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Line 1: − {{Infobox Holiday + − |holiday_name=Christmas+ − |image=Christmas collage.PNG − − |observedby=Christians<br />Many non-Christians<ref>[http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/entertainment/scripts/multifaith_christmas.pdf Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival] — BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2008.</ref> − |date='''December 25''' − |observances=Religious services, gift giving, family meetings, decorating trees − |type=[[Christianity|Christian]], cultural − |significance=[[Nativity of Jesus]] − |relatedto= [[Annunciation]], [[Advent]], [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]], [[Baptism of the Lord]], [[Winter solstice]] − }} − <!--+ − Please do not alter the opening sentence without reaching agreement on the discussion page. While Christmas celebrations are based on pagan traditions and the modern Holidays are often secular, by strict definition from reliable sources, "Christmas" itself is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Altering the definition will probably get your edit reverted. Thank you. − --> − '''Christmas''' ({{pron-en|krɪsməs}}), also referred to as '''Christmas Day''', is an annual [[holiday]] celebrated on [[December 25]] that commemorates the birth of [[Jesus|Jesus of Nazareth]].<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/christmas Christmas], ''[[Merriam-Webster]]''. Retrieved October 6, 2008.<br>"[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761556859 Christmas]," ''[[MSN Encarta]]''. Retrieved October 6, 2008.</ref><ref name="CathChrit">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], ''[[The Catholic Encyclopedia]]'', 1913.</ref> The day marks the beginning of the larger season of '''[[Christmastide]]''', which lasts [[Twelve Days of Christmas|twelve days]].<ref name="CRI-Christmastide">{{cite web|url = http://www.cresourcei.org/cyxmas.html| title = The Christmas Season|publisher = CRI / Voice, Institute|accessdate = 2008-12-25}}</ref> The [[nativity of Jesus]], which is the basis for the [[anno Domini]] system of dating, is thought to have occurred between 7 and 2 BC.<ref>Smith, Mark D. "Of Jesus and Quirinius." ''Catholic Biblical Quarterly''; Apr2000, Vol. 62 Issue 2, pp292-293.<br>Pearson, Brook W. R. "The Lucan Censuses, Revisited." ''Catholic Biblical Quarterly''; Apr99, Vol. 61 Issue 2, p282.</ref> December 25 is not known to be Jesus' actual date of birth, and the date may have been chosen to correspond with either a [[Roman festival]]<ref name="SolInvictus">"[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556859_1____4/christmas.html#s4 Christmas]", ''Encarta''<br>Roll, Susan K., ''Toward the Origins of Christmas'', (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p.130.<br>Tighe, William J., "[http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=16-10-012-v Calculating Christmas]".</ref> or the [[winter solstice]].<ref name="Newton">Newton, Isaac, ''[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16878/16878-h/16878-h.htm Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John]'' (1733). Ch. XI.<br />A sun connection is possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2.</ref> − Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, [[Church (building)|Church]] celebrations, and the display of various decorations—including the [[Christmas tree]], [[Christmas lights|lights]], [[mistletoe]], [[nativity scene]]s, and [[holly]]. [[Santa Claus]] (also referred to as [[Father Christmas]], although the two figures have different origins) is a popular [[mythology|mythological]] figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas for children. Santa is generally believed to be the result of a [[syncretism|syncretization]] between [[Sinterklaas|Saint Nicholas]] and elements from [[Nordic mythology|pagan Nordic]] and [[Christian mythology]], and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media. + − − Christmas is celebrated throughout the [[Christianity|Christian]] population, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. Because gift-giving and several other aspects of the holiday involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, Christmas has become a major event for many retailers. − − ==Etymology== − [[Image:WiseMenAdorationMurillo.png|right|thumb|upright|thumb||''Adoration of the Magi'' by [[Bartolomé Esteban Murillo]]]] − The word ''Christmas'' originated as a compound meaning "[[Christ]]'s [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]]". It is derived from the [[Middle English]] ''Christemasse'' and [[Old English language|Old English]] ''Cristes mæsse,'' a phrase first recorded in 1038.<ref name="CathChrit" /> "Cristes" is from Greek ''Christos'' and "mæsse" is from Latin ''missa''. In [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], the letter [[Chi (letter)|''Χ'']] (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar [[Latin alphabet|Roman]] letter ''[[X]]'', has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century.<ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/pressroom/archive/xmas Oxford English Dictionary]</ref> Hence, [[Xmas]] is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas. − For many centuries, [[Christian]] writers accepted that Christmas was the actual date on which [[Jesus]] was born.<ref>For example, Pope [[Benedict XIV]] argued in [[1761]] that the church fathers would have known the correct date of birth from Roman census records. (Roll, Susan K., ''Toward the Origins of Christmas'', (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p. 129.)</ref> However, in the early eighteenth century, some scholars began proposing alternative explanations. [[Isaac Newton]] argued that the date of Christmas was selected to correspond with the [[winter solstice]],<ref name="Newton"/> which in ancient times was marked on [[December 25]].