What is christmas?

Christmas

Christmas (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25 by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season.

Read more about Christmas.

Famous quotes containing the word christmas:

    she in the kitchen
    aproned young and lovely wanting my baby
    and so happy about me she burns the roast beef
    and comes crying to me and I get up from my big papa chair
    saying Christmas teeth! Radiant brains! Apple deaf!
    Gregory Corso (b. 1930)

    I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
    Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
    Of peace on earth, good will to men.
    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1809–1882)

    Silver bells, silver bells,
    It’s Christmas time in the city.
    Ray Evans (b. 1915)