Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals on Planet Earth. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by decorating homes, exchanging gifts and organizing family get-togethers. In most traditions, Merry Christmas is celebrated for 12 days which is the period that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 and runs through till January 6.
Although Merry Christmas is mainly associated with Christians non-Christian communities also take part in the celebrations enthusiastically. One of the merriest times of the year, Christmas is observed on 25th December, every year. So, Merry Christmas 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 25th.
Here you can learn about Merry Christmas 2024 date, significance and background, how to celebrate Christmas, places to observe, Christmas symbols, and year-wise observations
Christmas History and Significance
Christmas | History and Significance
The English term ‘Christmas’ translates to “mass on Christ’s day“. As per Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came into this world for the betterment of mankind.
In 221, Christian traveller and historian, Sextus Julius Africanus revealed to the world that Christ came into this world on 25th December and since then, Christians have been celebrating the occasion.
Another reason for celebrating Merry Christmas on 25 December is that this day coincides with a popular Roman holiday, the birthday of the god Mithra – the Pagan Sun. Numerous Christian writers and historians have reflected a connection between the birth of the sun and the son (Christ) which led to the origin of Christmas. Also, many Christian and non-Christian communities around the globe celebrate Christmas as the beginning of New Year festivities and an occasion to meet and greet their families.
Christmas Background
Christmas background is rooted in the Christian religion. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God and the saviour of humanity by Christians. A Christmas story is drawn from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to the Gospel narratives, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary and placed in a manger, visited by shepherds and wise men who followed a star to find the newborn king. Over time, it has become a season of joy, love, and giving, celebrated by people of various cultures and faiths, marking not only the birth of Christ but also a time for family, togetherness, and goodwill.
How to Celebrate Christmas in India 2024
Merry Christmas brings people together in the spirit of love, joy, and giving. Here are some popular ways to make your Merry Christmas 2024 special:
- Decorate Your Home: Start by adorning your home with Merry Christmas decorations. Hang colourful lights, and set up a Christmas tree.
- Exchange Gifts: On Christmas Eve, give a thoughtful gift to your loved ones and enjoy the joy of giving and receiving. People usually put gifts for family under the Christmas tree.
- Christmas Day: On Christmas morning, exchange gifts, wish each other Merry Christmas, and have a feast with friends and family.
- Cook a Special Meal: Christmas dinner is often a grand affair, preparing and sharing a special meal is a cherished part of the day. Baking gingerbread cookies, fruitcakes, and other traditional Christmas treats.
- Involve in Charity: Reach out to those less fortunate by volunteering or donating.
- Singing Christmas Songs: Gather around with friends and family to sing Christmas carols. Some famous Christmas songs are All I Want for Christmas is You (1994), White Christmas (1942), Last Christmas (1984), I’ll Be Home For Christmas (1943), Have Yourself a Merry Christmas (1944), and Jingle Bell Rock (1983).
- Watch Christmas Movies: Some of the best Christmas movies are “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Home Alone,” and “A Christmas Carol.” These heartwarming films capture the essence of the holiday season.
- Plan a Christmas vacation: There are many exciting places to visit for a Christmas vacation. You can plan a vacation with your family and friends to enjoy the festival.
- Attend Christmas Events: Check out local Christmas markets, parades, and light displays in your community. These events often feature festive music, food, and entertainment. There are many outdoor Christmas decorations which will give you amazing festive vibes to make your heart jolly!
Symbols of Merry Christmas
Here are the symbols of Merry Christmas decorations:
- Angels: The angels announced the news of Jesus’s birth. They sang, “Glory to God in the highest” and proclaimed the good news on the first Christmas night.
- Bells: The Christmas bell signifies that all living beings are precious in Christ’s eyes and he will help them.
- Evergreen Trees: The evergreen Merry Christmas tree reminds us of the everlasting hope and life eternal. The tree is covered with Christmas decorations during the festival.
- Gifts: The Christmas gift represents love and kindness.
- Santa Claus: The monk named St. Nicholas later became the character Santa Claus, and is admired for his piety and kindness.
