from the East" (known in Christian tradition as ''The Magi'', the ''Three Wise Men'' or ''[[The Three Kings]]'') visited as well, <ref> Matthew 2: 1-12 </ref> bringing expensive gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  These wise men are traditionally referred to as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, although their names and number are not referred to in the Biblical narrative.  They are said to have followed a star, known as the [[Star of Bethlehem]] to Jerusalem, and found Jesus, whom they believed to be "the King of the Jews".  Matthew's narrative includes a political aside involving King Herod of Judea being troubled and jealous at the thought of the birth of another king.


Nativity scenes traditionally include [[Biblical Magi|the Three Wise Men]], Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, although their names and number are not referred to in the Biblical narrative, who are said to have followed a star, known as the [[Star of Bethlehem]], found Jesus, and presented gifts of [[gold]], [[frankincense]], and [[myrrh]].<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11;&version=9; Matthew 2:1-11]</ref>
Remembering or re-creating the Nativity is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. The Orthodox Church practices the Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of the Western Church observes [[Advent]]. In many Christian churches, congregants perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity; in some churches it a tradition that these Nativity plays are performed by children. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity Scene, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity
Scenes are also performed, using actors and live animals to portray the event with more realism.<ref>Krug, Nora. [http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], ''The New York Times'', November 25, 2005.</ref>


In the U.S., Christmas decorations at [[Building|public buildings]] once commonly included Nativity scenes. This practice has led to many lawsuits, as some say it amounts to the government endorsing a religion. In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a city-owned Christmas display, even one with a Nativity scene, does not violate the First Amendment.<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref>
In the U.S., Christmas decorations at public buildings once commonly included Nativity scenes. This practice led to many lawsuits which argued that the practice amounted to a government endorsement of a religion. In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a city-owned Christmas display, even one with a Nativity scene, does not violate the First Amendment.<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref>


==History==
==History==
===Origin of the festival===
The New Testament does not give a date for the birth for Jesus. The Romans considered December 25 to be the date of the winter solstice, which they called ''bruma''. Jesus was associated with solar days because he was identified with the "sun of righteousness."<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi%4:2;&version=50; Malachi 4:2].</ref> [[Sextus Julius Africanus]] popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25 in ''Chronographiai'' (AD 221), a now lost reference book for Christians.<ref name="Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> This date is nine months after the traditional date of the incarnation (March 25), now celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation.<ref name="CathAnnun">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01542a.htm "The Feast of the Annunciation"], ''Catholic Encyclopedia,'' 1998.</ref> On the Roman calendar, March 25 was the date of the vernal equinox and early Christians believed it was also the date that Jesus was crucified.<ref name="CathAnnun"/> The Christian idea that Jesus was conceived on the same date that he died is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.<ref name="CathAnnun"/>


===Origin of Christian festival===
The identification of the birthdate of Jesus did not at first inspire feasting or celebration. In 245, the theologian Origen denounced the idea of celebrating Jesus' birthday "as if he were a king pharaoh." He contended that only sinners, not saints, celebrated their birthdays.
[[Image:Origen3.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Origen]], a father of the Christian church, argued against the celebration of birthdays, including the birth of [[Christ]].]]
 
The [[New Testament]] does not give a specific date for the birth of Jesus. [[Sextus Julius Africanus]] popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25 in his ''Chronographiai'', a now lost reference book for Christians written in AD 221.<ref name="Britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> This date is nine months after the traditional date of the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]] (March 25), now celebrated as the [[Annunciation|Feast of the Annunciation]].<ref name="CathAnnun">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01542a.htm "The Feast of the Annunciation"], ''Catholic Encyclopedia,'' 1998.</ref> March 25 was also considered to be the date of the [[vernal equinox]] and therefore the creation of [[Adam]].<ref name="CathAnnun"/> Early Christians believed March 25 was also the date Jesus was [[crucifixion|crucified]].<ref name="CathAnnun"/> The Christian idea that Jesus was conceived on the same date that he died on the cross is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.<ref name="CathAnnun"/>


The identification of the birthdate of Jesus did not at first inspire feasting or celebration. [[Tertullian]] does not mention it as a major [[Calendar of saints|feast day]] in the [[African Rite|Church of Roman Africa]]. In 245, the theologian [[Origen]] denounced the idea of celebrating Jesus' birthday "as if he were a king [[pharaoh]]." He contended that only [[sin]]ners, not [[saint]]s, celebrated their birthdays.
The earliest reference to the celebration of Christmas is in the Calendar of Filocalus, an illuminated manuscript compiled in Rome in 354.<ref name="CathChrit"/><ref>This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat and is named after an artist who illuminated part of it. The reference to Christmas states, ''VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ''. It is in a section based on an earlier manuscript produced in 336.</ref> In the east, meanwhile, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus as part of Epiphany (January 6), although this festival focused on the baptism of Jesus.<ref>Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, [http://orthodoxeurope.org/page/12/4.aspx "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions]</ref>


The earliest reference to the celebration of Christmas is in the [[Calendar of Filocalus]], an [[illuminated manuscript]] compiled in Rome in 354.<ref name="CathChrit"/><ref>This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat and is named after an artist who illuminated part of it. The reference to Christmas states, "VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ". It is in a section based on an earlier manuscript produced in 336.</ref> In the east, meanwhile, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus as part of [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]] (January 6), although this festival focused on the [[baptism of Jesus]].<ref>Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, [http://orthodoxeurope.org/page/12/4.aspx "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions]</ref>
Christmas was promoted in the east as part of the revival of [[Catholicism]] following the death of the pro-Arian Emperor Valens at the [[Battle of Adrianople]] in 378. The feast was introduced to [[Constantinople]] in 379, to [[Antioch]] in about 380, and to [[Alexandria]] in about 430. Christmas was especially controversial in fourth Constantinople, being the "fortress of Arianism," as [[Edward Gibbon]] described it. The feast disappeared after Gregory of Nazianzus resigned as bishop in 381, although it was reintroduced by [[John Chrysostom]] in about 400.<ref name="CathChrit"/> Over the course of time it was adopted by all the Eastern churches except the Armenian.
 
