What are some surprising facts about Christmas?

[mathdad]

Christmas Facts

1. Jesus was not born on December 25. In fact, the Bible does not give the actual date of Christ's birth.

2. There is nothing in the Bible about presents under a tree.

3. Christmas Eve is not the holiest day of the year.

4. Santa Clause never existed.

5. I see no Christmas spirit in the behavior of people in our so-called modern society.

BTW, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

 

[lofgran]

Hello there,

I would like to add some additional information to the facts presented in this forum post about Christmas.

1. While it is true that the Bible does not give the exact date of Jesus' birth, many historians and scholars believe that December 25th was chosen as the date for Christmas due to its proximity to the winter solstice and the celebration of other pagan winter festivals. It was not until the 4th century that December 25th was officially recognized as Christmas by the church.

2. The tradition of giving gifts during Christmas can be traced back to the story of the three wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus. However, the practice of putting presents under a tree originated in Germany in the 16th century and has since become a popular tradition in many parts of the world.

3. While Christmas Eve may not be the holiest day of the year, it is still an important part of the Christmas celebration for many people. It is often a time for families to gather and attend church services together.

4. While there is no historical evidence to prove the existence of Santa Claus, the character has become a beloved symbol of Christmas for many people, especially children. The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint known for his generosity and gift-giving.

5. While it is true that the commercialization of Christmas has overshadowed its true meaning for many people, there are still many acts of kindness and generosity that take place during the holiday season. It is important to remember the true spirit of Christmas, which is about spreading love and joy to those around us.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas as well.