Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe to be the Son of God, by celebrating Christmas.
The Mass of Christ is where the word "Christmas" originates (or Jesus). Christians recall that Jesus died and later rose from the dead during a Mass ceremony (also known as Communion or Eucharist). The only service that could be held after sunset (and before sunrise the following day) was the "Christ-Mass," so many attended it after midnight! Christ-Mass is hence abbreviated to Christmas.
Whether they are Christians or not, people now celebrate Christmas all around the world. It's a time when friends and family join together to celebrate their blessings. People enjoy Christmas because it's a time for giving and receiving gifts, especially for youngsters!
Early Christian traditions claimed that the Annunciation, or the day Mary was informed she would give birth to Jesus, was on March 25. This day is still observed as the Annunciation. The 25th of December comes nine months after the 25th of March.
The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine.
Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures.
Santa Claus (St. Nick) had appeared in numerous illustrations and books before Coca-Cola was created, always sporting a scarlet coat. In many different ways, he was represented. He could be distinguished and intelligent at times or quite frightening at others. He may be towering and gaunt or diminutive and elfin.
in 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to paint Santa for Christmas advertisements. Those paintings established Santa as a warm, happy character with human features, including rosy cheeks, a white beard, twinkling eyes and laughter lines.
Sundblom drew inspiration from an 1822 poem by Clement Clark Moore called “A Visit from St. Nicholas” —commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”