[[Image:Don Lorenzo Monaco 001.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Adoration of the Magi by [[Don Lorenzo Monaco]] (1422).]]
Christmas was promoted in the east as part of the revival of [[Catholicism]] following the death of the pro-[[Arianism|Arian]] Emperor [[Valens]] at the [[Battle of Adrianople]] in 378. The feast was introduced to [[Constantinople]] in 379, to [[Antioch]] in about 380, and to [[Alexandria]] in about 430. Christmas was especially controversial in [[4th century]] Constantinople, being the "fortress of Arianism," as [[Edward Gibbon]] described it. The feast disappeared after [[Gregory of Nazianzus]] resigned as [[bishop]] in 381, although it was reintroduced by [[John Chrysostom]] in about 400.<ref name="CathChrit"/>


===Middle Ages===
===Middle Ages===
[[Image:Don Lorenzo Monaco 001.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Adoration of the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]] by [[Don Lorenzo Monaco]] (1422).]]
In the early Middle Ages, Christmas Day was overshadowed by Epiphany, which in the west focused on the visit of the magi.<ref name="Murray">Murray, Alexander, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], ''History Today'', December 1986, '''36''' (12), pp. 31 - 39.</ref> But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. Martin," now known as [[Advent]].<ref name="Murray"/> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/>
In the [[Early Middle Ages]], Christmas Day was overshadowed by Epiphany, which in the west focused on the visit of the [[Biblical Magi|magi]]. But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. Martin" (which began on November 11, the feast of [[St. Martin of Tours]]), now known as [[Advent]].<ref name="Murray">Murray, Alexander, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], ''History Today'', [[1986|December 1986]], '''36''' (12), pp. 31 - 39.</ref> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/> Around the [[12th century]], these traditions transferred again to the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]] (December 26 - January 6).<ref name="Murray"/>.  The evening of January 5 was called [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], a festival later celebrated in the [[Twelfth Night, or What You Will|play of that name]] by [[William Shakespeare]]. The fortieth day after Christmas was [[Candlemas]].


The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after [[Charlemagne]] was crowned on Christmas Day in 800. King [[William I of England]] was crowned on Christmas Day 1066.
The gradual increase in the prominence of Christmas Day may reflect the influence of Yule, a pre-Christian northern European festival which was rescheduled to correspond with Christmas. [[Charlemagne]] was crowned on Christmas Day in 800 and King [[William I of England]] was crowned on Christmas Day 1066.


By the [[High Middle Ages]], the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas. [[Richard II of England|King Richard II]] of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.<ref name="Murray"/> The '''Yule boar''' was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts. [[Christmas carol|Caroling]] also became popular, and was originally a group of dancers who sang. The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus. Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, indicating that the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule may have continued in this form.<ref name="Murray"/> "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival. In England, gifts were exchanged on [[New Year's Day]], and there was special Christmas ale.<ref name="Murray"/>
Around the twelfth century, the hedonistic traditions of Saturnalia transferred again to the "twelve days of Christmas" (December 25 - January 5).<ref name="Murray"/> The evening of January 5 was called "twelfth night," a festival later celebrated by William Shakespeare in a play of that name.


Often the "misrule" got quite out of hand. Revelers would knock at a door and demand the best portion of their host's food and ale, with "severe consequences" if he did not agree.
{{Image|Worship_of_the_shepherds_by_bronzino.jpg|right|250px| ''Adoration by the shepherds'', by Florentine painter Angelo Bronzino (1503 - 1572).}}
[[Image:FatherChristmastrial.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Excerpt from [[Josiah King]]'s ''The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas'' (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in [[England]].]]
By the High Middle Ages, the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas.<ref name="Murray"/> King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.<ref name="Murray"/> The "Yule boar" was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts.<ref name="Murray"/> Caroling was also popular.<ref name="Murray"/> This was originally a group of dancers who sang.<ref name="Murray"/> The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus.<ref name="Murray"/> Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, so perhaps the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule continued in this form.<ref name="Murray"/> "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival.<ref name="Murray"/> Indeed, in some locations, a "Lord of Misrule" was appointed - a commoner or serf put in charge for the feast.  This is possibly the origin of the paper crown present in modern day Christmas crackers.  In England, gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day and there was special Christmas ale.<ref name="Murray"/>


===The Reformation and the 1800s===
===The Reformation and the 1800s===
{{Image|FatherChristmastrial.jpg|right|250px|Excerpt from Josiah King's ''The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas'' (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England.}}


During the [[Reformation]], [[Protestantism|Protestant]]s condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of [[pope]]ry" and the "rags of the Beast". The [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]] responded by promoting the festival in an even more religiously oriented form. Following the Parliamentary victory over [[Charles I|King Charles I]] during [[English Civil War|the English Civil War]], England's [[Puritan]] rulers banned Christmas, in 1647. Pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities, and for several weeks [[Canterbury]] was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans.<ref name="Durston">Durston, Chris, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642-60"], ''History Today'', [[1985|December 1985]], '''35''' (12) pp. 7 - 14.</ref> The [[English Restoration|Restoration]] of 1660 ended the ban, but most of the [[Anglican]] clergy still disapproved of Christmas celebrations, using Protestant arguments.
During the Reformation, Protestants condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of popery" and the "rags of the Beast".<ref name="Durston">Durston, Chris, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642-60"], ''History Today'', December 1985, '''35''' (12) pp. 7 - 14.</ref> The Catholic Church responded by promoting the festival in a more religiously oriented form.<ref name="Durston"/> Following the Parliamentary victory over King Charles I during the English Civil War, England's [[Puritan]] rulers banned Christmas (1647).<ref name="Durston"/> Pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities and for several weeks [[Canterbury]] was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans.<ref name="Durston"/> The [[English Restoration|Restoration]] of 1660 ended the ban, but most Anglican clergymen still disapproved of Christmas celebration.<ref name="Durston"/>


In [[Colonial America]], the Puritans of [[New England]] disapproved of Christmas; its celebration was outlawed in [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] from 1659 to 1681. At the same time, Christian residents of [[Virginia]] and [[New York]] observed the holiday freely. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the [[American Revolution]], when it was considered an English custom.
In colonial America, the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas and outlawed its celebration in Boston (1659-81). At the same time, Christian residents of [[Virginia (U.S. state)|Virginia]] and [[New York (disambiguation)|New York]] observed the holiday freely. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the [[American Revolution]], when it was considered an English custom.