<ref name="SolsticeDate">"[http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/SF/WinSol.html Bruma]", ''Seasonal Festivals of the Greeks and Romans''<br>[[Pliny the Elder]], [[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]], [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus:text:1999.02.0137&query=head%3D%231117 18:59]</ref> In [[1743]], German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was placed on December 25 to correspond with the Roman solar holiday ''[[Dies Natalis Solis Invicti]]'' and was therefore a "paganization" that debased the true church.<ref name="SolInvictus"/> In [[1889]], [[Louis Duchesne]] suggested that the date of Christmas was calculated as nine months after the [[Annunciation]] on March 25, the traditional date of the conception of Jesus.<ref name="Roll87">Roll, pp. 88–90.<br>Duchesne, Louis, ''Les Origines du Culte Chrétien,'' Paris, 1902, 262 ff.</ref>+ − + − ====Dies Natalis Solis Invicti==== − {{Main|Sol Invictus}} − ''Dies Natalis Solis Invicti'' means "the birthday of the unconquered Sun." The use of the title [[Sol Invictus]] allowed several [[Solar deity|solar deities]] to be worshipped collectively, including [[El (god)|Elah-Gabal]], a Syrian sun god; [[Sol (mythology)|Sol]], the god of Emperor Aurelian; and [[Mithras]], a soldiers' god of [[Persian mythology|Persian]] origin.<ref name="CathMithra">"[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10402a.htm "Mithraism"], ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', 1913.</ref> Emperor [[Elagabalus]] (218–222) introduced the festival, and it reached the height of its popularity under Aurelian, who promoted it as an empire-wide holiday.<ref>"Sol," ''Encyclopædia Britannica'', Chicago (2006).</ref> This day had held no significance in the Roman festive calendar until it was introduced in the third century.<ref>William J. Tighe, "Calculating Christmas", [http://touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=16-10-012-v]</ref> − − The festival was placed on the date of the solstice because this was on this day that the Sun reversed its southward retreat and proved itself to be "unconquered." Several early Christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun to the birth of Jesus.<ref name="CathChrit"/> "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born...Christ should be born", [[Cyprian]] wrote.<ref name="CathChrit"/> [[John Chrysostom]] also commented on the connection: "They call it the 'Birthday of the Unconquered'. Who indeed is so unconquered as Our Lord . . .?"<ref name="CathChrit"/> − − ===Winter festivals=== − {{Main|List of winter festivals}} − − [[Image:ChristAsSol.jpg|thumb|right|Mosaic of Jesus as ''Christo Sole'' (Christ the Sun) in Mausoleum M in the pre-fourth-century necropolis under [[St Peter's Basilica]] in Rome.<ref>Kelly, Joseph F., ''The Origins of Christmas'', Liturgical Press, 2004, p. 67-69.</ref> Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2.]] − A winter festival was the most popular festival of the year in many cultures. Reasons included the fact that less agricultural work needs to be done during the winter, as well as an expectation of better weather as spring approached.<ref name=AncientHoliday>"[http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/viewPage?pageId=1252 "Christmas – An Ancient Holiday"], ''The [[History Channel]]'', 2007.</ref> Modern Christmas customs include: gift-giving and merrymaking from Roman [[Saturnalia]]; greenery, lights, and charity from the [[Roman New Year]]; and [[Yule log]]s and various foods from [[Germanic paganism|Germanic]] feasts.<ref>Coffman, Elesha. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/2000/dec08.html Why December 25?] ''Christian History & Biography'', ''[[Christianity Today]]'', 2000.</ref> [[Norse paganism|Pagan Scandinavia]] celebrated a winter festival called [[Yule]], held in the late December to early January period. As [[Northern Europe]] was the last part to Christianize, its pagan traditions had a major influence on Christmas. Scandinavians still call Christmas ''Jul''. In English, the word Yule is synonymous with Christmas,<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Yule Yule]. ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language,'' Fourth Edition. Retrieved December 3, 2006.</ref> a usage first recorded in 900. − − ===Patristic developments=== − [[Image:Don Lorenzo Monaco 001.jpg|thumb|left|Adoration of the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]] by [[Don Lorenzo Monaco]] (1422)]] − The [[New Testament]] does not give a date for the birth of Jesus.<ref name="CathChrit" /><ref>"[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas Christmas], ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> Around AD 200, [[Clement of Alexandria]] wrote that a group in Egypt celebrated the nativity on Pachon 25.<ref name="CathChrit"/> This corresponds to May 20.<ref>Roll, p. 78, citing calculations by Roger Beckworth. Roll, pp. 79-80, then cites Roland Bainton to say that Clement may have used two separate calendars and the discrepancies between them eventually "yields 6 January, in 2 CE".</ref> [[Tertullian]] (d. 220) does not mention Christmas as a major [[Calendar of saints|feast day]] in the [[African Rite|Church of Roman Africa]].<ref name="CathChrit" /> In ''Chronographai'', a reference work published in 221, [[Sextus Julius Africanus]] suggested that Jesus was conceived on the [[spring equinox]].<ref>Roll, p. 79, 80. Only fragments of ''Chronographai'' survive. In one fragment, Africanus referred to "Pege in Bethlehem" and "Lady Pege, Spring-bearer." See "[http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_Fathers/Volume_VI/Julius_Africanus/Narrative_of_Events_Happening_in_Persia_on_the_Birth_of_Christ Narrative Narrative of Events Happening in Persia on the Birth of Christ Narrative]."</ref> The equinox was March 25 on the Roman calendar, so this implied a birth in December.<ref name="Bradt">Bradt, Hale, ''Astronomy Methods'', (2004), p. 69.<br>Roll p. 87.</ref> ''De Pascha Computus'', a calendar of feasts produced in 243, gives March 28 as the date of the nativity.<ref>Roll p.81f</ref> In 245, the theologian [[Origen of Alexandria]] stated that, "only sinners (like Pharaoh and Herod)" celebrated their birthdays.