Christmas Day

Christmas Day is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Bible describes the birth as taking place in a stable in Bethlehem. In recent years the Christmas period has extended in many countries with festivities spanning December and revolving around more commercialised western activity such as Christmas parties.

Who celebrates?

People of the Christian faith around the world as well as non-Christians living in Christian or Western cultures.

How do people celebrate?

• Traditions vary in different Christian faiths, but many celebrations will include Church services, family meals, gift giving and decorating trees and homes
• Many families in the UK will also celebrate with the tale of Father Christmas who brings gifts to children on Christmas morning.

What should I know?

• Whilst Christmas Day is a Christian holiday it is also celebrated by non-religious people across the UK
• Although Christmas day honours the birth of Christ, many of its traditions have pagan origins
• In the 2011 census 33.2 million people identified as Christian in the UK.

How can I support others?

• Do not assume that because someone is not of the Christian faith that they won’t be celebrating
• If someone is not celebrating Christmas be careful not to exclude them during this time
• Ask people if and how they will be celebrating and what their family traditions are
• Talk to your team about the Christian representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

History channel’s history of Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wmp0HPCOxk

The history of Christmas traditions: https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-history