By the 1820s, [[Sectarianism|sectarian]] tension in England had eased and British writers began to worry that Christmas was dying out. They imagined [[Tudor]] Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration, and efforts were made to revive the holiday. [[Charles Dickens]]' book ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'', published in 1843, played a major role in reinventing Christmas as a holiday emphasizing [[family]], goodwill, and compassion over communal celebration and hedonistic excess.<ref name="Rowell">Rowell, Geoffrey, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], ''History Today,'' [[1993|December 1993]], '''43''' (12), pp. 17 - 24.</ref>  
By the 1820s, sectarian tension had eased and British writers began to worry that Christmas was dying out. They imagined [[Tudor]] Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration, and efforts were made to revive the holiday. [[Charles Dickens]]' book ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'' (1843) played a major role in reinventing Christmas as a holiday emphasizing family, goodwill, and compassion, as opposed to communal celebration and hedonistic excess.<ref name="Rowell">Rowell, Geoffrey, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], ''History Today,'' December 1993, '''43''' (12), pp. 17 - 24.</ref>  


Interest in Christmas in America was revived in the 1820s by several [[Short story|short stories]] by [[Washington Irving]] appearing in his ''[[The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon]]'' and "Old Christmas",and by [[Clement Clarke Moore]]'s 1822 poem ''[[A Visit From St. Nicholas]]'' (poularly known by its first line: ''[[Twas the Night Before Christmas]]''.  Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England. Although some argue that Irving invented the traditions he describes, they were widely imitated by his American readers.<ref>  Moore's poem transferred the genuine old Dutch traditions celebrated at New Year in New York, including the exchange of gifts, family feasting, and tales of “sinterklass” (a derivation in Dutch from “Saint Nicholas,” from whence comes the modern “Santa Claus”) to Christmas.[http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm ''The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America''], 2006</ref> The numerous [[Germans|German]] immigrants and the homecomings following the [[American Civil War]] helped promote the holiday by bringing with them [[continental Europe]]an traditions. Christmas was declared a U.S. [[Federal holiday]] in 1870 .
Interest in Christmas in America was revived in the 1820s by several short stories by [[Washington Irving]] which appear in his ''The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon'' and "Old Christmas", and by [[Clement Clarke Moore]]'s 1822 poem ''[[A Visit From St. Nicholas]]'' (also known as ''Twas the Night Before Christmas'').  Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England. Although some argue that Irving invented the traditions he describes, they were widely imitated by his American readers. The numerous [[Germans|German]] immigrants and the homecomings following the [[American Civil War]] also helped promote the holiday. Christmas was declared a U.S. [[Federal holiday]] in 1870.


===The 20th century and after===
===The 20th century and after===
[[Image:Now is it Christmas again (1907) by Carl Larsson.jpg|thumbnail|380px|right|"Now it is Christmas again" (1907) by Carl Larsson.]]
In 1914, the first year of World War I, there was an [[Christmas Truce|unofficial truce]] between German and British armies in France. Soldiers on both sides spontaneously began to sing carols and stopped fighting. The truce began on Christmas Day and continued for some time afterwards.<ref>Baker, Chris, [http://www.1914-1918.net/truce.htm The Christmas Truce of 1914], 1996</ref> Many [[Christmas in the Trenches|stories]] about the truce include a soccer game between the trench lines.
In 1914, the first year of [[World War I]], there was an [[Christmas truce|unofficial truce]] between German and [[British Army|British troops]] in France. Soldiers on both sides spontaneously began to sing carols and stopped fighting. The truce began on Christmas Day and continued for some time afterwards.<ref>Baker, Chris, [http://www.1914-1918.net/truce.htm The Christmas Truce of 1914], 1996</ref> Many stories about the truce include a [[football (soccer)|football]] game between the trench lines.


Throughout the 20th century, the United States experienced controversy over the nature of Christmas, and its dual status as a religious feast day and a secular holiday of the same name. Some considered the U.S. government's recognition of Christmas as a federal holiday to be a violation of the [[separation of church and state]]. This was brought to trial several times, recently including in ''Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)''<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref> and ''Ganulin v. United States (1999)''.<ref name="Ganulin"> [http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/case/25.html ''Ganulin v. United States''] (1999)</ref> On December 6, 1999, the verdict for ''Ganulin v. United States (1999)'' declared that "the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose."  This decision was upheld by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] on December 19, 2000.  At the same time, many devout Christians objected to what they saw as the vulgarization and cooption of one of their sacred observances by secular commercial society and calls to return to "the true meaning of Christmas" were common. (See:[[Christmas controversies]])
Since a 1962 U.S Supreme Court regarding school prayer, Christmas has been the subject of controversy in the United States. Some considered the U.S. government's recognition of Christmas as a federal holiday to be a violation of the separation of church and state. This was brought to trial several times, recently including in ''Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)''<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref> and ''Ganulin v. United States (1999)''.<ref name="Ganulin"> [http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/case/25.html ''Ganulin v. United States''] (1999)</ref> According to ''Ganulin'', "the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose."  This decision was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000.  Many devout Christians objected to what they saw as the vulgarization and cooption of one of their sacred observances by secular commercial society and calls to return to "the true meaning of Christmas" were common.


Debates about Christmas in America continued into the 21st century. In 2005, when commercial interests sought to ameliorate Christians concerned with protecting the sacredness of their holiday and non-Christians uncomfortable with the perceived connection to faith, some Christians, along with American political commentators such as [[Bill O'Reilly]], protested perceiving that it represented the [[Christmas controversies|secularization of Christmas]] rather than its protection.  They felt that the holiday was threatened by a general [[secularization|secular trend]], or by persons and organizations with an anti-Christian agenda. The perceived trend was also blamed on [[political correctness]].<ref>Cohen, Adam. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else."] ''The New York Times,'' [[December 5, 2005]].</ref>
Controversy over Christmas erupted again in 2005, when retailers, including Walmart, promoted the use of the phrase "happy holidays" as opposed to the traditional "merry Christmas." American political commentators such as Bill O'Reilly protested this as part of what they claimed was general trend to secularize society.<ref>Cohen, Adam. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else."] ''The New York Times,'' December 5, 2005.</ref>


==Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts==
==Santa Claus==
[[Image:1863 harpers.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Santa Claus hands out gifts during the US Civil War in [[Thomas Nast]]'s first Santa Claus cartoon, ''[[Harper's Weekly]]'', 1863.]]
{{Image|1863 harpers.jpg|right|250px|Santa Claus hands out gifts during the US Civil War in Thomas Nast's first Santa Claus cartoon, ''Harper's Weekly'', 1863.}}
{{main|Santa Claus}}
In [[Western culture]], where the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus (also known as [[Father Christmas]], [[Saint Nicholas]] or St. Nikolaus, [[Sinterklaas]], Kris Kringle, [[Joulupukki]], [[Weihnachtsmann]], [[Basil of Caesarea|Saint Basil]] and [[Ded Moroz|Father Frost]]).


