What is Christmas?

We can all agree that Christmas is one of the best times of the year. A celebration that started as a Christian festival, over time has grown into a global holiday that brings together families and communities. Nowadays, Christmas is not just about faith; it’s about warmth, generosity, and if you’re Irish… probably a lot of food and drink! But how did it all start? Keep reading to discover the history of Christmas. 

Where did the name “Christmas” come from?

We say “Christmas” and even “Xmas” all the time, but have you ever wondered why? The word “Christmas” comes from the words “Christ’s Mass”, a church service celebrating the birth of Jesus.  

Khristos (Χριστός) is the Greek word for “Christ,” meaning “Anointed One“ or “Messiah,” a title given to Jesus in Christianity. 

The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi written as an (Χ) symbol and is the first letter of the word Khristos.  

The second part of the word “mass” comes from the Old English word “mæsse”, meaning Mass, a religious Christian service celebrating Christ’s birth.   

This abbreviation has been around for centuries, so next time you see “Xmas,” know it’s more or less just a catchy shorthand.  

Why December 25th?

It’s difficult for anyone to know Jesus’s exact birth date, but early Christians chose December 25th as the date for a few reasons.  

First, it lined up with the Roman winter solstice and the festival of Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun.” By picking this date, the Church offered a Christian alternative to popular pagan celebrations.  

Another theory; historians calculated Jesus’s conception on March 25th, making his birth nine months later, which is December 25th. The date was officially set in the 4th century, and it just stuck! It has been celebrated on the 25th of December ever since.  

Fast forward to today…

Whatever its origin, Christmas has become a celebration of warmth, togetherness, and community. It’s a time when we travel home, gather around a roaring fire, share laughter, exchange gifts, and indulge in a Christmas roast dinner. It’s a day where everyone, regardless of their religion, gets together and shares warmth in their communities.  

If you want to make your Christmas extra cosy, stock up on WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes, they’re perfect for creating that perfect festive glow in your fire.