Christmas Day 2020
Christmas Day marks on December 25 in several countries around the world. It is one of the most festive Christian holidays.
Christmas was originally a Christian festival that celebrated Jesus’ birth, but it also became a secular family holiday in the early 20th century, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike. With the legendary figure of Santa Claus playing the pivotal role, the secular holiday is mostly devoid of Christian elements.
How Christmas Began?
The middle of winter has been a time of celebration in the world for a long time. Centuries before the coming of the man named Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in winter’s darkest days. During the winter season, when the worst of the winter was behind them, many people rejoiced and were able to look forward to longer days and prolonged hours of sunshine.
The Norse celebrated Yule in Scandinavia from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In celebration of the light’s return, fathers and sons would bring home large logs that they would set on fire. Until the log burned out, which took long as 12 days, the people would feast. The Norse claimed that a new pig or calf born during the coming year reflected each spark from the flames.
The end of December in most parts of Europe was a great time to celebrate. At that time of year, most cattle got slaughtered to be fed during the winter. It was the only time of year for many that they had stocks of fresh meat. Moreover, most of the wine and beer produced during the year was eventually fermented and ready to drink.