Christmas originated in the West, initially to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It has gradually developed into a global festival, encompassing not only religious significance but also a wealth of secular celebrations.

The Origin of Christmas: Christmas is celebrated on December 25th each year. This tradition began in 336 AD when the Roman Church began commemorating the birth of Jesus on this day. December 25th was originally the birthday of the sun god as designated by the Roman Empire. Christians chose this day to celebrate Christmas because they believed Jesus was the righteous and eternal sun. Over time, Christmas has incorporated cultural elements and customs from different regions, such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and family reunions. The date and format of Christmas celebrations vary depending on the calendar used by different denominations. Most churches accept December 25th as Christmas Day, but due to calendar differences, the Christmas season usually extends from December 24th to January 6th of the following year.

The Significance of Christmas:

 Religious Significance: Christmas is an important Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is considered a key part of God's plan to save humanity, bringing a glimmer of hope and salvation to the world. On this day, believers celebrate the coming of Jesus by participating in activities such as Midnight Mass.³⁴

 Secular Significance: Christmas has become an important holiday for Christians of all denominations and even for the general public, including non-Christians. In many European and American countries, Christmas is often celebrated together with the New Year, and its liveliness and grandeur even surpass that of the New Year, becoming a national holiday. Common celebrations include exchanging gifts, holding feasts, and decorating Christmas trees.²

 Cultural Significance: The customs and celebrations of Christmas have gradually become richer in the process of its spread. Elements such as Santa Claus, Christmas stockings, Santa hats, and Christmas trees add to the festive atmosphere. In addition, the popularity of Christmas cards has also become one of the important customs of Christmas, with people sending cards to relatives and friends to express their blessings and feelings of longing.