Why Do We Celebrate Christmas? History, Books, Movies, And More

Christmas is one of the world’s most celebrated holidays, but how many of us really know why we celebrate it? Beyond the lights, gifts, and familiar carols, Christmas has roots that stretch back centuries, blending religious significance, cultural traditions, and even pagan customs. Each December, we immerse ourselves in these rituals, often without questioning where they come from or how they evolved.

To understand Christmas, we need to look at its origins and how it grew into the celebration we know today. From the story of Jesus’s birth to the tales of Santa Claus and holiday classics on our screens, each element adds to the holiday's meaning. 

In this article, our paper writing services will give us a glimpse into why this holiday resonates so deeply across cultures and time. We’ll explain Christmas's history, popular stories, and the movies that keep the season alive!

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas: The Christmas History and Importance

Christmas is celebrated around the world, and its history is rich and varied. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a key figure in Christianity. For many people, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and spreading joy. The holiday has evolved over centuries, incorporating traditions from various cultures, including decorations, festive meals, and even songs. While the religious significance remains central for many, Christmas has also become a time of goodwill and celebration for people of all backgrounds.

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec 25?

The choice of December 25 as the date for Christmas is rooted in both tradition and historical context. One theory suggests that this date was selected to align with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice. This festival involved feasting and gift-giving, making it a fitting time for a celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Another explanation is based on early Christian beliefs. Some early Christians calculated Jesus’ birth to fall on this date using a combination of biblical and historical references. By choosing December 25, they aimed to establish a distinct Christian holiday during a time when many were already celebrating.

Over time, December 25 has become widely recognized as the day to celebrate Christmas, blending religious significance with cultural traditions. Today, it serves as a day for people to come together, regardless of their faith, to share joy and kindness during the holiday season.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters and Other Christmas Symbols: What Do They Mean

When someone mentions Christmas, hundreds of memories light up in our heads. Yet, it's hard to precisely pinpoint what makes winter holidays special. Is it a Christmas tree or maybe a candy cane? If you think about it, all these things do not mean much on their own but, brought together with a little Christmas spirit sprinkled on them, create our core memories.

The Christmas songs we loved to sing as kids, the ugly Christmas sweater our grandmothers gifted us, and the kind merry Christmas wishes from complete strangers create our collective love for the holiday. So let's take a deep dive into some of those Christmas symbols and their meaning.

Christmas Trees

What is a Christmas celebration without Christmas trees?! Nothing brings a joyful spirit to our homes like lightning up beautifully decorated fir trees, spruce, pine, or artificial trees. In many locations, it has become a part of the custom to set up a Christmas tree on Advent Sunday and remove the decorations on Jan 5.

The history of Christmas tree originates in Germany, where pagan Germanic people venerated sacred trees throughout their history. After the introduction of Christianity, religious people often fought pagan traditions. For example, St Boniface is known to have cut down the holy Donar's Oak of the German pagans in the eighth century.   

The modern Christmas tree also originates in Germany. In the Renaissance-era, trees in guildhalls were decorated with sweets. Later, people started hanging garlands, glass beads, and tin figures on the tree. Even the glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany. Finally, in the 19th century, the custom became so popular among the nobility that it spread as far as Russia.  

Since the early 20th century putting up public Christmas trees in stores, towns, and cities and bringing the spirit with the help of Christmas music has become very popular.  

Candy Cane

The infamous peppermint-flavored candy canes are another Christmas staple. Legend has it that in the late seventeenth century, a German bishop gave children attending Christmas service a J-shaped candy to keep them busy and quiet during the service. The J shape was a reminder of the crook shepherds visiting baby Jesus held. 

The first documented candy cane comes from an 1837 exhibition in Massachusetts, USA. They first were plain white sugar canes, and the red stripes were added only a few years later. In 1920 Bob McCormack started making candy canes for his family, and they became so popular that they became a business. Bob's Candies evolved into the biggest candy cane manufacturer.  

Wreath and Mistletoe 

What is the holiday season without wreaths on the doors and hopes to kiss our love interests underneath the mistletoe? 

Wreaths have been in style for a while now. Ancient south Europeans wore a type of it as a head accessory, and in the Greco-Roman world, a wreath represented power and victory. 19th-century German pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern is often credited for linking wreaths with Christmas. He created a cartwheel out of evergreens and put candles to represent the days remaining till Christmas. The beautifully decorated wreaths in the shape of a circle also represent eternal life. 

For good luck in relationships, don't forget to wish your loved ones a merry Christmas and kiss them underneath the mistletoe! Mistletoes have been the symbol of fertility for a very long time, but they became associated with Christmas in the eighteenth century. The serving class of Victorian England has kept the tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe alive. 

