The joyful time of Christmas is almost here! With the weather getting chillier, the air is already filled with Christmas cheer. The Xmas-themed decorations set the mood for all things Christmas-y. The celebration of Christmas has both religious and cultural significance. From the Christmas Eve midnight Mass to the preparation of delicious desserts on Christmas Day, the rituals commemorate the beauty of the lovely holiday. But why is December 25 celebrated as Christmas? As the air is all jolly and we prepare for Merry Christmas, let us know about the significance of the Christmas 2024 date, history, rituals, traditions and other important details to celebrate the joyous festival. Secret Santa 2024 Gift Ideas: From Scented Candles and Winter Accessories to Gourmet Delights, Gift Inspirations for the Fun Tradition. 

Christmas 2024 Date and History

Christmas 2024 is on December 25. The day before Christmas is known as Christmas Eve, which is on December 24. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas wasn’t always celebrated on December 25. In fact, some historians believe that Christmas wasn’t celebrated on December 25 until about 336 AD. Among the many traditions, one of the most popular beliefs holds that Mother Mary was told that she would be blessed with a special baby, Jesus, on March 25. Nine months later, on December 25, Jesus was born. Another theory states that several centuries ago, early Europeans marked both light and birth in the darkest days of winter. As they looked forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight, they celebrated the winter solstice. It was a custom to decorate with greenery during festivals. Christmas Carols and Songs: Time To Make Christmas 2024 Joyful With These Musical Gems!

Christmas Significance, Rituals and Traditions

Christmas holds deep significance, both spiritually and culturally. For Christians, Christmas is a sacred day celebrating Jesus Christ's birth. His birth is seen as a fulfilment of biblical prophesies and a symbol of hope for humanity. The festival commences on Christmas Eve, with many devotees attending the midnight Mass or church service on December 24 and extending into the early hours of December 25. Many churches also conduct morning services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. John Lewis Christmas 2024 Ad Video: Retailer's Traditional Advert Features Wholesome Bond of Sisterhood, Viral Commercial Divides The Internet. 

Beyond its religious observance, Christmas has become a widely celebrated holiday, centred with traditions, such as gift-giving, decorating the Xmas tree and family gatherings. These customs reflect a broader spirit of the celebration, making Christmas a time of joy. People also enjoy visiting tree lighting ceremonies, preparing delicious Christmas recipes, decorating their homes and overall making the best of their time with their close friends and family members to celebrate the holiday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2024 02:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).