The popular image of Santa Claus was created by the [[German American|German-American]] cartoonist [[Thomas Nast]] (1840-1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.<ref name="Mikkelson">Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., [http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], ''Snopes.com,'' 2006.</ref>
The holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of which are attributed to "Santa Claus," also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or St. Nikolaus, or Kris Kringle. The name Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch ''Sinterklaas,'' a contraction of ''Sint Nicolaas'' (Saint Nicholas). Sinterklaas gave gifts to Dutch children on December 5 and was therefore a part of New York's heritage as a former Dutch colony. He became associated with Christmas as a result of Irving's ''History of New York,'' (1809). Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823) is responsible for establishing Santa Claus in the mind of the American public.


Father Christmas, who predates the Santa Claus character, was first recorded in the [[15th century]], but was associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness.<ref name=Harper/> In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. The [[French language|French]] [[Père Noël]] evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In Italy, Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while [[La Befana]], is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]]. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby Jesus gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all children.
The image of Santa Claus was created by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.<ref name="Mikkelson">Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., [http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], ''Snopes.com,'' 2006.</ref>


In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by [[Knecht Ruprecht]], or [[Black Peter]]. In other versions, [[elf|elves]] make the toys. His wife is referred to as [[Mrs. Claus]].
Father Christmas, who predates Santa Claus, was first recorded in the 15th century, but he was originally associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness.<ref name=Harper/> In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. France's Père Noël has a similar history. In Italy, "Babbo Natale" acts as Santa Claus while "La Befana" brings gifts on the eve of the Epiphany.


The current tradition in several [[Latin America]]n countries (such as [[Venezuela]]) holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the [[Baby Jesus]], who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. This story is meant to be a reconciliation between traditional [[Religion|religious beliefs]] and modern day [[globalization]], most notably the iconography of Santa Claus imported from the United States.
==Christmas trees and other decorations==
The Christmas tree represents an adaptation of Germanic traditions regarding the use of evergreen boughs.<ref>Robinson, B.A. [http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm "All about the Christmas tree: Pagan origins, Christian adaptation, & secular status"] ''ReligiousTolerance.Org,'' December 13, 2003.</ref> The English language phrase "Christmas tree" was first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Christ Christ], ''Online Etymology Dictionary,'' 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from German.{{Image|Image-Juletræet.jpg|left|250px|A family Christmas tree.}}
The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name="Shaman">van Renterghem, Tony. ''When Santa was a shaman.'' St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>Morris, Desmond. ''Christmas Watching.'' London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.


In Southern [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Austria]], [[Alto Adige/Südtirol]] ([[Italy]]) and [[Liechtenstein]] the [[Christkind]] brings the presents. The German St. Nikolaus is not identical with the Weihnachtsman (who is the German version of Santa Claus). St. Nikolaus wears a bishop's dress and still brings small gifts (usually candies, nuts and fruits) on December 6 and is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht.
Since the 19th century, the poinsettia has been associated with Christmas. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.
 
Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.<ref>[http://www.citybeat.com/archives/1996/issue304/cover1.html ''Santa: The First Great Lie'', essay by Mariane Matera, Citybeat issue 304]</ref>
 
==Christmas tree and other decorations==
[[Image:DSC04820.JPG|thumb|250px|left|Christmas display in a Brazilian shopping mall]]
[[Image:De tot una mica 049.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Malaga]] ([[Spain]]) during Christmas]]
{{main|Christmas tree}}
The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of [[pagan]] tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of [[evergreen]] boughs,<ref>Robinson, B.A. [http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm "All about the Christmas tree: Pagan origins, Christian adaptation, & secular status"] ''ReligiousTolerance.Org,'' [[December 13, 2003]].</ref> and an adaptation of pagan [[tree worship]].<ref name=Shaman/> [[English language|The English language]] phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Christ Christ], ''Online Etymology Dictionary,'' 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from the [[German language]]. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name=Shaman>van Renterghem, Tony. ''When Santa was a shaman.'' St. Paul: [[Llewellyn Worldwide|Llewellyn Publications]], 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> though many argue that [[Martin Luther]] began the tradition in the 16th century.<ref>[http://www.fashion-era.com/Christmas/christmas_customs_tree_history.htm Christmas Traditions - The Christmas Tree Custom]</ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via [[Queen Charlotte]], wife of [[George III]], and then more successfully by [[Albert, Prince Consort|Prince Albert]] during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>[[Desmond Morris|Morris, Desmond]]. ''Christmas Watching.'' London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with [[Christmas lights|lights]] and [[Christmas ornaments|ornaments]].
 
Since the 19th century, the [[poinsettia]] has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include [[holly]], [[mistletoe]], red [[amaryllis]], and [[Christmas cactus]].
Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with [[garland]]s and [[evergreen]] foliage.
 
In [[Australia]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], and to a lesser extent [[Europe]], it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated [[Sled|sleigh]]s, [[snowmen]], and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from [[street light]]s and Christmas trees placed in the town square.<ref>Murray, Brian. [http://www.historymatters.appstate.edu/documents/christmaslights.pdf "Christmas lights and community building in America,"] ''History Matters'', Spring 2006.</ref>
 
In the [[Western world]], rolls of brightly-colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of [[Christmas village]]s has also become a tradition in many homes during this season.


==Economics of Christmas==
==Economics of Christmas==
[[Image:gifts xmas.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Gifts under a Christmas tree.]]
Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the "Christmas shopping season" generally begins on [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]], the day after [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]], though many American stores begin selling Christmas items in October and early November.<ref>Varga, Melody. [http://retailindustry.about.com/od/abouttheretailindustry/g/black_friday.htm "Black Friday], ''About:Retail Industry''.</ref>
In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In [[England and Wales]], the [[Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004]] prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. [[Film studio]]s release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, [[fantasy]] movies or high-tone dramas with high [[production values]].
In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In [[England and Wales]], the [[Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004]] prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. [[Film studio]]s release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, [[fantasy]] movies or high-tone dramas with high [[production values]].


