By Mavenstark
Los Angeles, CA
A Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah. Lighting candles each night starting from sunset, 24 December to nightfall, 1 January
This might not be as simple as it sounds to answer.
In general: Christmas or Christmas Day (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed most commonly on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
But: the origin and the name given to this celebration are different depending on the country. Although the month and date of Jesus' birth are unknown, by the early-to-mid 4th century the Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25.
In many Christian countries, celebrating Christmas Eve on December 24 has the main focus rather than December 25, with gift-giving and sharing a traditional meal with the family. The traditional meal for Western European families is turkey or ham with cranberry sauce. Families from Eastern European origins favour turkey with trimmings, keilbasi (a Polish sausage), cabbage dishes, and soups; and some Italian families prefer lasagne!
What happens in America on Christmas Eve December 24th?
Since Christmas Eve is not an official federal holiday, most people have to work. However, it is a partial day off or a full day off in some states. Many workplaces hold Christmas parties or celebrations, so there is a celebratory air to the day. In the evening, often just before bedtime, many families, particularly those with children, will hang up stockings on the fireplace or the end of their bed. Some people, especially Roman Catholics, attend a midnight mass at church. Traditionally, the midnight mass started at midnight, just as Christmas Eve ended and Christmas Day started. However, now many churches hold this church service in the late afternoon or early evening of Christmas Eve.
The United States of America also has many different traditions and ways that people in celebrate Christmas, because of its multi-cultural nature. Many customs are similar to ones in the UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Mexico. Some Americans use pop-corn threaded on string to help decorate their Christmas Tree! Many Americans, especially Christians will go to Church to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Many churches have special Christmas Carol services and events where the story of Christmas is told.
Who brings the presents?
Britain Father Christmas.
France Le père Noël (Saint Nicolas in north-eastern France)
Germany Baby Jesus.
Greece Aghios Vassilis / Άγιος Βασίλης (Saint Basil) on January 1.
Hungary Baby Jesus (Jézuska), (Grand) Father Winter (Télapó) before 1990.
Italy (Napoli) Babbo Natale on December 25, la Befana on January 6.
Finland Joulupukki (Yule Goat—Christmas Goat) on December 25
Turkey Noel Baba (Père Noel)
Who is Santa Claus?
Nope!
The legend of Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle(my favorite, sounds like a horror movie), Father Christmas, or simply Santa) can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra (Demre) in modern-day Turkey (But that's another confusing story)
Still confused? Don't worry! So are all Christians around the world.
Christmas Goat... um, I mean, Santa Claus will still bring you presents... maybe not!
Merry Christmas.
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