5 days till CHRISTMAS!!!

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS ALL ABOUT?

Christmas is the date set aside for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians celebrate it on December 25th all over the world. Jesus was not born on December 25th exactly but this date was chosen to coincide with the pagan Roman celebrations honoring Saturnus (Harvest God) and Mithras (Ancient God of Light). The day of this celebrations came just after the winter solstice, that is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. The celebrations were to make known that winter is not forever. It was a form of worshiping the sun.

Jesus was born nearly 2000 years ago. To the Christians, Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior/Saviour of the world. The Christians believe that He came to die for our sins so that we may go to heaven.

WHAT DOES THE WORD "CHRISTMAS" MEAN?

Christmas actually comes from "Mass of Christ". It was however shortened to "Christ Mass". Sometimes the shorter version "Xmas" is also used.

 WHAT IS BOXING DAY?

Boxing Day is the day right after Christmas. This December 26 holiday is observed in England, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It is a day of giving to the less fortunate and charitable institutions in the form of money and gifts. Some will spend the day doing volunteer work. It is called Boxing Day because it was the custom during those days for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes (gifts) in return for their good and reliable service throughout the year.

Today, Boxing Day is celebrated with family and friends with lots of fun, food and friendship.

WHO IS SANTA CLAUS?
Who is St. Nicholas?

CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Christmas is also a time where homes and malls are decorated with all kinds of decorations. Most of the decorations are symbols of Christmas. Without them, it would seem something is missing. Find out more about these symbols here.

DO ALL COUNTRIES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON THE SAME DAY?
Find out more here.