Most [[economists]] agree, however, that Christmas produces a [[deadweight loss]] under orthodox [[microeconomic theory]], due to the surge in gift-giving. This loss is calculated as the difference between what the gift giver spent on the item and what the gift receiver would have paid for the item. It is estimated that in 2001 Christmas resulted in a $4 billion deadweight loss in the U.S. alone.<ref name="Deadweight">"The Deadweight Loss of Christmas", ''American Economic Review'', December 1993, '''83''' (5)</ref><ref name="econ">[http://www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=885748 "Is Santa a deadweight loss?"] ''The Economist'' [[20 December]] [[2001]]</ref> Because of complicating factors, this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory.
===Commercialization===
 
Once the 1823 poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" had popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts, Christmas shopping gradually began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006]</ref> In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", Harriet Beecher Stowe has a character complain that the true meaning of Christmas was being lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First Presbyterian Church of Watertown [http://www.watertownfirstpres.org/sermons/12-11-05.html “Oh . . . and one more thing” December 11, 2005]</ref>
Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as [[white elephant]]s, imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter.<ref>Reuters. [http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=9475 "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says"] [[December 16, 2005]].</ref> This is mitigated by [[white elephant gift exchange]]s in which participants make the best of their white elephants, and by [[alternative giving]]. Some people have taken to selling their unwanted gifts shortly after Christmas on [[online auction]] sites.
 
===Modern commercialization===
Since the late 1800s the economic importance of Christmas has led to concerns over what is seen as the increasing commercialization of Christmas. The 1823 poem [[The Night Before Christmas|A Visit from Saint Nicholas]] had popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways”November 26, 2006]</ref> In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]] wrote a character who complained that the true meaning of Christmas was being lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian Church]] of Watertown [http://www.watertownfirstpres.org/sermons/12-11-05.html “Oh . . . and one more thing”December 11, 2005]</ref>
 
The importance of the economic impact of Christmas was reinforced in the 1930s when President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] proposed moving the [[Thanksgiving]] holiday date to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy during the [[Great Depression]].<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways”November 26, 2006]</ref> Religious leaders protested this move, with a 1931 [[New York Times]] roundup of Christmas sermons showing the most common theme as the dangers of an increasingly commercial Christmas.<ref>New York Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ”December 4, 2005]</ref>
 
In 1958 [[Stan Freberg]] and [[Daws Butler]] recorded the [[audio theater]] [[satire]] [[Green Chri$tma$]], recasting [[Ebenezer Scrooge]] and [[Bob Cratchit]] in the roles of advertising executives. Due to the controversial nature of the piece, it received no commercial airplay until 1983.
 
 
 
==Regional customs and celebrations==
{{Unreferencedsection|date=May 2007}}
[[Image:wiki christmas.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Many nations distribute [[Postage stamp|stamps]] each year to commemorate Christmas. Austria, 1999]]
{{main|Christmas worldwide}}
Christmas celebrations include a great number and variety of customs with either secular, religious, or national aspects which vary from country to country:
 
In the [[Southern Hemisphere]], Christmas occurs during the summer while in the [[tropics]] it is also celebrated in warm or hot weather. This clashes with the traditional winter iconography, resulting in images such as a fur-coated Santa Claus surfing in for a turkey barbecue on [[Australia|Australia's]] [[Bondi Beach]]. [[Argentina|Argentinians]], [[Chile]]ans and [[Uruguay]]ans also commonly celebrate Christmas at the beach, as do [[New Zealand]]ers, who associate it with the vibrant red flowering of the coastal [[Pōhutukawa]] or "[[New Zealand]] Christmas Tree".
[[Image:Xmas 2001 in Sydney.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Christmas hats in Summer in Sydney.]]
 
[[Japan]] has adopted Santa Claus for its secular Christmas celebration, but [[New Year's Day]] is a far more important holiday. In [[South Korea]] Christmas is celebrated as an official holiday, and in [[India]] it is often called ''baḍa din'' ([[Hindi]]: बड़ा दिन "the big day"). Celebrations revolve around Santa Claus and shopping.
 
[[Philippines]], the primary Christian nation of Asia, has earned the distinction of having the longest Christmas season of Asia, and as such, is considered "the Christmas capital of Asia".
 
In [[Poland]], Santa Claus ({{lang-pl|Święty Mikołaj}}) gives gifts on two occasions: on the night of December 5 (so that children find them on the morning of December 6), and on Christmas Eve (so that children find gifts that same day). In addition to the major observances of Christmas, [[Germany|German]] children also put shoes out at their doors on the night of December 5, and find them filled with candy and small gifts the next morning. Santa Claus ([[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]: Mikulás), or [[Father Winter]] ([[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]: Télapó) also visits [[Hungary]] on December 6, bringing small gifts, and is often accompanied by a black creature called Krampusz; while on Christmas Eve (Holy Night - ([[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]: Szenteste)) the Little (Baby) Jesus ([[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]: Kisjézus or Jézuska) delivers the presents.
 
In [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[Latin America]] the celebration is on the evening of the 24th, with presents opened at midnight. Traditionally in Spain gifts were brought by the Magi on Epiphany (January 6), and in [[Scotland]], presents were traditionally given on [[Hogmanay]], which is New Year's Eve. In recent times, both countries have also adopted gift-giving on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. In [[England]] and [[Wales]], children traditionally hang up a [[Christmas stocking|stocking]] on [[Christmas eve]] (December 24), into which [[Father Christmas]] places gifts which are discovered and opened on December 25.
 
The Declaration of Christmas Peace has been a tradition in [[Finland]] from [[Middle Ages|the Middle Ages]] every year, except in 1939 (due to [[World War II]]). The declaration takes place in the Old Great Square of [[Turku]], Finland's official Christmas City and former capital. It is broadcast on Finnish radio and television. [[Sauna]] bathing has an important role in Finnish Christmas, often after the visit of [[Joulupukki]] on Christmas Eve.
 
Saint Nicholas' Day remains the principal day for gift giving in the [[Netherlands]] while Christmas Day is a more religious holiday.
 
In [[Russia]], ''Grandfather Frost'' brings presents on New Year's Eve, and these are opened on the same night. However, after the [[Russian Revolution of 1917]], Christmas celebration was banned in that country from 1917 until 1992. Even today, throughout the U.S. and Europe, several [[Christian denomination]]s, notably the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]],<ref>"[http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2000/12/15/article_01.htm CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS - Are They Christian?]", ''[[The Watchtower]]'', [[December 15]], [[2000]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/12/15/article_01.htm Has Christmas LOST CHRIST?]", ''[[The Watchtower]]'', [[December 15]], [[1998]].</ref> Puritans, and some [[Fundamentalist Christianity|fundamentalists]], view Christmas as a pagan holiday not sanctioned by the Bible.
 
