Christmas (French: Noël) is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in the Christian world, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Over centuries, Christmas has evolved from a purely religious observance into a complex cultural, social, and even secular event observed by billions of people across continents. Its history reflects theological debates, cultural exchanges, political transformations, and deep human desires for light, hope, and community during the darkest days of the year. This text explores the religious foundations of Christmas, its historical development, the controversies surrounding its date, its lexical and symbolic meanings, and its transformation into a global cultural phenomenon.
At its core, Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the Nativity of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. According to the New Testament, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph under humble circumstances. The Gospel of Luke describes shepherds visiting the newborn child after being guided by angels, while the Gospel of Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, who followed a star from the East. These narratives form the theological heart of Christmas and are reenacted each year in church liturgies, nativity scenes, and Christmas plays around the world.
Most Roman Catholics and Protestant Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, with festivities often beginning on the evening of December 24. Many Orthodox Christians also commemorate the Nativity on December 25, but those who follow the Julian calendar—such as in Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and parts of the Holy Land—celebrate it on January 7, which corresponds to December 25 in the Julian system. The Armenian Apostolic Church follows a unique tradition, celebrating both the Nativity and the Baptism of Christ together on January 6. These variations reflect early Christian diversity and the lasting influence of different calendrical systems.
