Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday observed generally on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. The date is not known to be the actual birthday of Jesus, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after some early Christians believed Jesus had been conceived, the date of the Roman winter solstice, or one of various ancient winter festivals.

Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians worldwide, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins.

Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly.

In addition, several figures, known as Saint Nicholas and certain mythological figures such as Father Christmas and Santa Claus among other names are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.

Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

The term ‘Christmas’ is taken from the Old English Cristes masse and the Middle English Christemasse. Sometimes, Christmas is shortened to Xmas, which has a lengthy history. The nativity is referred to the Jesus’s birth. The story of Christmas depends on the accounts offered in the Gospel of Luke and Gospel of Matthew. As per the records, Jesus was born in the Bethlehem, to the Virgin Mary, supported by Joseph (her husband). Nativity scenes traditionally contain the Three Wise Men, Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior.

The Christmas tree is frequently enlightened as a Christianization of pagan custom and tradition nearby the Winter Solstice that contain the usage of evergreen branches and a variation of pagan tree love. The modern Christmas tree custom is considered to have started in the eighteenth century in Germany. This kind of tree can be decorated with ornaments and lights.

As the nineteenth century, the poinsettia has been developed along with Christmas. Other famous holiday trees contain red amaryllis, holly, Christmas cactus and mistletoe.In different businesses, communities, schools and nations have Christmas dances and parties in the weeks before this festival. Christmas shows can contain a retelling of the tale of Christ’s birth. Groupings might stay neighborhood homes for singing carols. Other holds fundraising drives or do volunteer job for help.

On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, a particular meal is generally offered. In several areas, especially in Eastern Europe, these family feasts are come first by a time of fasting. Treats and candy are also part of Christmas celebration in number of nations.