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Christmas Day

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For those who aren't religious, it is merely a time to spend with family. In the morning, time is shared by opening material gifts and in the evening, a meal is shared between family members.

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

Christmas is the 25th of December. It follows Christmas Eve, a night for traditions in the Christian community. Then, Boxing Day follows Christmas, often giving employees a three day weekened. Here are the upcoming dates for Christmas celebrations:

  • Monday, December 25, 2017
  • Tuesday, December 25, 2018
  • Wednesday, December 25, 2019
  • Friday, December 25, 2020
  • Saturday, December 25, 2021
  • Sunday, December 25, 2022
  • Monday, December 25, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 25, 2024
  • Thursday, December 25, 2025

Where Is Christmas Considered A Holiday?

Christmas is a largely religious holiday, however, it is celebrated everywhere in Canada. There are no stores open on Christmas day, with the exception of rare conveience stores and gas stations. Most institutions prefer to close, to allow families to spend time together. It is a national holiday, but some individuals can choose to work on Christmas.

Festivities & Events During Christmas

There are many ways to celebrate Christmas, both religious and non-religious. The Christian community may choose to celebrate in church, with sermons and passages from the bible. There are also individuals who choose to volunteer their time at community centers and homeless shelters, as a way of giving back to the community. They offer warmth to those who may not have it otherwise. At home, families celebrate Christmas by opening presents from one another. This is often done around a Christmas tree, usually with an open fire and hot chocolate. In the evening, there is often a large meal, enjoyed by the family. This meal can fall on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day as well, depending.

A Brief History Of Christmas

While Christmas is a largely Christian holiday, many of the traditions are rooted in the Pagan beliefs. For instance, putting up the tree and decorating it was part of the Pagan rituals for a fruitful harvest. This was traditional in most Pagan festivals. The tradition of sharing presents comes from the story of the three wise men, offering gifts to a newborn Jesus Christ. Regardless of the background of the holiday, it is largely celebrated the same way; with family.