<ref name="Origin">Origen, "Levit., Hom. VIII"; ''Migne P.G.'', XII, 495.<br>"[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10709a.htm Natal Day]", ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', 1911.</ref> In [[303]], Christian writer [[Arnobius]] ridiculed the idea of celebrating the birthdays of gods, which suggests that Christmas was not yet a feast at this time.<ref name="CathChrit" /> − − ===Feast established=== − The earliest reference to the celebration of the nativity on December 25 is found in the [[Chronography of 354]], an [[illuminated manuscript]] compiled in Rome in 354.<ref>This document was prepared privately for a Roman aristocrat. The reference in question states, "VIII kal. ian. natus Christus in Betleem Iudeæ".[http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/chronography_of_354_08_fasti.htm] It is in a section copied from an earlier manuscript produced in 336.[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm] This document also contains the earliest known reference to the feast of Sol Invictus.[http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/chronography_of_354_06_calendar.htm]</ref> In the East, early Christians celebrated the birth of Christ as part of [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]] (January 6), and this festival included the celebration of the [[baptism of Jesus]].<ref>Pokhilko, Hieromonk Nicholas, [http://sites.google.com/site/historyofepiphany "History of Epiphany"]</ref> − − Christmas was promoted in the Christian East as part of the revival of [[Catholicism]] following the death of the pro-[[Arianism|Arian]] Emperor [[Valens]] at the [[Battle of Adrianople]] in 378. The feast was introduced to [[Constantinople]] in 379, and to [[Antioch]] in about 380. The feast disappeared after [[Gregory of Nazianzus]] resigned as [[bishop]] in 381, although it was reintroduced by [[John Chrysostom]] in about 400.<ref name="CathChrit" /> − − ===Middle Ages=== − In the [[Early Middle Ages]], [[Christmas Day]] was overshadowed by Epiphany, which in the west focused on the visit of the [[Biblical Magi|magi]]. But the Medieval calendar was dominated by Christmas-related holidays. The forty days before Christmas became the "forty days of St. Martin" (which began on November 11, the feast of [[St. Martin of Tours]]), now known as [[Advent]].<ref name="Murray">Murray, Alexander, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], ''History Today'', [[1986|December 1986]], '''36''' (12), pp. 31 – 39.</ref> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/> Around the 12th century, these traditions transferred again to the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]] (December 25 – January 5); a time that appears in the liturgical calendars as [[Christmastide]] or [[Twelve Holy Days]].<ref name="Murray"/> − [[Image:FatherChristmastrial.jpg|thumb|right|Excerpt from [[Josiah King]]'s ''The Examination and Trial of Father Christmas'' (1686), published shortly after Christmas was reinstated as a holy day in England.]] − − The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after [[Charlemagne]] was crowned Emperor on Christmas Day in 800. King [[Edmund the Martyr]] was anointed on Christmas in 855 and King [[William I of England]] was crowned on Christmas Day 1066. − − By the [[High Middle Ages]], the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various [[magnate]]s celebrated Christmas. [[Richard II of England|King Richard II]] of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.<ref name="Murray"/> The Yule boar was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts. [[Christmas carol|Caroling]] also became popular, and was originally a group of dancers who sang. The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus. Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, indicating that the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule may have continued in this form.<ref name="Murray"/> "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival. In England, gifts were exchanged on [[New Year's Day]], and there was special Christmas ale.<ref name="Murray"/> − − Christmas during the Middle Ages was a public festival that incorporating [[ivy]], [[holly]], and other evergreens.<ref name=mcgreevy/> Christmas gift-giving during the Middle Ages was usually between people with legal relationships, such as tenant and landlord.<ref name=mcgreevy>McGreevy, Patrick. "Place in the American Christmas," ([http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7428%28199001%2980%3A1%3C32%3APITAC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 JSTOR]), ''Geographical Review'', Vol. 80, No. 1. January 1990, pp. 32–42. Retrieved September 10, 2007.</ref> − − ===Reformation into the 19th century=== − [[Image:Scrooges third visitor-John Leech,1843.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ebenezer Scrooge|Scrooge]] and the [[Ghost of Christmas Present]], by [[John Leech (caricaturist)|John Leech]]. Made for [[Charles Dickens]]'s [[novel]] ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'' (1843).]] − During the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]], some [[Puritan]]s condemned Christmas celebration as "trappings of [[Papist|popery]]" and the "rags of [[The Beast (Bible)|the Beast]]."<ref name="Durston">Durston, Chris, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60"], ''History Today'', [[1985|December 1985]], '''35''' (12) pp. 7 – 14.</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Church]] responded by promoting the festival in a more religiously oriented form. Following the [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian]] victory over [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]] during the [[English Civil War]], England's [[Puritan]] rulers banned Christmas, in 1647.<ref name="Durston"/> Pro-Christmas rioting broke out in several cities, and for weeks [[Canterbury]] was controlled by the rioters, who decorated doorways with holly and shouted royalist slogans.