Christmas is a special day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It also refers to the winter season in the northern hemisphere. Christmas celebration combines with the commemoration of Jesus' birth along with various cultural customs, which are influenced by the winter festivals. Christmas is considered as a cultural and religious holiday by many people around the world. Although the focus of Christmas celebration remains with the birth of Jesus with a heavenly anointing and blessing that profess peace upon earth. It has brought a tremendous hope and joy for those who heard about the news of the one who could redeem man from sin. The Christmas is still being celebrated after almost 2000 years since the birth of Christ with much rejoice and a season of renewal. Jesus' birth is declared in the first 3 Holy books of The New Testament Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where he was first born to Joseph and Mary by a supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The Christmas celebration varies from people to people and from region to region, although it revolves around the divine birth of Jesus Christ. In the auspices of Christmas day, people decorate their house with stars, bells, glitters, balloons, etc. Homes and venues of celebration will be stuffed with different types of lights, lamps, and lanterns with the latest being LASER and LED lamps. All genres of Christmas music is played through music players and loud speakers. Christmas time is time of enjoying together.
Members of the family and friends come together for a get-together at their grand parent's home for celebrating Christmas. Singing and dancing to the tune of musical instruments are an important activity where everyone can join and participate. There will also be skits, slideshows, songs, dances, etc. Younger family members enjoy playing games together. Sweets and sweet delicacies are distributed during these events. An important activity of Christmas is the building of Christmas tree and the manger adorned with decorations, gifts, and prizes which will be presented to all those who attend the event in a lucky dip, remembering the gifts received through the blessings of Jesus. There will be prayers recited and greetings shared, receiving blessing from the great grandparent at the end of these sessions.
People reverently attend churches on the day of Christmas for the Christmas services and mass for receiving the holy blessings of the occasion. Functions at the church includes the Christmas sermon, singing carols, lighting lamps, Christmas mass, Christmas greetings etc. Christmas carol singing is an important event where the faithfuls sing carols to the best of their hearts content remembering the Angels singing songs at the time of Jesus birth. The iconic elder figure of Christmas is the Christmas father who represents the well wisher of the season. Christmas father rides in a reindeer sledge and he gives gifts to children. Christmas time is the time of renewal of ones mind and body and receiving holy blessings. At the close, there will be lighting of crackers in public functions as an expression of joy and solidarity.
Lastly the Christmas feast, which includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Christmas feast is mostly arranged at home and family get-togethers. Christmas sweets and refreshments are distributed during celebrations. Wine is an important delicacy which is consumed in large amounts during Christmas season. Vegetarian dishes include all vegetarian dishes with the ingredients available in the area. The non veg menu include fish, chicken, turkey, lamb, buffalo etc. The Christmas celebrations concludes with prayers, blessings, and greetings to each other.
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