4. Dates The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianitys existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras, during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate peoples birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
5. Dates Although the actual season of Jesus birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christs Mass so that it would compete with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
6. Facts There are many interesting facts surrounding the Yuletide season. Some of these are centered around the myths and old wives tales that inspired many of the customs we now see today, while others depict actual events that occurred during the period. A few of these are presented below for your reading enjoyment. Have you ever wondered where the idea of elves came from? They are actually modern day versions of “Nature folk” described in Pagan religions of the past. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
7. Facts Christmas is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year. It is a time of good natured gift exchange, feasting and celebration. Nothing beats the fun and good times that can be experienced during the Yuletide season. Yet Christmas is not without its strange associations, a few of these have been listed below, some may even elicit a chuckle or two. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
8. Customs/Traditions Boxing Day takes place on December 26th and it is only celebrated in a few countries. It was started in the UK about 800 years ago, during the Middle Ages. It was the day when the collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches were traditionally opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. Some churches still open these boxes on Boxing Day. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
9. Customs/Traditions Presents are opened on different days all over the world as well. The earliest presents are opened is on St. Nicholas Eve on December 5th when children in Holland receive their presents. On St. Nicholas Day (6th December) children in Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and some other European countries open some of their presents. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO
10. Customs/Traditions Children in the UK, USA and many other countries, such as Japan, open their presents on Christmas Day, December 25th. The latest presents are opened is on January 6th (a month after the earliest). This is known as Epiphany and is mainly celebrated in Catholic countries such Spain and Mexico. Alberto Lucas & Alex Roman, 4 ESO