Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. While the actual date of his birth is uncertain, Christmas was established in the 4th century by the Catholic Church to coincide with pre-existing pagan winter solstice festivals. The traditions and customs associated with Christmas vary around the world, with some opening presents on different days like St. Nicholas' Eve or Epiphany and others celebrating with special Christmas meals that feature foods native to their country.

1. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

2. Origins
 Christmas or Christmas Day is an
annual commemoration of the birth
of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally
on December 25 as a religious
and cultural holiday by billions of
people around the world. A central
feast to the Christian liturgical year, it
closes the Advent season and initiates
the twelve days of Christmas.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

3. Origins
 Christmas is a civil holiday in many parts of
the world„s nations. It is celebrated by an
increasing number of non-Christians and it
is an integral part of the Christmas and
holiday season.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

4. Dates
 The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25
originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church
wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan
religion that threatened Christianity's existence.
The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun
god, Mithras, during this time of year. Although it
was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate
people's birthdays in those times, church leaders
decided that in order to compete with the pagan
celebration they would themselves order a festival
in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

5. Dates
 Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is
thought to be in the spring, the date of December
25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration
as Christ's Mass so that it would compete with the
rival pagan celebration.
 Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The
early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The
celebration of Christmas was even banned by law
in Massachusetts in colonial days.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

6. Facts
 There are many interesting facts surrounding the
Yuletide season. Some of these are centered
around the myths and old wives' tales that inspired
many of the customs we now see today, while
others depict actual events that occurred during
the period. A few of these are presented below for
your reading enjoyment.
 Have you ever wondered where the idea of elves
came from? They are actually modern day
versions of “Nature folk” described in Pagan
religions of the past.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

7. Facts
 Christmas is perhaps the most anticipated event of
the year. It is a time of good natured gift
exchange, feasting and celebration. Nothing beats
the fun and good times that can be experienced
during the Yuletide season. Yet Christmas is not
without its strange associations, a few of these
have been listed below, some may even elicit a
chuckle or two.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

8. Customs/Traditions
 Boxing Day takes place on December 26th and it
is only celebrated in a few countries. It was started
in the UK about 800 years ago, during the Middle
Ages. It was the day when the collection boxes for
the poor often kept in churches were traditionally
opened so that the contents could be distributed to
poor people. Some churches still open these
boxes on Boxing Day.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

9. Customs/Traditions
 Presents are opened on different days all over the
world as well. The earliest presents are opened is
on St. Nicholas' Eve on December 5th when
children in Holland receive their presents.
 On St. Nicholas' Day (6th December) children in
Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and some
other European countries open some of their
presents.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

10. Customs/Traditions
 Children in the UK, USA and many other
countries, such as Japan, open their presents on
Christmas Day, December 25th.
 The latest presents are opened is on January 6th
(a month after the earliest). This is known as
Epiphany and is mainly celebrated in Catholic
countries such Spain and Mexico.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

11. Food
A special Christmas family meal is traditionally an
important part of the holiday's celebration and the food
that is served varies greatly from country to country.
Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for
Christmas Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

12. Food
In England and countries influenced by its traditions a
standard Christmas meal includes turkey or
goose, meat, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, sometimes
bread and cider. Special desserts are also
prepared, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies and
fruit cake.
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO

13. It’s the end,
we hope you liked it.
h o u h o u
h o u me r r y
c h r i s t ma
s
Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO