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Christmas 2024 Date, History, Significance, How to Celebrate

Published Date: 09-Jan-2023

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

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

Symbols of 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 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

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
Diwali Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Kali Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Halloween Day Thu 31-Oct No 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.

Sargun Preet Kaur
Sargun has an appetite for challenges and creative hurdles that can help her grow as she conquers them one by one. With an innate desire to travel the world, she weaves through life by visiting her dream destinations. When not in her creative zone, Sargun loves to smash in badminton and binge-watch her favourite shows.
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