What is Christmas Day?

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The date of 25 December was established by the Roman church in the 4th century, likely chosen to align with existing midwinter festivals such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule. The word itself derives from the Old English "Cristes Mæsse" — Christ's Mass.

Over the centuries Christmas absorbed many pre-Christian traditions: decorated evergreen trees, gift-giving, and feasting. The modern image of Christmas was heavily shaped by Victorian England and the publication of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol in 1843, which popularised the idea of the holiday as a season of family warmth and generosity.

Today Christmas is the most widely observed public holiday on Earth. It is a national holiday in more than 160 countries and is celebrated by Christians and secular populations alike with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. In the Orthodox tradition, Christmas is often observed on 7 January, following the Julian calendar.