What Is Christmas?

Origins and history

• Christian roots: The Christmas definition at its core commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, though the exact date is unknown. The celebration on December 25 was established in the mid-4th century by Pope Julius I
• Pagan influences: Early Christmas celebrations often intertwined with pagan traditions, sometimes appearing decidedly unchristian, shaping what Christmas is today
• Evolution of traditions: Over centuries, the meaning of Christmas evolved from rowdy public displays to more family-oriented celebrations, incorporating elements like indoor trees and gift-giving by the early 19th century

Key traditions

Christmas tree

• Origin: The first recorded decorated Christmas tree, an essential part of what Christmas is for many, dates back to 1510 in Riga, Latvia
• Martin Luther's influence: In the 1600s, Martin Luther is credited with bringing a tree into his home and decorating it with candles to represent faith, contributing to the Christmas meaning
• Decorations: Early decorations included apples, roses, and candles, evolving to include glass ornaments by the late 1800s, reflecting the changing definition of Christmas

Gift-giving

• Modern spending: In 2024, Americans spend an average of $1,536 on Christmas, with $511 dedicated to gifts, highlighting what Christmas is in contemporary society
• Online shopping: 60% of US consumers prefer to buy holiday gifts online, shaping the modern Christmas meaning
• Self-gifting: 51% of Christmas shoppers buy gifts for themselves, adding a new dimension to the Christmas definition

Cultural significance

• Global celebration: What Christmas is varies worldwide, with various cultural adaptations and local traditions influencing its meaning
• Commercial aspect: The Christmas definition now includes a major retail event, with US holiday season sales reaching a record $936.3 billion in 2022
• Sustainability trend: In 2024, 66% of holiday shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, reflecting a shift in what Christmas means to consumers

FAQ

What is Christmas?

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed annually on December 25. It has evolved into a cultural and commercial phenomenon, featuring traditions like gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, and family gatherings.

What is the meaning of Christmas?

The Christmas meaning encompasses both religious and secular aspects. For Christians, it's a celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. For many, it represents a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness, often involving gift-giving, festive decorations, and family gatherings.

How has the definition of Christmas changed over time?

The Christmas definition has evolved from its Christian roots to include cultural and commercial elements. Early celebrations were often rowdy public displays, but by the 19th century, Christmas became more family-oriented. Today, it includes various traditions, online shopping, and a focus on sustainability.

What are some key Christmas traditions?

Key Christmas traditions include decorating Christmas trees, gift-giving, family gatherings, and special meals. The Christmas tree tradition dates back to 1510, while gift-giving has become a major part of the holiday, with Americans spending an average of $511 on gifts in 2024.

How is Christmas celebrated around the world?

Christmas celebrations vary globally, with different cultures adapting the holiday to include local traditions and customs. While the core meaning of Christmas remains tied to its Christian origins, many non-Christians also participate in secular aspects of the holiday, such as gift-giving and festive gatherings.