Christmas Day, December 25, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. For Christians, it commemorates the birth of Jesus. For many others, it's a cultural celebration of family, generosity, food and light in the middle of winter. Homes are decorated with trees and lights, families exchange gifts, and festive meals bring people together. In the United States, Christmas is a federal holiday, and most businesses close for the day.
History of Christmas Day
The Bible doesn't give a date for Jesus' birth. By the 4th century, the church in Rome was celebrating it on December 25; a Roman calendar from the year 354 records the date being observed in 336. Historians debate why this date was chosen, with theories linking it to winter solstice festivals or to early Christian calculations.
Over the centuries, Christmas traditions grew and blended with local customs. Decorated evergreen trees became popular in Germany, and the custom spread to Britain in the 1840s after Queen Victoria's German-born husband, Prince Albert, popularized it. A widely published illustration of the royal family around a decorated tree helped spread the trend to America.
In the United States, Christmas was not always widely celebrated; some Puritan communities in early New England discouraged it. In the 1800s, writers and illustrators helped shape the modern American Christmas, including the image of Santa Claus. In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law making Christmas a federal holiday.
Today, Christmas is celebrated in many ways, from religious services to secular traditions, and customs vary widely around the world.
Why Christmas Day Matters
Christmas brings families and communities together, often across long distances. It's a time for generosity, from gift-giving to charitable giving and volunteering.
For Christians, it's one of the most important religious holidays. For many others, it's a cultural celebration that brings light and warmth to the darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to Celebrate Christmas Day
- Spend time with loved ones: share a meal or connect by video with family far away.
- Attend a service or concert: many communities hold Christmas services and carol concerts.
- Give back: volunteer, donate or check in on someone spending the day alone.
- Keep a tradition: watch a favorite film, play games or take a walk together.
- Learn about other traditions: discover how Christmas is celebrated in other countries.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, most workplaces close on Christmas Day, but healthcare, emergency services, transportation and hospitality workers keep things running; if you're open, consider holiday pay, flexible scheduling and a festive meal for staff. In schools, which are on break, families can explore how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and cultures. At home, traditions might include opening gifts, a big family meal, attending a religious service, or a walk in the afternoon. Remember those who may find the day hard, such as people who are grieving or alone, and reach out with a call or an invitation. Volunteering at a community meal is another meaningful way to spend part of the day.
Fun Facts About Christmas Day
- A Roman calendar records Christmas being celebrated on December 25 in the year 336.
- Prince Albert helped popularize Christmas trees in Britain in the 1840s.
- Christmas became a U.S. federal holiday in 1870.
Christmas Day FAQs
When is Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is December 25.
When did Christmas become a U.S. federal holiday?
In 1870, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law.
Why is Christmas on December 25?
The date was established by the 4th century; historians debate the reasons, including links to winter solstice festivals.
Do all Christians celebrate on December 25?
Many Orthodox Christians using the Julian calendar celebrate on January 7.