

This corresponds to the date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar. Īlthough the month and date of Jesus' birth are unknown, the church in the early fourth century fixed the date as December 25. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds who then spread the word.

The traditional Christmas narrative recounted in the New Testament, known as the "Nativity of Jesus", says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in accordance with messianic prophecies. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season organized around it. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. Stephen's Day, Boxing DayĬhristmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

( Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, and some Anabaptists)Ĭhristmastide, Christmas Eve, Advent, Annunciation, Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord, Nativity Fast, Nativity of Christ, Old Christmas, Yule, St. (Most Oriental Orthodox and part of the Eastern Orthodox churches) ( Western Christianity and part of the Eastern churches)
