Christmas is the most observed and celebrated festival of Christians the world over. It is the annual festival of Christians celebrated on December 25, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

A Brief History of Christmas Festival
Jesus was born as a baby to Mary. This was not an ordinary birth. Mary learned from lord’s angel that she is caused to be with a child. Mary and her husband Joseph went to Bethlehem to give birth to their child. There Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Christmas symbolizes incarnation of God in the form of human being. Christmas also marks an end to the present year and feast for the coming year.

What Does Christmas Mean?
Literally, Christmas means “Mass of Christ” i.e. celebration of Christ. The name of the festival is often abbreviated to Xmas where 'X' being the first letter of the Greek word Christos. Christmas is an important festival for every Christian. Along with celebrating birth of their God, it is the time to be with the loved ones and make merry. Christmas is the time when people rejuvenate and feel the glory of love which Jesus Christ spread through his words and deeds. Christmas imbibes feeling of togetherness and power to love every person on this earth.

Christmas Celebrations
Christians start preparing for Christmas several days before the festival. All streets and homes are illuminated with colorful lights, candles, chandeliers, ribbons, halogen lights etc. Artificial snow is very often used to give snow laden spruce Christmas Tree effect and as decorative on shop windows. These days people even embellish their garden trees with lights, paper and other decoratives to give them a traditional Christmas Tree effect. Shops stay open till mid-night and streets are abuzz with activities by last minute shoppers. Sound of festive music pervade all over and make the atmosphere in the market even more lively. Christmas parties are organized at various work places, restaurants, pubs and clubs days before the festival. People dress in their best and enjoy the spirit of the festival.

Christmas Mass
At several places Christian devotees attend midnight mass on a Christmas Eve. They offer prayers, light votive candles and pray for the well-being of their near and dear ones. Christmas Mass is concluded by hugging and wishing each other merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Christmas Eve is a very special moment for every child. It is believed that when children go off to sleep, mythical Santa Claus comes on his sleigh pulled by reindeers and fills their stockings with sweets, small gifts and treat for the pets. This makes Santa Claus favorite of every child.

Christmas Gifts
Families and friends exchange Christmas gifts to express their good wishes for each other. They also post Christmas cards depicting pictures of the past, gifts and Santa Claus to dear ones staying in different cities and countries. These days people even send Christmas Gifts through on-line gift shopping sites and create sweet memories which are to be treasured for life.

Christmas Delicacies and Parties
Food is the most important part of Christmas celebrations. All the family members and friends sit together to have a big Christmas meal which includes ham, meat balls, small sausages, different kinds of fish, potatoes, salmon, cakes and puddings and sing various Christmas carols. Children come out on the roads beating drums and burst crackers. Some of the people also have a lavish ball and end the festival on a happy note.