On Nov. 1, when the clock strikes midnight, it could seem like Christmas has already begun. Despite this, the holiday, which is frequently observed by exchanging gifts and adorning trees, always falls on December 25.
The holiday has moved beyond its religious origins thanks to cookies, tinsel, ribbons, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
So, if you’ve already hung your stockings and are looking forward to Santa Claus visiting, here is the information you need to know about Christmas in 2022 and other holiday-related details.
The History
On Sunday, December 25, 2022, is Christmas. Christmas Day in 2022 will be observed as a public holiday on Monday, December 26, due to its Sunday date. On December 24, 2022, a Saturday, it is Christmas Eve.
According to Britannica, the English word “Christmas” is very recent in origin compared to its old name, “Yule.” The celebration is known by several names that are more closely associated with the “nativity,” such as “Navidad” in Spanish, “Natale” in Italian, and “Nol” in French.
In the ninth century, Christmas became a widely observed celebration with a distinct liturgy, but it never attained the liturgical significance of Good Friday or Easter, the other two significant Christian holidays. While Protestant churches increasingly hold Christmas candlelight services late on December 24th, the first Christmas mass is celebrated at midnight in Roman Catholic churches. Christmas carols are interspersed with Scripture readings in a special ceremony called “lessons and carols” that relates the story of redemption from the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the birth of Christ. The E.W. Benson-initiated service, which was introduced at the University of Cambridge, has grown immensely popular.
The Celebration
Christmas Day is observed in many different ways. It frequently coexists with traditions from holidays celebrated before Christianity. Many individuals give gifts, visit family and friends, and decorate their houses. Many people decorate their houses and yards with lights, Christmas trees, and other ornaments in the days or even weeks leading up to Christmas.
It is customary to plan a special lunch, frequently including turkey and many other holiday fare, for family or friends and engage in gift-exchanging with them. Children in particular frequently get several gifts from their parents, other family members, and the fictitious character Santa Claus. Christmas Day has subsequently become a more commercialized event, with many families devoting a sizable portion of their money to buying presents and food.
Numerous Sunday schools, churches, and neighborhoods host unique occasions. These could involve putting up a Christmas tree, decorating the neighborhood or a mall, and organizing a Nativity show, musical, or performance. Many plays and songs have a Christmas-related theme. For those without a place to live or with very little money, several organizations organize meals, shelter, or charity endeavors.
Christmas 2022
Christmas is symbolized by a wide variety of people and things. These depictions feature Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves in addition to infant Jesus, the Nativity, and the Three Kings. Pine trees, holly, decorations, fairy lights, candles, and presents are typical items at this time of year. Christmas Day currently combines both religious and commercial celebrations.
