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Christmas Day

Christmas is a Christian celebration that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated all over the world, both for religious purpose and as time spent with the family. It lands on December 25 every year, following Christmas Eve on the 24th. Boxing Day follows, on the 26th, which is often a holiday as well.

Upcoming Dates For Christmas Day

Christmas Day lands on the 25th of December. Here are the upcoming dates:

  • 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 Day Considered a Holiday?

Christmas is a holiday everywhere in New Zealand, as well as many other places across the world. During Christmas Day, nothing is open. Many stores will remain closed from Christmas Eve, straight through until New Years. So, before planning a post-Christmas shopping spree, check with the local malls. Many shops will be open on Boxing Day for sales. However, very few businesses will be found open on Christmas day itself. Public transportation will likely be unavailable as well. Schools are closed during the Christmas holidays, since they land in the summertime in New Zealand.

Festivities & Events During Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, many choose to spend time with their families. In the morning, children gather around the Christmas tree to receive presents from their parents. These presents are often marked as being from "Santa". They can also be gifts that were delivered from other friends and family members. It is traditional to gather around the tree to open them among family. Traditionally, a meal is also served in the evening, with family members. This meal is often a feast, including turkey and other meats. On Christmas Eve, families may gather by the fireplace, enjoying tales and Christmas stories. Boxing Day is traditionally celebrated relaxing after the festivities of Christmas. The Christmas tree is often put up weeks prior to Christmas, along with decorating the house for the holiday. For traditional Christians, this day may be celebrated on the 7th on January - however that date is not a holiday. Also, given the three-day weekend, many families may choose to travel to visit their relatives.

A Brief History About Christmas

The history of Christmas is tied between the Christian religion and a series of Pagan traditions. In the bible, three wise men visited Jesus Christ with gifts, spawning the tradition of gift-giving on this day. However, the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree falls in the Pagan festival of the Winter Solstice. Christmas Day has been celebrated all over the world for many years, making it hard to trace back an exact time. It was the settlers that brought the tradition of Christmas to New Zealand.