Christmas (from the Latin nativitas , "birth") is the oldest festival of Christianity, which annually commemorates the advent of Jesus to this world (December 25), is celebrated with great joy and with more popular manifestations, to the extent of which is considered a universal festival, which even non-Christian peoples celebrate. Christmas breaks out on the night of December 24 (Christmas Eve), shines on the 25th, is completed with the celebration of the New Year, lasts until January 6 (feast of the Epiphany or the Kings), and culminates with the Baptism of Our Lord (Sunday after Epiphany).
Various scientists and researchers have explained that Jesus was not born on December 25 because the shepherds could not be in the field to see the star of Bethlehem, as the Bible narrates, at that time of year there was a lot of cold for those regions. In fact, Christmas day was not officially recognized until the year 345 by the Roman Empire, this order was given by Bishop Liberio; According to him, December 25 was chosen as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus to counteract the pagan festival that was celebrated on that day and was dedicated to Saturn (Roman God of agriculture).
Christmas presents various traditions and symbols such as the Christmas tree, carol songs, Christmas cards, the manger, nativity scene or nativity scene, Christmas dinners, bells, the familiar image of Santa Claus or Saint Nicolas, with the sleigh, reindeer and bags with toys, among others. Today, commerce has distorted Christmas, designed it as a time of compulsive shopping. The joy of Christmas is directly proportional to our purchasing power. If there are abundant purchases and gifts as well as parties and liquor, Christmas is merry. People forget thatChristmas is closeness to God, adoration of the Child, option for the poor, presence of solidarity, fraternity, freedom and peace.
