Christmas Facts and Festivities Unveiled
Christmas, a beloved celebration, is celebrated across numerous countries, including the United States, on December 25th. This year, 2023, marks a special occasion as December 25th falls on a Monday. Some orthodox countries, like Russia, celebrate Christmas on January 7th.
The exact birthday of Jesus Christ remains unknown. The Christmas story, primarily narrated in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, is a central tenet of Christian belief. Celebrated as the most popular Christian holiday, Christmas is also observed as a family-oriented, secular event.
The word 'Christmas' originates from the Old English term Cristes maesse, meaning 'Christ's mass.' In the early Christian church, Christmas was initially celebrated on January 6th to signify the Greek first letter of Jesus's name, X, but was eventually moved to December 25th.
Many traditional Christmas symbols and customs are rooted in ancient pagan festivals and solstice rituals. Santa Claus, a modern-day version of the ancient Saint Nicholas of Myra, became popular during the Victorian era.
Modern Christmas trees, usually evergreen conifers like pine, fir, or spruce, gained widespread popularity in Germany during the 16th century and were spread to England by Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert.
Around 10 million parcels are expected to be delivered daily by the U.S. Postal Service during the Christmas season of 2023, marking a 10% increase in capacity compared to 2022. According to the National Retail Federation, projected sales for the Christmas season totals are projected to range from $957.3 to $966.6 billion, showcasing a 3 to 4% increase compared to 2022.
