Today (24th December) marks the beginning of the Christian Festival of Christmas which celebrates the birth of Jesus as the "Light of the World" and it joins so many other celebrations of light at this time of year.  No-one really knows when Jesus was born so why is his birth celebrated now? 

All About Christmas 

The date was set by the Romans when they officially adopted Christianity as their main religion. It is believed the date was chosen because of the many different pagan and other religious celebrations which took place at this time of year, such as in Roman times, the Festival of Saturnalia.  Other religions in different parts of the world also had their own festivals of light a this time of year such as Channuka and after all Jesus was Jewish. There was also the pagan celebration of Yuletide, and the Winter Solstice had been celebrated since neolithic times. This made it easier for people to accept as they were already celebrating their own particular "Festivals of Light".  

So this is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus which was thought to be in a manger in Bethlehem and I am sure I don't need to repeat the Christmas story here. It is, however, interesting to note that perhaps, after this frustrating year, the Christmas Star is back.

Many people start with a family meal on Christmas Eve, in preparation to going to Midnight Mass (Church) to celebrate Jesus's birth. Children put out Christmas Stockings, milk, mince pies, apples and carrots, in expectation of Santa arriving on his sleigh, pulled by 8 reindeer, coming down the chimney to deliver presents to them. After all, they must get very hungry delivering presents to all the children in the world in just one night. The myths of St. Nicolas and Santa Claus are all mixed in as well. 

Christmas Day is an official bank holiday and every family has their own unique way of celebrating. This comes about because as people marry they incorporate the traditions of both families into their own unique celebrations. 

The day after Christmas Day is St. Stephen's Day, also known in the UK as Boxing Day. This is also celebrated in many countries around the world. St. Stephen was the first Christian Martyr who was stoned to death (circa 34AD) by an mob that was encouraged by Saul of Tarsus, who later became Saint Paul. There is however another St. Stephen who was a Missionary, in Sweden during the dark ages, hence the carol Good King Wenceslas looked out On the Feast of Stephen. 

Traditionally in the UK it began with the lighting of the Yule Log but it is more common nowadays to have a Christmas Tree. This tradition was introduced in England by Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's husband) where it had been traditional in Germany for many years.

Joylina has been researching and writing articles on the Origins of Christmas for many years.