Christmas Customs and Observances
In addition to the date, other aspects of Christmas owe their origins to pagan celebrations, such as the Yule log, the tree, gift-giving, and lights. Although sometimes maligned today, the Christian appropriation of pagan customs would likely have been regarded positively by early Christians as a victory for Christ over paganism and a way to win more souls. This general strategy seems evident in the choice of December 25, as outlined above.
Religious Observances
Religious observances of Christmas center around special worship services, which are characterized by the extensive use of candlelight and are often held at midnight. In Bethlehem, Midnight Mass is celebrated at the place of Jesus' birth in the ancient Church of the Nativity. Another popular semi-religious observance is singing Christmas carols, both in church and door-to-door in one's neighborhood.