what is christmas?
Christmas is a Christian festival, celebrating the birth of Jesus. The nativity story tells of Jesus being born in a stable in Bethlehem. He was then visited by three wise men that had followed a star to the birthplace, while shepherds in a nearby field saw an angel appear who told them of the holy birth.
Christmas is a popular celebration around the world, among both Christians and non-Christians, but this was not always the case. Prior to the popularisation of the Christian faith in Rome, key religious beliefs in Europe and the Middle East involved many Gods and spirits, generally linked to the natural world. Traditionally December was the time of the Winter Solstice. This was a time of celebration aimed at marking the cycle of the seasons, the lengthening of the days and the inevitable end to winter.
Christmas is a popular celebration around the world, among both Christians and non-Christians, but this was not always the case. Prior to the popularisation of the Christian faith in Rome, key religious beliefs in Europe and the Middle East involved many Gods and spirits, generally linked to the natural world. Traditionally December was the time of the Winter Solstice. This was a time of celebration aimed at marking the cycle of the seasons, the lengthening of the days and the inevitable end to winter.