<ref name="Durston"/> The [[English Restoration|Restoration]] of Charles II in 1660 ended the ban, but many clergymen still disapproved of Christmas celebration. − − In [[Colonial America]], the [[Pilgrims|Puritans]] of [[New England]] disapproved of Christmas. Celebration was outlawed in [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] from 1659 to 1681. At the same time, Christian residents of [[Virginia]] and [[NY|New York]] observed the holiday freely. [[Pennsylvania German]] Settlers, pre-eminently the [[Moravian Church|Moravian]] settlers of [[Bethlehem]], [[Nazareth]] and [[Lititz]] in Pennsylvania and the [[Wachovia, North Carolina|Wachovia]] Settlements in North Carolina, were enthusiastic celebrators of Christmas. The Moravians in Bethlehem had the first Christmas trees in America as well as the first Nativity Scenes. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the [[American Revolution]], when it was considered an English custom.<ref name="cinne">{{cite book | last =Andrews − | first =Peter | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Christmas in Colonial and Early America | publisher =World Book Encyclopedia, Inc. |date=1975 | location =USA | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 7-166-2001-4}}</ref> [[George Washington]] attacked [[Hessian (soldiers)|Hessian]] mercenaries on Christmas during the [[Battle of Trenton]] in 1777. (Christmas being much more popular in Germany than in America at this time.) By the 1820s, [[Sectarianism|sectarian]] tension had eased and British writers, including [[William Winstanly]], began to worry that Christmas was dying out. These writers imagined [[Tudor period|Tudor]] Christmas as a time of heartfelt celebration, and efforts were made to revive the holiday. [[Charles Dickens]]'s book ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'', published in 1843, played a major role in reinventing Christmas as a holiday emphasizing [[family]], goodwill, and compassion as opposed to communal celebration and hedonistic excess.<ref name="Rowell">Rowell, Geoffrey, [http://www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], ''History Today,'' [[1993|December 1993]], '''43''' (12), pp. 17 – 24.</ref> − In America, interest in Christmas was revived in the 1820s by several [[Short story|short stories]] by [[Washington Irving]] which appear in his ''[[The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon]]'' and "Old Christmas", and by [[Clement Clarke Moore]]'s 1822 poem ''[[A Visit From St. Nicholas]]'' (popularly known by its first line: ''Twas the Night Before Christmas'').<ref>Moore's poem transferred the genuine old Dutch traditions celebrated at New Year in New York, including the exchange of gifts, family feasting, and tales of “sinterklass” (a derivation in Dutch from “Saint Nicholas,” from whence comes the modern “Santa Claus”) to Christmas.[http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm ''The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America''], 2006</ref> Irving's stories depicted harmonious warm-hearted holiday traditions he claimed to have observed in England. Although some argue that Irving invented the traditions he describes, they were widely imitated by his American readers. The poem ''A Visit from Saint Nicholas'' popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov [http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006]</ref> In reaction, this also started the cultural conflict of the holiday's spiritualism and its [[commercialism]] that some see as corrupting the holiday. In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]] includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian Church]] of Watertown [http://www.watertownfirstpres.org/sermons/12-11-05.html “Oh . . . and one more thing”] December 11, 2005</ref> Christmas was declared a United States [[Federal holiday]] in 1870, signed into law by President [[Ulysses S. Grant]]. − − ==Nativity of Jesus== − {{main|Annunciation|Nativity of Jesus|Child Jesus}} − [[Image:Johann Koerbecke 002.jpg|thumb|right|German painting, 1457]] − − The [[Nativity of Jesus]] refers to the Christian belief that the [[Messiah]] was born to the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]]. The story of Christmas is based on the [[bible|biblical accounts]] given in the [[Gospel of Matthew]], namely {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=1|verse=18}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew|chapter=2|verse=12}} and the [[Gospel of Luke]], specifically {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=1|verse=26}}-{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=40}}. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]], in the city of [[Bethlehem]]. According to popular tradition, the birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals, though neither the stable nor the animals are mentioned in the Biblical accounts. However, a [[manger]] is mentioned in Luke 2:7 where it states "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Early iconographic representations of the nativity placed the stable and manger within a cave (located, according to tradition, under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem). Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an [[angel]], and were the first to see the child.<ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=9; Luke 2:1–6]</ref> Many Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies from the [[Old Testament]].<ref>Geza Vermes, The Nativity: History and Legend, London, Penguin, 2006, p22.; E. P. Sanders, ''The Historical Figure of Jesus'', 1993, p.85.</ref> − − Remembering is a central way that Christians celebrate Christmas. There is a very long tradition of the [[Nativity of Jesus in art]]. The Eastern Orthodox Church practices the [[Nativity Fast]] in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of the [[Western Christianity|Western Church]] celebrates [[Advent]]. In some [[Christian denominations]], children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a [[Nativity scene]] or crib, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity scenes and [[tableau vivant|tableaux vivants]] are also performed, using actors and live animals to portray the event with more realism.