Stockings and Ugly Christmas Sweaters 

There is a beautiful story about the origin of Christmas Stockings. Legend has it that a recently widowed man had three daughters and was financially struggling. While wandering through the town, St. Nicholas heard about the family's hardships. Knowing that a man would refuse to accept help, St Nicholas slid down the chimney of their house late at night and found girls' freshly washed stockings drying up by the fireplace. He filled the stockings with gold coins and then disappeared. Since then, empty stockings hung by the fireplace in hopes that Santa Claus will fill it with presents have become one of the essential Christmas decorations.

You can call them ugly all you want, but Christmas sweaters symbolize the season. Jingle Bell sweaters were first sold in the 50s, but they became trendy in the 80s when Christmas celebrations in TV comedies meant wearing an ugly sweater. The 90's carried the tradition too, but Mr. Darcy of the 2001 film Bridget Jones Diary is to be blamed for introducing the sweater to the 21st century. The huge Rudolph on his sweater was hard to miss. 

You can even celebrate National Ugly Sweater day on the third Friday of every December.   

Star Topper 

Another important Christmas decoration is a Star Topper, which originates from Christianity. It represents the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas star, which led the noble Pilgrims to the location of baby Jesus.

Others prefer putting an angel on top of the tree, representing the angel Gabriel who told Mary she would have a son. The Illustrated London News published an image of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert next to a Christmas tree topped with an angel, and by their influence, an angel became one of the most popular tree-toppers.  

Advent Calendar

In the past decade, promotional advent calendars have become a major component of the holiday season. The stores are filled with holiday-themed boxes produced by companies branching out in all fields, from beauty brands to candy manufacturers. Twenty-five mystery products put into 25 different boxes create a single entity called the Christmas advent calendar. It's an exciting way to count the days till the big festivity.  

Commercialization of the history of Christmas has created a gap between what modern Christmas represents and where its Christian roots are. For example, advent calendars have been around for centuries and were used to count down the days of Advent. It symbolized days remaining till the nativity of Jesus and the beginning of the liturgical season. In addition, advent calendars were used for spiritual preparation of accepting Jesus in one's heart. 

Poinsettias 

Christmas is not the same without bright red Poinsettia flowers. They are native plants of Central America, the southern area of Mexico, and the Aztecs have used the leaves for many different purposes. 

Legend says a poor little Mexican girl Pepita had nothing much to offer the baby Jesus at Christmas eve service and brought a small bouquet of weed as a present. When she put the plants at the bottom of the nativity scene, the weeds burst into red flowers in the shape of the Bethlehem star. Everyone attending thought they had just seen a miracle, and ever since, the poinsettias have become the synonym for Christmas.  

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first ambassador for the USA to Mexico, was the first person to introduce flowers to the states. Later on, they spread to Europe and farther. 

Christmas Decorations: Lights

We don't believe in winter holidays without bright blinding luminosity. If you don’t too, get your coursework writing help to have more time for Christmas decorations. 

Turns out the practice of Christmas lights started in seventeenth-century Germany. At first, people attached candles to the trees with the help of wax or pins to illuminate the ornaments. However, in New York, the first tree lit by electric lights appeared in 1882. It led to the creation of the first string of Christmas illuminations and became the staple of every household.

Christmas Gifts 

Gifts are the highlight of the Christmas celebration. Every year a large amount of money is spent on presents, and families around the world have honored the custom in their unique ways, but to share the holiday season with your loved ones is a gift of its own. 

Christmas presents symbolize the tributes made by the three Magi to baby Jesus. St Nicholas of Myra's influence also played a significant role in establishing the tradition. He was known for his kindness and altruism. Christians worldwide have followed his example. Saint Nicholas is said to be the inspiration behind the world's most famous gift giver, Santa Claus.   

Unusual Christmas Celebration Traditions All Over the World 

Let's spice up our Christmas story by learning about some of the most unusual Christmas celebrations worldwide. 

Even though Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, families all over the country still rush to the KFC restaurants to wish a merry Christmas to Colonel Sanders and get a special Christmas Eve meal. 

In Finland, on Christmas Eve, people get naked and spend some time in the Sauna. It is believed to be a sacred space of dead ancestors and sauna elves. After connecting with ancestors and cleansing, Finns continue with the Christmas celebration. 

In South Africa, the essential Christmas dish is not a fat turkey or a colossal pie; instead, you will find some fried caterpillars covered in colorful herbs on the dinner table. Eating Caterpillars is believed to bring extra luck in the coming year. 

In different parts of the globe, your deeds decide whether Santa brings a present for you, but in Austria, the nightmare before Christmas becomes real if you misbehave, as you have to face Santa Claus' nemesis, Krampus. In December, Austrian streets are filled with monster-like figures scaring kids with various pranks.

