Christmas By:Jake Heider

Christmas eChristmas is called three different names. It is called Christmas,Christmas Day,and Christmastide. Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25th to honor the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Christmas eThe way to say Christmas in Spanish is Navidad.

Jesus eJesus’ birth has been determined by modern historians as having occurred between 7 and 2BC. The date of celebration is not thought to be Jesus’ actual date of birth.

Fun Facts eIt may have been chosen to coincide with the winter solstice,which the ancient Romans celebrated on December 25.

Customs of Christmas eModern customs of Christmas include gift- giving,church celebrations,and the display of various decorations - including the Christmas tree,lights,mistletoe,nativity scenes,and holly.

Santa Claus Santa Claus is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas.

Santa eSanta is generally believed to be the result of a syncretization between St. Nicholas of Myra and elements from pagan Nordic and Christmas mythology, and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media.

More Christmas eChristmas is widely celebrated around the world,including the United States,where it is celebrated by 96% of the population.

Roman Catholics eThough originated by Roman Catholics who commemorate the December 25th as the day of birth of Christ Child,it has gradually come to be celebrated by non-Catholics as well.

Celebration eIn the first half of the 19th century the Sunday Schools in America held Christmas celebrations.Alabama was the first state to grant legal recognition to Christmas in 1836.

X-mas e“Xmas” and X-mas are common abbreviations of the word Christmas.

December 25th eThe main idea to celebrated Christmas on December 25th originated in the 4th century.

Jesus eAlthough the actual season of Jesus’ birth is thought to be in the spring,the date December 25th was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ’s Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration.

Christmas eChristmas was slow to catch on in America.The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual.

Banned? eThe celebration of Christmas was even banned by the law in Massachusetts in colonial days.

St. Nicholas eThe original Santa Claus,St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th century. He was very pious from an early age,devoting his life to Christianity.He became widely known for his generosity for the poor.

Christmas Candy! eIn the late 1800’s a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy.

The End eI hope you enjoyed!