By Dipak Kurmi
Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is a holiday rich in meaning and history. The name “Christmas” is derived from the phrase “Mass on Christ’s day,” with “Mass” referring to the sacred ritual where bread and wine, through the blessing of an ordained priest, become the body and blood of Christ. This sacrament commemorates Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross for humanity’s sins, making Christmas a day not just to celebrate his birth, but also to acknowledge the divine purpose of his coming: to save mankind.
The origins of Christmas as a formal celebration trace back to the early Christian church. The first recorded Christmas celebration occurred in Rome under Emperor Constantine on December 15, 336 AD, but it was Pope Julius I, around 350 AD, who officially established December 25 as the date to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The tradition of celebrating Christmas on this day has endured for centuries, linking the sacredness of the holiday with the Christian faith.
The period surrounding Christmas has also been imbued with spiritual significance. The twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (which falls on January 6) form a season known for its religious observances. During the Middle Ages, this period was marked by feasts and merrymaking, climaxing on Twelfth Night (January 5), which symbolized the end of the Christmas season. Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down after the Feast of the Epiphany, underscoring the connection between Christ’s birth and the recognition of his divine nature by the Three Wise Men.
While the essence of Christmas is rooted in Christ’s birth and its theological implications, modern celebrations often stray from this focus. The Christmas season has become a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals. Yet, in the hustle of holiday preparations and social obligations, it is easy for the true meaning of Christmas to be overshadowed. The challenge, therefore, is to remember that at the heart of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings provide the foundation for the Christian faith. To truly keep Christ at the center of Christmas, families can set aside time to attend church services together, reflect on the Gospel accounts of Christ’s birth (found in the first chapters of Matthew and the second chapter of Luke), and engage in prayer or Bible readings during the Christmas season.
Interestingly, while Christmas is associated with cold, snowy winters in the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday in the Southern Hemisphere presents a strikingly different experience. Countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Brazil, among others, celebrate Christmas during their summer months. In these nations, December and January coincide with the peak of summer, and Christmas Day is often marked by outdoor barbecues, beach outings, and family gatherings under the sun. Despite the warm weather, the spirit of Christmas is still observed, with some regions imitating the cold winter traditions of the North by using artificial snow. Midnight Mass remains an important tradition, and the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the birth of Christ, even in a more unconventional setting.
Christmas traditions vary widely across cultures, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse ways people honor this holy day. In Mexico, the Christmas celebrations begin on December 16 with Las Posadas, a nine-night event that re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Each night, a procession of people sings carols and asks for lodging, culminating in a joyous celebration with food and festivities. In Japan, although Christmas is not a national holiday and lacks religious significance, the festive atmosphere has taken on a unique character. One particularly quirky tradition is the Japanese custom of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on Christmas Day, a tradition that emerged from a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. In Ethiopia, where Christmas is celebrated on January 7, the holiday is known as Ganna. It is marked by church services, feasts, music, and dancing, reflecting the joy and communal spirit of the occasion.
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations begin as early as September, making it the longest Christmas season in the world. One of the most striking traditions is the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning masses that lead up to Christmas Eve. During this time, colorful lanterns, known as “parols,” are displayed outside homes, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Another important tradition tied to Christmas is the ritual of gift-giving. Rooted in the gifts presented by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus, the exchange of gifts during Christmas carries deep symbolic meaning. Before the rise of Christianity, a pagan festival known as Saturnalia, celebrated in ancient Rome, involved giving gifts to honor the god Saturn. When Christianity spread, religious leaders struggled to erase the tradition, but instead, they incorporated it into the celebration of Christ’s birth. The practice of gift-giving became associated with the gifts of the Magi, symbolizing both generosity and reverence. Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop known for his charitable acts, further solidified the tradition, and over time, his legacy evolved into the figure of Santa Claus, who embodies the spirit of giving.
At its core, Christmas is a time to embrace the virtues of generosity, kindness, and joy. Beyond exchanging material gifts, Christmas offers an opportunity to reach out to those in need, whether through donations to charity or acts of kindness. In keeping with the Christian teachings of compassion, giving to the less fortunate is a way to honor the true spirit of Christmas. As we reflect on the gift of Christ’s birth and the ultimate sacrifice he made for humanity, the act of giving becomes an expression of our love for others, just as Christ’s love was expressed through His sacrifice.
Christmas is a celebration with deep spiritual significance, rich history, and diverse traditions. It serves as a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior, and offers a time to reflect on His teachings of love, generosity, and selflessness. Whether it’s through attending church services, sharing meals with loved ones, or donating to those in need, the true meaning of Christmas is found in our actions and our hearts. As we come together with family and friends, may we remember that the gift of Christ’s birth is the greatest gift of all, and may we strive to make our Christmas celebrations reflect the love and joy He brought to the world.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
(the writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