In [[Holland]], Santa Claus brings toys and treats to their homes and, instead of in stockings or under trees, leaves then in the children's shoes.
 
===Social aspects and entertainment===
In many countries, businesses, schools, and communities have Christmas parties and dances in the weeks before Christmas. Christmas [[Medieval pageant|pageants]] may include a retelling of the story of the birth of Christ. Groups may visit neighborhood homes to sing carols. Others do volunteer work or hold fundraising drives for charities.
 
Many people in the United States celebrate the holiday with activities such as [[caroling]] and games like Christmas quinsenietta ball.
 
On Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, a [[List of Christmas dishes|special meal]] is usually served. In some regions, particularly in [[Eastern Europe]], these family feasts are preceded by a period of fasting. Candy and treats are also part of Christmas celebration in many countries.
 
Another tradition is for people to send cards to their friends and family members. The traditional greeting phrase on these cards is "[[Merry Christmas]]". Cards are also produced with messages such as "Season's Greetings" or "[[Happy Holiday]]s", so as to include senders and recipients who may not celebrate Christmas .
 
===Christmas carol media===
 
{{multi-listen start}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Deck the Halls.ogg|title=Deck the Halls|description=[[Deck the Halls]]|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Oh holy night.ogg|title=Oh Holy Night|description=[[Oh Holy Night]]|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Angels We Have Heard On High.ogg|title=Angels We Have Heard On High|description=[[Angels We Have Heard On High]], performed by Clarinet and French Horn|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen end}}
 
==Arts and media==
[[Image:Leech ghostpresent big.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas present, by John Leech. Made for Charles Dickens's novel ''A Christmas Carol'' (1843).]]
{{main|Christmas in the media|Christmas films|List of Christmas Specials|Christmas music}}
Many fictional Christmas stories capture the spirit of Christmas in a modern-day [[fairy tale]], often with heart-touching stories of a Christmas [[miracle]]. Several have become part of the Christmas tradition in their countries of origin.
 
Among the most popular are [[Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky|Tchaikovsky]]'s ballet ''[[The Nutcracker]]'' and [[Charles Dickens]]' novel ''[[A Christmas Carol]]''. ''The Nutcracker'' tells of a nutcracker that comes to life in a young German girl's dream. Charles Dickens' ''A Christmas Carol'' is the tale of curmudgeonly miser [[Ebenezer Scrooge]]. Scrooge rejects compassion, philanthropy, and Christmas until he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who show him the consequences of his ways.
 
Some Scandinavian Christmas stories are less cheery than Dickens's. In [[Hans Christian Andersen|H. C. Andersen]]'s ''[[The Little Match Girl]],'' a destitute little girl walks barefoot through snow-covered streets on Christmas Eve, trying in vain to sell her matches, and peeking in at the celebrations in the homes of the more fortunate.
 
In 1881, the Swedish magazine ''Ny Illustrerad Tidning'' published [[Viktor Rydberg]]'s poem ''Tomten'' featuring the first painting by [[Jenny Nyström]] of the traditional Swedish mythical character ''[[tomte]],'' which she turned into the friendly white-bearded figure and associated with Christmas.
 
Many Christmas stories have been popularized as movies and [[Television special|TV specials]]. Since the 1980s, many video editions are sold and resold every year during the holiday season. A notable example is the film ''[[It's a Wonderful Life]]'', which turns the theme of ''A Christmas Carol'' on its head. Its hero, [[George Bailey]], is a businessman who sacrificed his dreams to help his community. On Christmas Eve, a [[Guardian angel (spirit)|guardian angel]] finds him in despair and prevents him from committing [[suicide]] by magically showing him how much he meant to the world around him. The [[1964]] [[stop-motion]] version of ''[[Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer]]'', narrated by [[Burl Ives]], became an annual holiday tradition on television after its first telecast. Perhaps the most famous animated [[Television|television production]] is the 1965 production ''[[A Charlie Brown Christmas]]'', wherein [[Charlie Brown]] tries to address his feelings of dissatisfaction with the holidays by trying to find a deeper meaning in them. This special is noted for one character's retelling of the first Christmas. But its popularity is rivaled by the 1966  animated version of [[Dr. Seuss]]'s ''[[How the Grinch Stole Christmas]]'', narrated by horror film star [[Boris Karloff]]. The humorous ''[[A Christmas Story]]'' (1983) in which the main character dreams of owning a [[Red Ryder BB Gun]], has slowly become a holiday classic after receiving indifferent reviews, and is even repeated for 24 hours straight starting on Christmas Eve night and going on through Christmas Day on US [[Cable television|cable channel]] [[Turner Network Television]] or [[TBS (TV Network)|TBS]].
 
On [[British television|British Television]] it has become traditional for [[Channel 4]] to show the [[Animation|animated film]] of [[Raymond Briggs]]'s ''[[The Snowman]]''.
 
A few true stories have also become enduring Christmas tales themselves. The famous newspaper editorial, ''[[Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus]]'' is among the most well-known of these.
 
Radio and television programs aggressively pursue entertainment and ratings through their cultivation of Christmas themes. [[Radio station]]s broadcast carols and [[Christmas music|Christmas songs]], including [[classical music]] such as the [[Hallelujah chorus]] from [[Handel]]'s ''[[Messiah (Handel)|Messiah]]''. Among other classical pieces inspired by Christmas are the ''Nutcracker Suite'', adapted from Tchaikovsky's ballet score, and [[Johann Sebastian Bach]]'s ''Christmas Oratorio'' ([[BWV]] 248). [[Television network]]s add Christmas themes to their standard programming, run traditional holiday movies, and produce a variety of Christmas specials.


In Britain, it has always been a big occasion about finding out the Official Chart number 1 for over the Christmas period. For the months before Christmas, speculation surrounds this event with many artists releasing albums or songs to have a chance at getting that priceless title of 'Christmas *year* Official Number One'. It is so huge, that bets are taken on the lucky song.
The economic importance of Christmas was highlighted when President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] proposed moving up the [[Thanksgiving]] holiday date to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy.<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006]</ref> In their 1931 Christmas sermons, American clergymen responded by denouncing efforts to commercialize the holiday.<ref>New York Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ”December 4, 2005]</ref>


Another important tradition in Britain and in other countries in the [[Commonwealth Realm]], is the [[Royal Christmas Message]] which is delivered by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] at 3 pm on Christmas day. The 2006 Christmas message was watched by 68% of the British residents.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}

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"The Ghost Engine of Christmas Present", an illustration from Charles Dickens's novel A Christmas Carol (1843).