<ref>Krug, Nora. [http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], ''The New York Times'', November 25, 2005.</ref> − − Nativity scenes traditionally include [[Biblical Magi|the Three Wise Men]], Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, and who are said to have followed a star, known as the [[Star of Bethlehem]], and arrive at his birth. <ref>[http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11;&version=9; Matthew 2:1–11]</ref> However, this conflicts with Biblical accounts in that their names and number are never mentioned nor is their arrival at his birth. ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=2&version=50 Matt. 2:7–8, 16]). Likewise, the Bible makes no mention of farm animals, though their presence might be inferred because Mary laid her baby in a manger. − − In the U.S., Christmas decorations at [[Building|public buildings]] once commonly included Nativity scenes. This practice has led to many lawsuits, as groups such as the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] believe it amounts to the government endorsing a religion, which is prohibited by the [[United States Constitution]]. In 1984, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] ruled in ''[[Lynch vs. Donnelly]]'' that a Christmas display (which included a Nativity scene) owned and displayed by the city of [[Pawtucket, Rhode Island]] did not violate the First Amendment.<ref name="Lynch">[http://www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm ''Lynch vs. Donnelly''] (1984)</ref> − − ==Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts== − {{main|Santa Claus}} − [[Image:1863 harpers.jpg|thumb|left|Santa Claus hands out gifts during the [[American Civil War]] in [[Thomas Nast]]'s first Santa Claus [[cartoon]], ''[[Harper's Weekly]]'', 1863]] − Originating from [[Western culture]], where the [[holiday]] is characterized by the exchange of [[gifts]] among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called [[Father Christmas]] (also known as [[Santa Claus]], [[Saint Nicholas]] or St. Nikolaus, [[Sinterklaas]], Kris Kringle, Père Noël, [[Joulupukki]], [[Babbo Natale]], [[Weihnachtsmann]], [[Basil of Caesarea|Saint Basil]] and [[Ded Moroz|Father Frost]]). − − The popular image of Santa Claus was created by the [[German American|German-American]] cartoonist [[Thomas Nast]] (1840–1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.<ref name="Mikkelson">Mikkelson, Barbara and David P., [http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], ''Snopes.com,'' 2006.</ref> − − Father Christmas, who predates the Santa Claus character, was first recorded in the 15th century, but was associated with holiday merrymaking and [[drunkenness]].<ref name=Harper/> In [[Victorian Britain]], his image was remade to match that of Santa. The French [[Père Noël]] evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In Italy, Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while [[La Befana]] is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]]. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby [[Jesus]] gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all children. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by [[Knecht Ruprecht]], or [[Black Peter]]. In other versions, [[elf|elves]] make the toys. His wife is referred to as [[Mrs. Claus]]. − − It is often claimed that the basis for the North American figure of [[Santa Claus]] is the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] holyman and bringer of gifts [[Sinterklaas]]. During the [[American War of Independence]] the inhabitants of [[New York City]], a former Dutch colonial town ([[New Amsterdam]]) which had been swapped by the Dutch for other territories, reinvented their Sinterklaas tradition, as Saint Nicholas was a symbol of the city's non-English past.<ref>[http://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nicholas/nicholas_of_myra3.html#New Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Santa Claus]</ref> The name Santa Claus supposedly is derived from older Dutch ''Sinte Klaas''. However, the Saint Nicholas Society was not founded until 1835, almost half a century after the end of the American War of Independence.<ref>{{cite web − | last = − | first = − | authorlink = − | coauthors = − | title = History of the Society − | work = The Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York − | publisher = − | date = − | url = http://www.saintnicholassociety.org/history.htm − | format = − | doi = − | accessdate = 2008-12-05}}</ref> Moreover, a study of the "children's books, periodicals and journals" of New Amsterdam by Charles Jones revealed no references to Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas.<ref>{{Citation − | last = Jones − | first = Charles W. − | author-link = − | publication-date = − | date = − | year = − | title = Knickerbocker Santa Claus − | periodical = The New-York Historical Society Quarterly − | series = − | publication-place = − | place = − | publisher = − | volume = XXXVIII − | issue = 4 − | pages = − | url = − | issn = − | pmid= − | pmc= − | doi = − | oclc = − | accessdate = − }}.</ref> However, not all scholars agree with Jones's findings, which he reiterated in a booklength study in 1978;<ref>Charles W. Jones, ''Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bari, and Manhattan: Biography of a Legend'' (Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1978).</ref> Howard G. Hageman, of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, maintains that the tradition of celebrating Sinterklaas in New York was alive and well from the early settlement of the [[Hudson Valley]] on.<ref>{{Citation − | last = Hageman − | first = Howard G. − | author-link = − | publication-date = − | date = − | year = 1979 − | title = Review of ''Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bari, and Manhattan: Biography of a Legend'' − | periodical = [[Theology Today]] − | series = − | publication-place = Princeton − | place = − | publisher = Princeton Theological Seminary − | volume = 36 − | issue = 3 − | pages = − | url = http://theologytoday.ptsem.edu/oct1979/v36-3-bookreview15.htm − | issn = − | pmc= − | doi = − | oclc = − | accessdate = 2008-12-05 − }}.