Christmas the day Jesus was born
Christmas is one of the most important days celebrated allover the world, the date of birth of Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem on December25 2012 years before. There might be some discrepancies about his exact date of birth but December25 is the day when every one celebrates his birthday. Jesus Christ the son of a shepherd Joseph and mother Mary.
Jesus Christ gave the world the message of peace and to his followers a new religion known as Christianity. He faced many difficulties during his lifetime but emerged the ultimate winner establishing himself as ‘son of God’ therefore; God is known to be his father as well.
The Christmas
Whatever the disputes about date of birth of Jesus Christ the Christian community celebrates Christmas on December25. In fact they begin the celebrations much before the by decorating their homes, shopping malls and Churches. Followers of Christianity consider this day as the biggest day of their lives and celebrate it in grand style. They try to exchange goodies with friends of relative with much fanfare and lots of shopping involved well in advance.
Christmas tree, the pine tree or fir decorated with colored light bulbs, bells, Chocolates and toys is one the essential parts of the decorations along with lighting done with candles, stars and Kandeels the multidimensional paper lanterns with bamboo strips to support the frame of different size and colors give the whole new look to the residential and shopping areas
Santa Claus- the much-awaited person with bag full of gifts
Most parents make their children believe that Santa Claus comes with gifts in the night before the Christmas for good children. Children love to wake up in the morning with different gifts waiting for them under their pillows, in their rooms on the table and other places as hidden in the garages, socks, basements of the house and many other places. Parents enjoy the happiness of children by making them believe that Santa considered them as good children who deserved the gifts.
The Christmas Eve
Depending on the tradition of their churches, different Christian communities go to churches for a mass prayer in the evening and then they come back to their homes to celebrate with family and friends in a grand style. However, the Christmas Eve is celebrated in different ways in different countries and different parts of the world with one thing common that they enjoy the occasion to the best of their capacities.
Generally there are two different masses the prayer sessions, the candle lit prayers and the mass taking place at midnight that is the official welcome of Christmas. ‘Merry Christmas’ as people wish each other with handing gifts and celebrating the occasion with drinks especially planned for the night. The merry making turns in full swing with people dancing, singing, drinking and eating delicacies prepared for the evening.
The Christmas day
Finally, the big day, people go to attend prayers in their respective churches with friends and family to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ the son of God- Himself, known as savior of the world. Not only Christians but also people from other communities participate in prayers and exchanging gifts. I have personally attended the prayers and Christmas Eve parties with my friends and enjoyed as much as we enjoy our own festivals with traditional style and with exchange of gifts.
Christmas is celebrated in different ways and styles in different countries with local touch adding a different look to the festival. I remember that while I was in south India especially in Kerala it used to be very different from what we have in north India although traditions and way of celebrations are same. There is another very crucial aspect of the festival although not associated with any religious importance but Christmas being one of the most gift exchanging festivals the business community is affected in a big way.