Christmas

Christmas

Christmas (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25 by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season.

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Famous quotes containing the word christmas:

    A woman spent all Christmas Day in a telephone box without ringing anyone. If someone comes to phone, she leaves the box, then resumes her place afterwards. No one calls her either, but from a window in the street, someone watched her all day, no doubt since they had nothing better to do. The Christmas syndrome.
    Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)

    The sixth day of Christmas,
    My true love sent to me
    Six geese a-laying,
    —Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 26–28)

    The tenth day of Christmas,
    My true love sent to me
    Ten pipers piping,
    —Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 64–66)