Christmas, celebrated on December 25 is perhaps the most popular festival of the world. To mark the birth of Lord Jesus, there is jubilant Christmas celebration around the world. Today Christmas is the day which also spins around a great deal of business, especially in the West for retailers and businesses. The word Christmas is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase that is believed to have been first recorded in 1038.Celebrations of Christmas Day is across the world, including those countries or regions that are non-Christians. Due to the Colonial rule, there still are pockets of Anglo or other European population in different parts of Asia and Africa. It is because of the presence of these people and their celebrations, that Christmas in these countries become popular with others too. Some countries such as Japan and South Korea like to adopt the secular aspects of the festivals like decorating the Christmas tree, baking cakes etc. It is worthy to note that countries such as People's Republic of China, (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and North Korea do not declare public holiday on the day of Christmas.

Those countries having strong Christian tradition celebrations of Christmas combine regional and local cultures. The most defining part of the Christmas for the Christians is participating in a religious service; its role constitutes an important part in the recognition of the season. It is during the Christmas and Easter that the churches witness an upsurge in the people coming to church to offer their prayer to Lord Jesus. Catholics organize religious processions or parades across the cities on the days preceding Christmas. Santa Claus makes his merry appearances around the city and for children this figure is one of amusement and joy since they receive gifts from him.

The term “Christmas tree" was first recorded in 1835 and linguists believe that it has been taken from the German language. The Christmas tree, many believe, had originated in Germany the 18th century. Some other, however, argue that that Martin Luther initiated the tradition in the 16th century. Later from Germany the custom was imported to Britain, first through Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, followed more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. By the year 1841 the Christmas tree had become an integral part of Christmas celebrations in throughout Britain. The US, by the 1870s had adopted the custom of setting up a Christmas tree. People love to decorate the Christmas trees with lights and ornaments.

Christmas time sees the entire city in different part of the world lit up with outdoor Christmas lights. Shopping Malls and the markets become extremely lively as hundreds of people gather there with there family and friends. The stores do very good business and the sale of various items such as Christmas cards greetings, popular Christmas symbols such as Christmas tree, Santa Claus and bells are bought by one and all. The restaurants offer puddings special to the season and other menu items too correspond with the mood. Children and adults equally enjoy decorating the X-Mass tree as almost every household decorates and keeps one at home. Christmas decoration ideas have been passed from one generation to other. People enjoy their special Christmas cuisines and sing carols to celebrate the festival.

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