Christmas Day (December 25): History, Traditions, Symbols & Facts
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, is the Christian festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ — and today it is also one of the most widely celebrated holidays on Earth. Billions of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, enjoy its lights, carols, gifts, family meals and spirit of kindness. Here is the complete guide to its history, symbols and traditions.
| Name | Christmas Day |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 25 |
| Next date | Friday, December 25, 2026 · in 62 days |
| Type | Public Holidays |
| Observed in | 🇦🇺 Australia🇧🇩 Bangladesh🇨🇦 Canada |
| Topic | Family & RelationshipsReligiousSeasons & Festivals |
| Public holiday? | Yes |
| Christmas Day at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 25 (Western churches); January 7 for many Orthodox churches using the Julian calendar |
| Celebrates | The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem |
| First recorded celebration on December 25 | Rome, AD 336 |
| Public holiday in | More than 160 countries, including Bangladesh |
| Season | Advent before it; the Twelve Days of Christmas after it (to January 5) |
| Hashtags | #MerryChristmas #ChristmasDay |
The Christmas Story
According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Angels announced the birth to shepherds in the fields, and later wise men (Magi) from the East followed a star to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These scenes are the heart of nativity plays, carols and cribs around the world.
Why December 25?
The Bible does not give a date for Jesus’ birth. The earliest record of a Christmas celebration on December 25 comes from a Roman calendar for the year AD 336. Historians discuss several explanations:
- Calculation theory — early Christians believed Jesus was conceived on March 25 (the Annunciation); nine months later is December 25.
- Winter festivals — the date was close to the Roman Saturnalia and the feast of Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun”, near the winter solstice.
- Symbolism — Christians described Christ as the “light of the world”, fitting a celebration as days begin to lengthen.
Christmas Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| AD 336 | First recorded Christmas celebration on December 25 in Rome |
| 1223 | St. Francis of Assisi creates a living nativity scene in Greccio, Italy |
| 1500s | Decorated Christmas trees appear in Germany and the Baltic region |
| 1647 | English Puritans ban Christmas celebrations (restored in 1660) |
| 1823 | The poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“’Twas the Night Before Christmas”) shapes the image of Santa |
| 1843 | First commercial Christmas card; Charles Dickens publishes “A Christmas Carol” |
| 1848 | A picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Christmas tree popularises trees in Britain and America |
| 1870 | Christmas becomes a U.S. federal holiday |
| 1914 | The Christmas Truce during the First World War |
| 1932 | King George V gives the first royal Christmas broadcast |
👉 The night before: Christmas Eve — traditions around the world
Christmas Symbols and Their Meaning
| Symbol | Meaning and origin |
|---|---|
| Christmas tree | An evergreen symbol of life; popularised in Germany and spread worldwide in the 1800s |
| Star | The Star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men |
| Nativity scene (crib) | The birth of Jesus, first staged by St. Francis in 1223 |
| Santa Claus | Based on St. Nicholas, a generous 4th-century bishop, and the Dutch Sinterklaas |
| Candles and lights | Christ as the light of the world |
| Holly and wreaths | Evergreen life; the circle represents eternity |
| Gifts | The gifts of the Magi and the spirit of generosity |
| Red and green | Holly berries and evergreen leaves |
| Candy cane | Shaped like a shepherd’s crook |
👉 Where Santa came from: Saint Nicholas Day — December 6
Christmas Food Around the World
| Country | Traditional Christmas food |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Roast turkey, pigs in blankets, Christmas pudding, mince pies |
| United States | Roast turkey or ham, pies, eggnog, cookies |
| Germany | Roast goose, stollen, lebkuchen |
| Italy | Panettone, pandoro, regional pasta and meats |
| Mexico | Tamales, bacalao, pozole, ponche |
| Philippines | Lechon (roast pig), bibingka, puto bumbong |
| Australia | Seafood, barbecue and pavlova — Christmas is in summer! |
| Bangladesh | Cakes from Christian bakeries, pitha and festive rice dishes |
| Japan | Fried chicken and strawberry “Christmas cake” |
| Ethiopia (January 7) | Doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera |
How Christmas Is Celebrated in Bangladesh
Christmas — called Borodin (the “Big Day”) in Bangla — is a public holiday in Bangladesh. Churches in Dhaka, such as the Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon and St. Mary’s Cathedral, hold midnight and morning services. Christian neighbourhoods are decorated with lights and stars, families visit one another, and hotels and shopping malls set up Christmas trees and Santa visits that are enjoyed by people of all faiths.
Famous Christmas Carols
| Carol | Origin |
|---|---|
| Silent Night (Stille Nacht) | Austria, 1818 |
| Joy to the World | England, 1719 words; adapted music 1839 |
| O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) | 18th century |
| Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | Charles Wesley, 1739 |
| Jingle Bells | USA, 1857 — originally written for Thanksgiving |
Ways to Celebrate Christmas Day
- Attend a church service or listen to carols.
- Share a festive meal with family and friends.
- Exchange thoughtful gifts — even handmade ones.
- Call relatives who live far away.
- Volunteer at a shelter or deliver food to someone alone.
- Play games, watch a Christmas film or go for a winter walk.
Christmas Wishes, Quotes & More
👉 Wishes: Merry Christmas wishes and texts
👉 For kids: Christmas wishes for kids
👉 For your boss: Christmas wishes for your boss
👉 Funny: Funny Merry Christmas wishes
👉 Quiz: Christmas quiz questions and answers
👉 Shopping: Stores open on Christmas Day
👉 Countdown: National Christmas Card Day
👉 After Christmas: Boxing Day — December 26
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When is Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is observed every year on December 25. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 25, 2026 | Friday | in 62 days |
| 2027 | December 25, 2027 | Saturday | in 427 days |
| 2028 | December 25, 2028 | Monday | in 793 days |
| 2029 | December 25, 2029 | Tuesday | in 1158 days |
| 2030 | December 25, 2030 | Wednesday | in 1523 days |
| 2031 | December 25, 2031 | Thursday | in 1888 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25 every year. Many Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate it on January 7.
The Bible gives no date. December 25 was recorded in Rome in AD 336; explanations include a calculation from March 25 (the Annunciation) and the timing of Roman winter festivals.
Yes. Christmas Day (Borodin) is a public holiday in Bangladesh.
Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop of Myra known for secret gift-giving, combined with the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition.
They are the twelve days from December 25 to January 5, ending on the eve of Epiphany.
Their churches follow the older Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.