</ref> − − The current [[tradition]] in several [[Latin American]] countries (such as [[Venezuela]] and [[Colombia]]) holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. This story is meant to be a reconciliation between traditional [[Religion|religious beliefs]] and modern day [[globalization]], most notably the [[iconography]] of Santa Claus imported from the United States. − − In [[Alto Adige/Südtirol]] (Italy), Austria, Czech Republic, Southern Germany, Hungary, [[Liechtenstein]], [[Slovakia]] and Switzerland, the [[Christkind]] ([[Ježíšek]] in Czech, Jézuska in Hungarian and Ježiško in Slovak) brings the presents. The German St. Nikolaus is not identical with the Weihnachtsman (who is the German version of Santa Claus). St. Nikolaus wears a [[bishop]]'s dress and still brings small gifts (usually candies, nuts and fruits) on December 6 and is accompanied by [[Knecht Ruprecht]]. Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus and other gift bringers, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.<ref>Matera, Mariane. [http://www.citybeat.com/archives/1996/issue304/cover1.html "Santa: The First Great Lie"], ''Citybeat'', Issue 304</ref> − − ==Decorations== − In many countries there are many different types of decorations used depending on the traditions and available resources. − [[File:Mistletoe Kilwinning.JPG|left|thumb|120px|<center>[[Mistletoe]]]] − [[Image:Christmas Tree Bear Decoration.png|right|150px|thumb|A Christmas tree ornament.]]The [[Christmas tree]] is often explained as a Christianisation of [[pagan]] tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of [[evergreen]] boughs, and an adaptation of pagan [[tree worship]].<ref name=Shaman/> [[English language|The English language]] phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Christ Christ], ''Online Etymology Dictionary,'' 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from the [[German language]]. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name=Shaman>van Renterghem, Tony. ''When Santa was a shaman.'' St. Paul: [[Llewellyn Worldwide|Llewellyn Publications]], 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> though many argue that [[Martin Luther]] began the tradition in the 16th century.<ref name="Christmas Archives">{{cite web|url = http://www.christmasarchives.com/trees.html| title = The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree |publisher = The Christmas Archives|accessdate = 2007-12-18}}</ref><ref name="Fashion Era- Christmas">{{cite web|url = http://www.fashion-era.com/Christmas/christmas_customs_tree_history.htm| title = Christmas Tradition - The Christmas Tree Custom |publisher =Fashion Era|accessdate = 2007-12-18}}</ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to Britiain, first via [[Queen Charlotte]], wife of [[George III]], and then more successfully by [[Albert, Prince Consort|Prince Albert]] during the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>[[Desmond Morris|Morris, Desmond]]. ''Christmas Watching.'' London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with [[Christmas lights|lights]] and [[Christmas ornaments|ornaments]]. − − Since the 19th century, the [[poinsettia]], a native plant from [[Mexico]], has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include [[holly]], [[mistletoe]], red [[amaryllis]], and [[Christmas cactus]]. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with [[Garland (decoration)|garlands]] and [[evergreen]] foliage. − − [[Image:Jeffreys Bay-Christmas House-001.jpg|thumb|150px|A house decorated for Christmas]] − [[Image:Toledo Iowa.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Municipal holiday decorations, [[Toledo, Iowa]].]] − In Australia, [[North America|North]] and South America, and to a lesser extent Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated [[Sled|sleigh]]s, [[snowmen]], and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from [[street light]]s and Christmas trees placed in the town square.<ref>Murray, Brian. [http://www.historymatters.appstate.edu/documents/christmaslights.pdf "Christmas lights and community building in America,"] ''History Matters'', Spring 2006.</ref> − − In the [[Western world]], rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of [[Christmas village]]s has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include [[Bell (instrument)|bells]], [[candles]], [[candy canes]], [[Christmas stocking|stockings]], [[wreaths]], and [[angels]]. − − In many countries a representation of the [[Nativity Scene]] is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family [[heirloom]]. − − Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], the evening of January 5. − The traditional colours of Christmas are [[pine]] [[green]] ([[evergreen]]), [[snow]] [[white]], and [[heart]] [[red]].+ − ==Christmas stamps==+ − {{main|Christmas stamp}} − [[Image:Faroe stamp 378 the word and the light.jpg|left|thumb|Christmas stamp 2000 from [[Faroe Island]], featuring quote from [[Gospel of John|John]] {{bibleverse-nb||John|1:14|KJV}}, designed by [[Anker Eli Petersen]]]] − A number of nations have issued [[commemorative stamp]]s at Christmastime. Postal customers will often use these stamps to mail [[Christmas card]]s, and they are popular with [[philately|philatelists]]. These stamps are regular [[postage stamps]], unlike [[Christmas seal]]s, and are valid for postage year-round. They usually go on sale some time between early October and early December, and are printed in considerable quantities. − In 1898 a Canadian stamp was issued to mark the inauguration of the Imperial Penny Postage rate. The stamp features a map of the globe and bears an inscription "XMAS 1898" at the bottom. In 1937, Austria issued two "Christmas greeting stamps" featuring a [[rose]] and the signs of the [[zodiac]]. In 1939, [[Brazil]] issued four [[semi-postal]] stamps with designs featuring the [[three kings]] and a [[star of Bethlehem]], an [[angel]] and child, the [[Southern Cross]] and a child, and a mother and child. + − + − ==Economics of Christmas==+ − − {{see also|Christmas in the media|Christmas tree production|Christmas tree cultivation|Christmas Price Index}} − Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the "Christmas shopping season" generally begins on [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]], the day after [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]], though many American stores begin selling Christmas items as early as October.