Christmas

Introduction

Christmas festival is a day Christian faithful have dedicated to celebrating the birth of Christ who is the son of the Highest who came to save humans. The day is celebrated annually on the 25th day of every December. Historically, this day can be traced back to 273 A.D when it was celebrated by the pagans in praise of their gods.

There is no verse in the bible that speaks about the birth of Christ being on this day. However, around 4 AD, Pope Julius I of the Roman Catholic after discussing with his church officials decided to set this day as an official one to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Their decision was based on the time and the season when the shepherds would have seen the stars at night and they together concluded that this was only possible during winter when animals were being taken out to graze.

The choice of this day by the religious leaders may have been guided by the attempt to neutralize the influence of the pagans who were offering sacrifices to the return of their god, the Sun, during the winter solstice and god of agriculture, Saturn and Juvenalia, the god of children, amongst Romans. For Christians, the day signifies the trump over the evil by celebrating the creator of the Sun, not the Sun itself who is Jesus Christ.

How to decorate the Christmas tree and the home for Christmas

Christmas festivals are brought to light by decorations of homes and Christmas trees which range from the past to current décor. Some of these ways are,

Ø Christmas trees and twilights. Decoration of trees traces its roots to Germany where it was originally done. They then through migration and the industrial revolution in the 19 century, spread this practice to other parts of the world. The practice here involves using Christmas twilights of different colors on the tree. Glaring through different colors generated from the bulbs brings a celebration mood.

Ø Gingerbread house. This traces back to Queen Elizabeth I of England. The cookies are made in the form of traditional houses and decorated with ice creams.

Ø Door wreaths with candles. They are coiled in a manner that resembles the crown Christ wore on his way to the cross and it has berries and green leaves which signifies the suffering of Christ and everlasting life thereafter.

Ø Wearing Christmas clothes. Christians also buy special clothes decorated with Christmas colors, flowers, and trees to wear on this day. This was first done in Canada in 2001 and became a practice in most parts of the world today.

Ø Santa Stores. People also put on Santa attires of red and white to signifies this festival in memory of Saint Nicholas, who sold all his inheritance and traveled to different parts of the world, helping the poor.

Gift Ideas for Christmas

This may have a wide range depending on the people to be gifted, places, and amount to spend on the gifts. They are in the range of material gifts which may include,

Ø Christmas cards. The cards are written with Christmas messages wishing the recipient a message full of best wishes and may also have sweet entertaining melodies in praise of this day.

Ø Stationaries. Writing materials like short-hand books, pens, and journal books can be some of the gifts that can be given out to loved ones.

Ø Christmas tree. One can gift his friend with Christmas trees and ornaments which will make them appreciate the festive time by living to its dream.

These gifts are not limited to any kind of present you may be willing to give out, like food and clothes. You can deliver to your friend, neighbors, and the poor what you can afford. The most important gift of all is prayer and remaining steadfast in achieving what Jesus Christ had preached and taught the world before he left for heaven.