Christmas has two main meanings: one, Christmas Day, an annual national holiday held on December 25 in many countries, and two, Christmastide, also known as The Twelve Days of Christmas, a holy season that marks the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, holly and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, also called Saint Nicholas. In addition, religious observances include special church services, the singing of particular hymns and carols and Nativity plays. Christmas has inspired a wide range of music, literature and performance art.

In Western countries, Christmas has become the most economically significant holiday of the year. In the United States, the holiday of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas season, although shopkeepers may begin Christmas marketing several weeks before this, and continue promotions through the "after-Christmas sales" of January.

The modern celebration of Christmas blends modern religious and ancient pagan elements. The origins of Christmas can be traced in part to pre-Christian winter festivals. Many cultures have their most important holiday in winter because there is less agricultural work to do at this time. Examples of winter festivals that may have influenced Christmas include the pagan festivals of Yule and Saturnalia.[1]

In most observances, the Christmas season begins on December 25 and ends on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, although this date is merely traditional, as the actual date of the birth of Jesus is unknown.[2] Most Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, the date on the Gregorian calendar which corresponds to December 25 on the Julian Calendar.

Etymology

The word "Christmas" is a contraction of "Christ's Mass." It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse.[3] Dutch has a similar word, Kerstmis often shortened to Kerst. The words for the holiday in Spanish (navidad), Portuguese (natal), Polish (Boże Narodzenie), French (noël), and Italian (natale), refer explicitly to the Nativity. In contrast, the German name Weihnachten means simply "hallowed night." The Anglo-Saxons referred to Christmas as geol,[3] the name of a pre-Christian winter festival from which the current English word "Yule" is derived.

Christmas is sometimes shortened to Xmas, an abbreviation that has a long history.[4] In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ (Χριστός). Since the mid-sixteenth century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ.[5]

Adorazione del Bambino (Adoration of the Child) (1439-43), a mural by Florentine painter Fra Angelico.

The Nativity

The Gospel of Matthew[6] and the Gospel of Luke[7] each contains a distinct version of the Nativity story. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the town of Bethlehem (literally the "House of bread", also called "David's City", a place of historical importance to the ancient Jews). Because Luke's version mentions that the infant Jesus was laid in a "manger", a hay-filled animal feeder, the birth is presumed to have taken place in a stable of sorts, with the Holy Family surrounded by farm animals. Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel, and were the first to see the child.[8] Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth. Later, three "wise men from the East" (known in Christian tradition as The Magi, the Three Wise Men or The Three Kings) visited as well, [9] bringing expensive gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These wise men are traditionally referred to as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, although their names and number are not referred to in the Biblical narrative. They are said to have followed a star, known as the Star of Bethlehem to Jerusalem, and found Jesus, whom they believed to be "the King of the Jews". Matthew's narrative includes a political aside involving King Herod of Judea being troubled and jealous at the thought of the birth of another king.

Remembering or re-creating the Nativity is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. The Orthodox Church practices the Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of the Western Church observes Advent. In many Christian churches, congregants perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity; in some churches it a tradition that these Nativity plays are performed by children. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity Scene, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity Scenes are also performed, using actors and live animals to portray the event with more realism.[10]

In the U.S., Christmas decorations at public buildings once commonly included Nativity scenes. This practice led to many lawsuits which argued that the practice amounted to a government endorsement of a religion. In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a city-owned Christmas display, even one with a Nativity scene, does not violate the First Amendment.[11]

History

Origin of the festival

The New Testament does not give a date for the birth for Jesus. The Romans considered December 25 to be the date of the winter solstice, which they called bruma. Jesus was associated with solar days because he was identified with the "sun of righteousness."[12] Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25 in Chronographiai (AD 221), a now lost reference book for Christians.[13] This date is nine months after the traditional date of the incarnation (March 25), now celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation.[14] On the Roman calendar, March 25 was the date of the vernal equinox and early Christians believed it was also the date that Jesus was crucified.[14] The Christian idea that Jesus was conceived on the same date that he died is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.[14]

The identification of the birthdate of Jesus did not at first inspire feasting or celebration. In 245, the theologian Origen denounced the idea of celebrating Jesus' birthday "as if he were a king pharaoh." He contended that only sinners, not saints, celebrated their birthdays.

The earliest reference to the celebration of Christmas is in the Calendar of Filocalus, an illuminated manuscript compiled in Rome in 354.[3][15] In the east, meanwhile, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus as part of Epiphany (January 6), although this festival focused on the baptism of Jesus.[16]

Christmas was promoted in the east as part of the revival of Catholicism following the death of the pro-Arian Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378. The feast was introduced to Constantinople in 379, to Antioch in about 380, and to Alexandria in about 430. Christmas was especially controversial in fourth Constantinople, being the "fortress of Arianism," as Edward Gibbon described it. The feast disappeared after Gregory of Nazianzus resigned as bishop in 381, although it was reintroduced by John Chrysostom in about 400.[3] Over the course of time it was adopted by all the Eastern churches except the Armenian.

Adoration of the Magi by Don Lorenzo Monaco (1422).

Middle Ages

In the early Middle Ages, Christmas Day was overshadowed by Epiphany, which in the west focused on the visit of the magi.[17] But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. Martin," now known as Advent.[17] In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.[17]

The gradual increase in the prominence of Christmas Day may reflect the influence of Yule, a pre-Christian northern European festival which was rescheduled to correspond with Christmas. Charlemagne was crowned on Christmas Day in 800 and King William I of England was crowned on Christmas Day 1066.

Around the twelfth century, the hedonistic traditions of Saturnalia transferred again to the "twelve days of Christmas" (December 25 - January 5).[17] The evening of January 5 was called "twelfth night," a festival later celebrated by William Shakespeare in a play of that name.

Adoration by the shepherds, by Florentine painter Angelo Bronzino (1503 - 1572).

By the High Middle Ages, the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas.[17] King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.[17] The "Yule boar" was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts.[17] Caroling was also popular.[17] This was originally a group of dancers who sang.[17] The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus.[17] Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, so perhaps the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule continued in this form.[17] "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival.[17] Indeed, in some locations, a "Lord of Misrule" was appointed - a commoner or serf put in charge for the feast. This is possibly the origin of the paper crown present in modern day Christmas crackers. In England, gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day and there was special Christmas ale.[17]

The Reformation and the 1800s

Excerpt from Josiah King's The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England.