- Candles: The Merry Christmas candle reminds us to find our way in the darkness of life, and also be a light to others. Candles are one of the most important Christmas decorations.
- Star: The Christmas star symbolises that Christ is the light of the world and is a shining hope to all mankind.
Christmas 2024 Celebrations across India
Christmas Celebrations across India
Christmas is celebrated with utmost joy and enthusiasm throughout the world. Multiple festivities take place in various regions of India to celebrate the birthday of Lord Jesus. On this day, Christians decorate their homes and visit nearby churches to attend the Christmas mass. Children recite Merry Christmas carols, while adults are retold the life and struggles of the son of God, Jesus at the church.
People buy Christmas trees as Christmas decorations which are believed to bring prosperity to their homes and ornament them with artificial stars and lights.
From family get-togethers and late-night parties to exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones; Merry Christmas celebrations have become an integral part of yearly festivities in India. Every member of the family rejoices and displays acts of selflessness. A major part of Christmas celebrations deals with paying homage to the selfless nature of Jesus Christ who left his mortal form for cleansing the sins of mankind.
Christian families prepare and distribute homemade cakes and chocolates to friends and neighbours.
Best Places to Observe Christmas Celebrations in India
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Goa
- Delhi
YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Best Places to Celebrate Christmas 2024
Year-Wise Christmas Observances
| YEAR | DAY | DATE | Event/Festival |
| 2015 | Fri | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2016 | Sun | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2017 | Mon | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2018 | Tue | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2019 | Wed | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2020 | Fri | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2021 | Sat | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2022 | Sun | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2023 | Mon | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2024 | Wed | 25-Dec | Christmas |
| 2025 | Thur | 25-Dec | Christmas |
Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Mon | 01-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Lohri | Sat | 13-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Makar Sankranti | Sun | 14-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Pongal | Mon | 15-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Wed | 17-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Republic Day | Fri | 26-Jan | Gazetted Holiday |
| Losar | Sat | 10-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Basant Panchmi | Wed | 14-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Sat | 24-Feb | Gazetted Holiday |
| Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wed | 6-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Mahashivratri | Fri | 8-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Holi | Mon | 25-March | Gazetted Holiday |
| Good Friday | Fri | 29-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Easter Day | Sun | 31-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Gudi Padwa | Tue | 9-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | Wed | 10-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Vaisakhi (Vishu) | Sat | 13-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Rama Navami | Wed | 17-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sun | 21-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Wed | 8-May | Restricted Holiday |
| Buddha Purnima (Vesak) | Thu | 23-May | Gazetted Holiday |
| Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Mon | 17-Jun | Restricted Holiday |
| Rath Yatra | Sun | 7-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Muharram (Ashura) | Wed | 17-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Independence Day | Thu | 15-Aug | Gazetted Holiday |
| Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) | Thu | 15-Aug | Public Holiday |
| Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) | Mon | 19-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Janmashtami | Mon | 26-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Sat | 7-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Onam | Sun | 15-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad | Mon | 16-Sep | Gazetted Holiday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Wed | 02-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dussehra | Sat | 12-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Thu | 17-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Sun | 20-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Tue | 29-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Kali Puja | Thu | 31-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Halloween Day | Thu | 31-Oct | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Kerala Piravi | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Sat | 2-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Bhai Dooj | Sun | 3-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Chhath Puja | Thu | 7-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Fri | 15-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Christmas | Wed | 25-Dec | Public Holiday |
FAQs
Q When is Christmas in 2024?
A. Merry Christmas will be celebrated on 25th December 2024.
Q. Which country celebrated Merry Christmas first?
A. The first Christmas celebration was recorded in Rome on December 25, AD 336.
Q. What food is eaten on Merry Christmas?
A. Famous food items on Merry Christmas are Roast Goose, Turkey, Glazed Ham, Egg nog, Panettone, Gingerbread Houses, and Plum Christmas Pudding.
Q. What are the items used to decorate Christmas trees?
A. Christmas decorations like candles, tree skirts, small lights, wreaths, stars, figurines, and garlands are the items used to decorate Christmas trees during the celebrations.