Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. December 25 has become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth.
Yes, it is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday; and a worldwide cultural; and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia; people around the world have been observing it with traditions; and practices that are both religious; and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth; a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts; decorating Christmas trees, attending church; sharing meals with family and friends; and of course; waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year; most cattle were slaughtered; so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many; it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition; most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden; as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
Outdoor Santa Claus Decorations 2025: Magical Yard Display Ideas The red suit appeared through the falling snow, glowing in our front yard. I was six years old, peering through frosted windowpanes at the Santa decoration my father had just installed. That moment of wonder—believing I was seeing the real Santa—stayed with me forever. Now, as … Read more
Indoor Santa Claus Decorations 2025: Cozy & Magical Home Ideas The small porcelain Santa sat on my grandmother’s mantel, his paint slightly faded but his smile still bright. Every Christmas, she would place him carefully beside the family clock, creating a scene that felt both magical and deeply personal. That single decoration taught me that indoor … Read more
Christmas Reindeer Decorations 2025: Magical Display & Craft Ideas The first time I saw them, I held my breath. Eight reindeer silhouettes against the twilight sky, their antlers outlined in white lights, seemed to float above our neighbor’s roof. To my seven-year-old eyes, they weren’t decorations—they were magic made real. That childhood memory inspired my … Read more
Christmas Mirror Decor Ideas 2025: Reflective & Magical Displays The antique mirror in my grandmother’s hallway taught me about Christmas magic. Each December, she would frame it with fresh evergreen and place a single candle nearby for Christmas mirror decor touch. The reflection doubled the light, doubled the greenery, and somehow doubled the magic too. … Read more
DIY Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments 2025: Creative Upcycled Ideas DIY Christmas Ornaments; The first time I saw a light bulb transformed into a Santa Claus, I was visiting my grandmother’s nursing home. The activities director had helped residents create these magical ornaments from burned-out bulbs. What struck me wasn’t just the creativity—it was the joy … Read more
Christmas Decor Trends 2025 Part 1: Top Holiday Design Ideas I’ll never forget the Christmas my grandmother handed me a bundle of dried oranges and cinnamon sticks instead of store-bought decorations. “The best magic comes from the earth,” she told me as we strung them together. That moment sparked my lifelong passion for holiday design. … Read more
Christmas Mirror Tips 2025: Magical Reflective Decor Ideas The first time I saw a Christmas tree reflected in a mirror, I was six years old. I remember staring, convinced there were two trees, two sets of presents, double the magic. My grandmother noticed my wonder and explained, “Mirrors don’t just show what’s there—they show what … Read more
Best Christmas Ornaments 2025: Top Trends & Creative Ideas The first ornament I ever loved was a simple glass ball with a tiny crack near the top. My grandmother told me it had survived the 1940s, two cross-country moves, and three generations of children. “The best Christmas ornaments,” she said, “aren’t perfect. They’re loved.” That … Read more
Small Space Christmas Trees 2025: Creative Solutions for Cozy Homes My first Christmas in the city, I stood in my 400-square-foot studio and cried. There was no corner for a tree, no space for the traditions I loved. Then I looked at my blank wall and saw possibility, not limitation. That year, I created my … Read more
Best Places to Hang Christmas Stockings 2025: Creative & Safe Ideas I’ll never forget the Christmas Eve I woke to find our stockings scattered across the floor, their contents spilling out like early Christmas disappointment. The adhesive hooks I’d used couldn’t handle the weight of Santa’s generosity. That morning, as I carefully rehung the stockings … Read more