Christmas is one of the most popular festivals celebrated across the world. It is celebrated every year on December 25. This festival is observed by people around the world with traditions and practices that are secular as well as religious in nature. It is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings formed the basis of the religion 'Christianity'.
The word 'Christmas' is a shortened form of 'Christ's mass'. 'Christenmas' was another term also used during some periods. The gospels of Luke and Matthew describe Jesus as being born in Bethlehem to Virgin Mary. In the gospel of Luke, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem and Jesus was born there.
Angels proclaimed him a savior of all people and shepherds visited him to adore him. The gospel of Matthew also adds that the magi followed a star to Bethlehem to present gifts to Jesus.
Every country celebrates Christmas in its own unique way. Here are some of the countries that spread the joy of Christmas in their own ways.
In Iceland, children are visited by 13 trolls known as the Yule Lads. Each troll leaves either sweets or rotten potatoes outside the doorstep based on the behavior of the child.
A Giant Lantern festival is organized in Philippines every year. This festival began in the early 1900s. Each neighborhood fashions its own massive lantern and all the lanterns are fastened together before Christmas.
In Austria, there's a Christmas legend about Santa's evil counterpart called Krampus who is believed to carry away naughty children in a basket. Every year people dress up in their scariest Krampus costumes in the Hollabrun Market Square.
Many Christians in Portugal fast before Christmas. After the midnight mass the fast is broken with the Consoada feast which consists of meat, pudding and traditional sweets.
Las Parrandas de Remedios is one of the most popular Christmas celebrations in Remedios, a city in Cuba. From December 16 to December 26, there is a fireworks studded celebration across the streets of the city.
As the world comes together to celebrate this winter holiday, here's wishing everyone Merry Christmas from the Crazy Creatives! Feel free to share your Christmas traditions below and also sign up to the Xciting Xmas game. HO HO HO!
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