<ref>Varga, Melody. [http://retailindustry.about.com/od/abouttheretailindustry/g/black_friday.htm "Black Friday], ''About:Retail Industry''.</ref> In Canada, merchants begin advertising campaigns just before Halloween (October 31), and step up their marketing following Remembrance Day on November 11. + − In most areas, [[Christmas Day]] is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In [[England and Wales]], the [[Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004]] prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. [[Scotland]] is currently planning similar legislation. [[Film studio]]s release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, [[fantasy]] movies or high-tone dramas with high [[production]] values.+ − An [[economists]] analysis calculates that Christmas is a [[deadweight loss]] under orthodox [[microeconomic theory]], due to the surge in gift-giving. This loss is calculated as the difference between what the gift giver spent on the item and what the gift receiver would have paid for the item. It is estimated that in 2001 Christmas resulted in a $4 billion deadweight loss in the U.S. alone.<ref name="Deadweight">"The Deadweight Loss of Christmas", ''American Economic Review'', December 1993, '''83''' (5)</ref><ref name="econ">[http://www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=885748 "Is Santa a deadweight loss?"] ''The Economist'' December 20, 2001</ref> Because of complicating factors, this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory. Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as [[white elephant]]s, imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter.<ref>Reuters. [http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=9475 "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says"] December 16, 2005.</ref>+ − {{sisterlinks|Christmas}}+ − ===Christmas time===+ − <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================-->+ − <!--|PLEASE DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THE 'SEE ALSO' SECTION OF THIS ARTICLE|-->+ − <!--| If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, but|-->+ − <!--| put it on this article's discussion page first, or add to category. |-->+ − <!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================-->+ − *[[Christmas Eve]] − *[[Christmas Sunday]] − *[[Christmas worldwide]] − − − − − − − − {{portalpar|Holidays|500px-Xmas tree animated.gif}}+ − ==References==+ − {{Reflist|2}} − {{refend}} − + − *''Christmas in America: A History'', by Penne L. Restad (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995). ISBN 0-19-509300-3 − *''The Battle for Christmas'', by Stephen Nissenbaum (1996; New York: Vintage Books, 1997). ISBN 0-679-74038-4 − *''The Origins of Christmas'', by Joseph F. Kelly (August 2004: Liturgical Press) ISBN 978-0814629840 − *''Christmas Customs and Traditions'', by Clement A. Miles (1976: Dover Publications) ISBN 978-0486233543 − *''The World Encyclopedia of Christmas'', by Gerry Bowler (October 2004: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771015359 − *''Santa Claus: A Biography'', by Gerry Bowler (November 2007: McClelland & Stewart) ISBN 978-0771016684 − *''There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of St. Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions'', by William J. Federer (December 2002: Amerisearch) ISBN 978-0965355742 − *''St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas'', by Jim Rosenthal (July 2006: Nelson Reference) ISBN 1418504076 − *''Just say Noel: A History of Christmas from the Nativity to the Nineties'', by David Comfort (November 1995: Fireside) ISBN 978-0684800578 − *''4000 Years of Christmas: A Gift from the Ages'', by Earl W. Count (November 1997: Ulysses Press) ISBN 978-1569750872 − *''The Birth of Christ", by Peter Sammons (May 2006: Glory to Glory Publications) (UK) ISBN 0-9551790-1-7 − ==External links==+ − − <!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF |--> − <!--| LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, |--> − <!--| but put it on this article's discussion page first or submit your link |--> − <!--| to the appropriate category at the Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org)|--> − <!--| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |--> − <!--| |--> − <!--| Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED. |--> − <!--| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details |--> − <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> − *{{dmoz|Society/Holidays/Christmas/|Christmas}} − *''[http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/22042 Christmas: Its Origin and Associations]'', by William Francis Dawson, 1902, from [[Project Gutenberg]] − {{Christmas}}+ − {{US Holidays}}+ − {{Winter solstice}}
Reverted edits by ReginaldAgnew (Talk) to last version by CPalmer
[[Image:Merry Christmas.gif|right|260px]]
'''Christmas''' is a Christian [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]]. Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25th. The word Christmas comes from "Christ's [[mass]]," and the [[Roman Catholic]] church and most [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations observe Christmas after sundown on the 24th of [[December]]. Some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) practice it on January 6th, combining the day with [[Epiphany]]. Orthodox practice a [[Christmas Fast]] lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).
