Christmas has a way of changing everything, from the way we decorate our homes to the way we spend our time with loved ones.
For many people, the Christmas season is a time for reflection, for giving and for coming together with those we care about most.
For some, it’s about parties, bad ideas and drinking challenges and who is the first one to be sick.
For others, it is the celebration of Jesus Christ, and going to the midnight mass at church to listen to Holy Sermons and pray to their God.
One of the biggest changes that Christmas brings is in our attitude toward others and human life on earth.
No matter how we celebrate Christmas in our society, whether it is in your belief or not, let’s take a look at some facts on how it changed the world.
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Where Exactly Does Christmas Come From?
History tells us It is thought that the first Christmas celebrations occurred in Rome around 336 AD, and the holiday spread to other parts of the world over the next few centuries – Source: AmericasLibrary.gov
“The name “Christmas” comes from the old English “Cristes maesse,” which means “Christ’s mass.”, first recorded in 1038 according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.”
This is a religious service held on the feast day of Christ’s birth, Jesus, which is claimed to be on December 25th, but is it? Keep reading!
The holiday has its roots in the ancient pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, which was a time of feasting and merrymaking.
Over time, these celebrations were combined with the Christian tradition of celebrating the birth of a child named Jesus, and Christmas became a major holiday in many parts of the world.
Controversy Around The Christian Holiday
The celebration of Christmas has been a source of controversy for centuries.
While some Christians see it as an opportunity to honour the birth of Jesus, others have argued that it is not a true religious holiday and should not be celebrated.
The modern-day
The debate around Christmas centers largely on its commercialization and what many views as its secularization of the religious holiday.
Opponents of the celebration argue that it has become a season of excess consumption, with retailers pushing to cash in on the holiday and its associated symbols.
They also point out that many Christmas traditions, such as gift-giving and decorating trees, have pagan roots and do not reflect Christian values.
Supporters of Christmas
On the other hand, supporters of Christmas contend that the modern-day celebration of the holiday is grounded in Christian traditions and values.
They point out that early Christmas customs, such as carolling and giving gifts, have been a part of the holiday for centuries and can be traced back to religious roots.
Additionally, many argue that Christmas does not need to be overtly religious in order to be meaningful. Instead, it can be a time for families to come together and celebrate their bonds of love and friendship.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Christmas is likely to continue as different groups and beliefs clash over its meaning and purpose.
What’s clear, however, is that the holiday has become an important part of many people’s lives, regardless of their religious beliefs.
For many, it is a time for joy and togetherness that helps bring people closer to one another.
The Bible
What Does the Bible say About Christmas?
Nothing, in fact, the Bible doesn’t even say anything about it nor even use the word. On top of that, it has been claimed that Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, but more towards the springtime. Source: BibleStudyMinistery
How Santa Claus Got Linked To Christmas?
The first known mention of Santa Claus associated with Christmas dates back to 1809 and a New York newspaper. The Dutch settlers, who had brought their traditions of Saint Nicholas to America, depicted Santa as a jolly old man in red-and-white robes driving a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. Source: Britannica
In 1809, author Washington Irving wrote the popular “History of New York” which featured a plentifully bearded character mimicking Saints Nicholas who flew over treetops in a horse-drawn wagon. This is likely the origin of how we think of Santa today: he had become an Americanized version of St Nick.
But it was popular cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1863 that truly brought Santa Claus to the mainstream. Nast created a series of Christmas cartoons for Harper’s Weekly, depicting Santa as an old man with a long white beard, a red coat with white fur trim and a jolly demeanour.
Nast also drew iconic images of Santa’s workshop at the North Pole and his list of naughty and nice children. His illustrations became so popular that they were printed in newspapers around the world and helped make Santa Claus an international figure.
How The Most Recognizable Song On Christmas Was Born?
Singer-songwr
iter John Frederick Coots and composer Haven Gillespie wrote a song about Santa in 1934 for the singing group The Eddie Cantor Radiobroadcast. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” helped cement Santa in the minds of Americans and became one of the most recognizable Christmas songs today.
Today, Santa Clause is a beloved figure around the world and is closely tied to Christmas celebrations. He is seen as an embodiment of generosity, cheer and goodwill toward all on Christmas Eve.
So How Christmas Changed Everything?
The spirit of Christmas is one of generosity, compassion and love, and this often translates into acts of kindness and giving.
During the Christmas season, we are more likely to reach out to those in need, whether it is through donating to charity, volunteering our time, or simply offering a kind word or gesture to someone who is struggling.
Another way that Christmas changes everything is in the way we celebrate.
For many people, the Christmas season is a time for festive gatherings, decorating the home and for enjoying special traditions.
Whether it is baking cookies, singing carols, or simply spending time with family and friends, the Christmas season brings a sense of joy and togetherness that is unmatched at any other time of year.
But perhaps the biggest change that Christmas brings is in our outlook on life. The true meaning of Christmas is one of hope, peace and of new beginnings.
In a Nutshell
No matter how difficult things may seem, there is always the possibility for good in the world. It is a time to let go of the past, forgive and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
In short, Christmas changes everything because it reminds us of what is truly important in life: love, compassion and hope. It is a time to let go of our worries and embrace the joy of the season.
So as we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember the true spirit of the holiday and let it change our hearts for the better.
Merry Christmas!