During the Reformation, Protestants condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of popery" and the "rags of the Beast".[18] The Catholic Church responded by promoting the festival in a more religiously oriented form.[18] Following the Parliamentary victory over King Charles I during the English Civil War, England's Puritan rulers banned Christmas (1647).[18] Pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities and for several weeks Canterbury was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans.[18] The Restoration of 1660 ended the ban, but most Anglican clergymen still disapproved of Christmas celebration.[18]

In colonial America, the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas and outlawed its celebration in Boston (1659-81). At the same time, Christian residents of Virginia and New York observed the holiday freely. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the American Revolution, when it was considered an English custom.

By the 1820s, sectarian tension had eased and British writers began to worry that Christmas was dying out. They imagined Tudor Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration, and efforts were made to revive the holiday. Charles Dickens' book A Christmas Carol (1843) played a major role in reinventing Christmas as a holiday emphasizing family, goodwill, and compassion, as opposed to communal celebration and hedonistic excess.[19]

Interest in Christmas in America was revived in the 1820s by several short stories by Washington Irving which appear in his The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon and "Old Christmas", and by Clement Clarke Moore's 1822 poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (also known as Twas the Night Before Christmas). Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England. Although some argue that Irving invented the traditions he describes, they were widely imitated by his American readers. The numerous German immigrants and the homecomings following the American Civil War also helped promote the holiday. Christmas was declared a U.S. Federal holiday in 1870.

The 20th century and after

In 1914, the first year of World War I, there was an unofficial truce between German and British armies in France. Soldiers on both sides spontaneously began to sing carols and stopped fighting. The truce began on Christmas Day and continued for some time afterwards.[20] Many stories about the truce include a soccer game between the trench lines.

Since a 1962 U.S Supreme Court regarding school prayer, Christmas has been the subject of controversy in the United States. Some considered the U.S. government's recognition of Christmas as a federal holiday to be a violation of the separation of church and state. This was brought to trial several times, recently including in Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)[11] and Ganulin v. United States (1999).[21] According to Ganulin, "the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose." This decision was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000. Many devout Christians objected to what they saw as the vulgarization and cooption of one of their sacred observances by secular commercial society and calls to return to "the true meaning of Christmas" were common.

Controversy over Christmas erupted again in 2005, when retailers, including Walmart, promoted the use of the phrase "happy holidays" as opposed to the traditional "merry Christmas." American political commentators such as Bill O'Reilly protested this as part of what they claimed was general trend to secularize society.[22]

Santa Claus

Santa Claus hands out gifts during the US Civil War in Thomas Nast's first Santa Claus cartoon, Harper's Weekly, 1863.

The holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of which are attributed to "Santa Claus," also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or St. Nikolaus, or Kris Kringle. The name Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contraction of Sint Nicolaas (Saint Nicholas). Sinterklaas gave gifts to Dutch children on December 5 and was therefore a part of New York's heritage as a former Dutch colony. He became associated with Christmas as a result of Irving's History of New York, (1809). Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823) is responsible for establishing Santa Claus in the mind of the American public.

The image of Santa Claus was created by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.[23]

Father Christmas, who predates Santa Claus, was first recorded in the 15th century, but he was originally associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness.[24] In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. France's Père Noël has a similar history. In Italy, "Babbo Natale" acts as Santa Claus while "La Befana" brings gifts on the eve of the Epiphany.

Christmas trees and other decorations

The Christmas tree represents an adaptation of Germanic traditions regarding the use of evergreen boughs.[25] The English language phrase "Christmas tree" was first recorded in 1835[24] and represents an importation from German.

(CC) Photo: Malene Thyssen
A family Christmas tree.

The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century[26] From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.[27] Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

Since the 19th century, the poinsettia has been associated with Christmas. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

Economics of Christmas

In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In England and Wales, the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. Film studios release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, fantasy movies or high-tone dramas with high production values.

Commercialization

Once the 1823 poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" had popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts, Christmas shopping gradually began to assume economic importance.[28] In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", Harriet Beecher Stowe has a character complain that the true meaning of Christmas was being lost in a shopping spree.[29]

The economic importance of Christmas was highlighted when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed moving up the Thanksgiving holiday date to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy.[30] In their 1931 Christmas sermons, American clergymen responded by denouncing efforts to commercialize the holiday.[31]

References

  1. ↑ Flanders, J (2017). Christmas: A Biography. London: Picador.
  2. ↑ The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Church, Oxford University Press, London (1977), p. 280.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Christmas", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.
  4. ↑ Bratcher, Dennis. "The Christmas Season" The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.
  5. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary
  6. ↑ Matthew 2:18-25 Matthew 1:18-2:12
  7. ↑ Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7 Luke 1:26-56
  8. ↑ Luke 2:8-20 Luke 2:1-6
  9. ↑ Matthew 2: 1-12
  10. ↑ Krug, Nora. "Little Towns of Bethlehem", The New York Times, November 25, 2005.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lynch vs. Donnelly (1984)
  12. ↑ Malachi 4:2.
  13. ↑ "Christmas, Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "The Feast of the Annunciation", Catholic Encyclopedia, 1998.
  15. ↑ This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat and is named after an artist who illuminated part of it. The reference to Christmas states, VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ. It is in a section based on an earlier manuscript produced in 336.
  16. ↑ Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions
  17. ↑ 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 Murray, Alexander, "Medieval Christmas", History Today, December 1986, 36 (12), pp. 31 - 39.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 Durston, Chris, "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642-60", History Today, December 1985, 35 (12) pp. 7 - 14.
  19. ↑ Rowell, Geoffrey, "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas", History Today, December 1993, 43 (12), pp. 17 - 24.
  20. ↑ Baker, Chris, The Christmas Truce of 1914, 1996
  21. ↑ Ganulin v. United States (1999)
  22. ↑ Cohen, Adam. "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else." The New York Times, December 5, 2005.
  23. ↑ Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., "The Claus That Refreshes", Snopes.com, 2006.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Harper, Douglas, Christ, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001.
  25. ↑ Robinson, B.A. "All about the Christmas tree: Pagan origins, Christian adaptation, & secular status" ReligiousTolerance.Org, December 13, 2003.
  26. ↑ van Renterghem, Tony. When Santa was a shaman. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X
  27. ↑ Morris, Desmond. Christmas Watching. London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3
  28. ↑ usinfo.state.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006
  29. ↑ First Presbyterian Church of Watertown “Oh . . . and one more thing” December 11, 2005
  30. ↑ usinfo.state.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006
  31. ↑ New York Times “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ”December 4, 2005
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