|nickname=Christ's Mass<br/>Nativity<br/> [[Yule|Yule Tide]] <br/> [[Noel]] <br/> Winter [[Easter|Pascha]]
The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the [[Gospel of Luke]] and the [[Gospel of Matthew]]. Each contains different elements of "the Christmas Story." The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a [[manger]] are from Luke. The story of the Star of [[Bethlehem]] and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "[[gold]], and [[frankincense]] and [[myrrh]]" are from Matthew.
In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a [[Christmas tree]] (typically an evergreen tree) in their house, sing [[carol]]s (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from [[God]].
==History==
==History==
[[Image:Parmigianino Virgin with Child.jpg|right|240px|The Holy Virgin with her Child]]
Festivals have always been celebrated around the time of the solstice. Two thousand years before Christ, the early Mesopotamians celebrated a 12 day new year around that time, which is still reflected in our custom of the 12 Days of Christmas. Their chief god, [[Marduk]], was supposed to battle annually against the forces of chaos, which the Mesopotamians believed were making the sunlight dwindle. The [[Mesopotamian]] King was supposed to be killed to go fight at Marduk's side. However, the king usually substituted a condemned prisoner and let him spend a day as the king. He was treated like the king for a day, then at the end of the day he was stripped and killed in the king's stead.
Some scholars assume that the historical Jesus was born in the Spring, rather than how Christian tradition indicates. It wasn't until around AD 350 that [[Julius Caesar|Caesar]] appointed 25 December to be the Mass of Christ, probably to coincide with the date of the [[Winter Solstice]]. The early Catholic Church concurred, probably in order to draw parishioners away from licentious pagan festivals occurring at about the same time of year. The Romans decked their halls with green laurels and trees decorated with candles. This feast, called [[Saturnalia]], was a time for masquerades and feasts and the trading of presents, including "lucky fruits," the ancestor of today's fruitcake.
Christmas is a relatively unimportant holiday in the Christian liturgy (less important, for example, than the Feast of the Epiphany). Early Protestants, including the Puritans who settled in Plymouth, did not celebrate Christmas, which they denounced as Papist.
Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''
The [[US Postal Service]] regularly issues both a religious-themed and a secular-themed stamp each year.
In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in [[The Netherlands]], Santa Claus is shown in a Catholic [[bishop]]'s [[miter]]. In some countries, Saint Nicholas is not associated with the holiday at all; for example, in [[Spain]] it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children, and in [[Hawai'i]] it is the jolly native [[Kamaunamauna]]. However, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving is prevalent in all cultures.
In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As [[Stan Freberg]] put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.
[[Image:Christmas decoration (DSC04820).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Christmas display in a Brazilian shopping mall.]]
==Modern-day cultural significance==
The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned periodically over the years. The pendulum swung toward secularization in the middle of the twentieth century. One marker was the emergence of songs like ''I'll Be Home For Christmas'' (1943), ''The Christmas Song,'' (1946), and ''Silver Bells'' (1951), which have become a beloved part of Christmas in America despite their lack of any religious content. [[Bing Crosby]], a devout Catholic, initially was reluctant to sing the secular 1942 song ''[[White Christmas]],'' which was to become his biggest hit.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=850892 Still Dreaming of a White Christmas], NPR story</ref>
In recent years, the celebration of Christmas has become part of the "[[culture wars]]." [[Fox News]] analysts [[John Gibson]] and [[Bill O'Reilly]] claim that Christmas has come under attack by "[[liberal]]s." Some Christian conservatives want an increased recognition of the religious core of the holiday, and want to maintain a separation between Christmas and other holidays occurring at the same time of year.
==See also==
==See also==
*[[Carols by Candlelight]]
*[[Hanukkah]]
*[[Kamaunamauna]]
*[[Pantomime]]
*[[Santa Lucia]]
*[[Santa Maria]]
*[[Saint Nicholas]]
*[[Christmas controversy]]
*[[Holiday season]]
*[[Little Christmas]]
*[[Midwinter Christmas]]
*[[Midwinter]]
*[[Twelve days of Christmas]]
*[[Yuletide]]
== External links ==
*[http://www.the-north-pole.com/index.htm Welcome to The North-Pole]
==Further reading==
==Notes and references==
<references/>
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[[Category:Observances]]
[[Category:Christmas]]