Christmas is celebrated every year on 25 December to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, it has become a beloved cultural and religious holiday around the world.
This year Christmas will be celebrated on Wednesday. People will gather with their families and communities to embrace the spirit of generosity, kindness and togetherness.
Christmas 2024: History
The roots of Christmas can be traced to the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, a pagan celebration of feasting and gift-giving. By the 4th century, the Church adopted December 25 as the birth date of Jesus in an effort to “Christianize” these pagan traditions.
Cultural influences shaped Christmas traditions over time, with nativity plays originating in medieval Europe and Christmas trees and caroling popularized in the Victorian era. The image of Santa Claus evolved from the legend of Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity.
Today, Christmas combines religious ritual with secular joy, symbolizes peace, love and unity, and is celebrated globally through decorations, festive food and the exchange of gifts.
Christmas 2024: Significance
The Christmas story begins when the angel Gabriel visits Mother Mary and announces that she will conceive a child, Jesus, through divine intervention.
Mary and Joseph then went to Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger in an ordinary stable. This miraculous event was celebrated by angels, shepherds and wise men, who followed a guiding star to honor the newborn king. Christmas commemorates the teachings and sacrifices of Jesus, which Christians around the world celebrate with gratitude.
Christmas 2024 in India: Date and Time
Christmas is always celebrated on 25th December and this year it is on Wednesday. Celebrations usually begin on Christmas Eve, with many people attending midnight mass or church services that begin at midnight on 24 December and continue until the early hours of 25 December.
Around the world, many churches hold morning services to honor the birth of Jesus, usually starting at 6 or 7 a.m.
merry christmas!
