Merry Christmas

The word “Christmas” originated as a compound meaning “Christ’s mass.”  It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.  “Cristes” is from Greek christos and “mæsse” is from Latin missa. 

In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi) is the first letter of Christ.  Since the mid-16th century “Χ” has been used as an abbreviation for Christ.  Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Adapted from Wikipedia

Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.  Christmas is celebrated throughout the world by both Christians and many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. 

Modern Christmas customs include gift-giving, church celebrations, and the display of various decorations, including the Christmas tree, lights, mistletoe, nativity scenes and holly.

Santa Claus is a popular mythological figure associated with Christmas.  He brings gifts on Christmas Eve night to children around the world on a sled pulled by flying reindeer.

Adapted from Wikipedia