25-26 December
Christmas
(Christian Holiday)

Christmas (Latin: Nativitatis Domini, Natalis Domini, "The Birth of the Lord")

Christmas is the second most important Christian holiday, after Easter in theological significance, celebrating the birth of God’s son, Jesus Christ. St. Francis of Assisi considered it the "feast of feasts." Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25th worldwide, although the exact date of Jesus' birth is not known. Some Christian authors suggest this date was chosen because they believed Jesus’ suffering (Easter) or his conception (March 25th) occurred on the same day. Another reason could be that the winter solstice occurs around this time on the Northern Hemisphere, and early Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus instead of the Roman Mithras and Sol Invictus festivals.

According to the decision of the First Council of Nicaea, Christmas is a feast day to commemorate the earthly birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy and peace, celebrating family and childhood, home and homeland.

The Nativity Story:
According to the New Testament, Jesus was born in a stable because no one took in the pregnant Mary, who, along with her husband, Joseph, arrived in Bethlehem for a census on the night of her labor. The story goes that the Magi (later referred to in Hungarian folk language as the "Three Kings") set off to greet the newborn Messiah with gifts, following a star that led them to Jesus.

Despite Christmas being a Christian holiday, many non-Christians worldwide also celebrate it as a holiday of human love. Depending on local culture, the modern and popular celebration involves gift-giving, Christmas music, sending written greetings, church services, Christmas Eve dinners, and decorating with festive items such as Christmas trees, Christmas lights (or electric lights), colorful glass ornaments, garlands, mistletoe, holly, and in Hungary, "szaloncukor" (Christmas candies), along with other traditional decorations.

Christmas as a Global Celebration:
While rooted in Christian traditions, Christmas has evolved into a holiday that emphasizes universal themes of love, kindness, and generosity, making it a celebration embraced across various cultures and religions. Whether through family gatherings, acts of charity, or simply sharing festive joy, Christmas has become a global symbol of hope and goodwill.