Christmas Books for Children 

Nostalgic love for Christmas stems from our childhood and the books we read as kids. The lessons that classic Christmas books teach leave a significant mark on the kids and shape their idea of what Christmas is and should be. Here we will remember all the iconic Christmas books that create the Christmas spirit. You can carry the tradition by reading it with a new generation.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas  

A relatively new addition to the Dr. Seuss series tells a story of friends helping a baby reindeer find its way back home just in time for Christmas. Lovers of rhyming books will find the story fascinating and learn that the cat in the hat does know a lot about Christmas.   

A Christmas Carol 

If it comes down to one essential Christmas story, it has to be A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The astonishing tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounter with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future teaches kids the importance of forgiveness, sharing, and what a proper Christmas celebration is all about. 

Even though the book is written for children, the wisdom it possesses is for every age group. Not only do kids need to learn about the importance of giving, but adults caught up in life's affairs need a reminder of what the holiday season stands for.  

The infamous story never ceases to improve our Christmas mood. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 

We bet you wish the Grinch could steal the duty to ‘do my programming assignment,’ but as it's a little bit unrealistic, let's remember a heartwarming story of a little girl and a grumpy man who decided to steal Christmas.  

As we grow older, we can resonate much more with the iconic Character of the Christmas-hating Grinch. All these years of stressful shopping and gift wrapping might have stolen our pure excitement for the holidays. The book's entire purpose is to remind us that Christmas means a lot more than gifts and decorations. May the jolly songs of Christmas and hugs from loved ones return our Christmas spirit in its full force. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 

Another brilliant story by Robert L. May encourages young readers to follow the tale of Santa Claus' youngest reindeer. Rudolph's red nose sets him apart from the rest of the group and becomes the reason for ridicule and bullying. But when Santa notices his bright red nose, he puts the outcast in charge of leading the sleigh. 

The tale is an excellent reminder that no matter how different people are, everyone is remarkable in their own way, and it should be celebrated. The holiday season brings people closer. It's not only about decorations, trees, and gifts; acceptance, inclusion, and love are what Christmas is all about.

Favorite Christmas Cartoons: Kids Christmas Movies and More 

The holiday season means getting together with our family and friends and having Christmas movie marathons. Iconic Disney Christmas movies never fail to set a joyful mood. The comfort and coziness they bring brighten up everyone's day. Maybe they are called kids Christmas movies, but the lessons they teach of kindness, inclusivity, and generosity are never bounded by age.  

Here are some Christmas staples you can enjoy with your family.

Charlie Brown Christmas 

An animated television special Charlie Brown Christmas follows young Charlie Brown, saddened that everyone seems to have forgotten what Christmas is all about. The character is asked to direct the Christmas play and bring the holiday spirit; he adds a real but puny tree to the play. Other kids make fun of Charlie for choosing such a poor tree for the play, but his belief that given enough love, everything starts to show its beauty, brings the rest of the group together. 

The phrase from the animation 'Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!' reminds us as adults to always show up for our friends and support their ideas even if we don't understand them.   

The Grinch

The Grinch is an animated adaptation of the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Even though the 2018 animation does not add much to the original story, it has become the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time.  

The animation's popularity is an undisputed sign that western culture cannot exhaust the story of a Christmas-hating Grinch who decides to steal all Christmas gifts, decorations, and basically the whole spirit of the holiday. People searching for a Christmas mood and feeling like the Grinch might have stolen it should definitely watch the new adaption. Cindy Lou's iconic hairstyle and the joyful songs that melt Grinch's frozen heart will bring the Christmas spirit to you too. 

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer 

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer is a perfect match for you if you are over the classic animations and are searching for more modern takes on them. Elliot is a miniature horse dreaming of being part of Santa's sleigh. Just like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, he is mocked for his dreams. The movie teaches the importance of perseverance and is an excellent source of Christmas entertainment.

The Nightmare Before Christmas 

If you are a true lover of cinematography, The Nightmare Before Christmas must be near to your heart. The animation opens doors to Tim Burton's fantastical universe, allowing us to see Christmas in a different light. Accompanied by Danny Elfman's enchanting music, the animation tells a story about Halloween Town's honorary citizen Jack Skellington who tried to put his twist on Christmas. 

The unique storyline, Tim Burton's paradigmatic characters, and emotional songs set The Nightmare before Christmas apart from all the other Christmas movies. It provides a fantastic experience and brings a holiday spirit like no other.

Casper's Haunted Christmas 

Computer animated movie Casper's Haunted Christmas tells the story of the friendly ghost Casper. The character is sent to Kriss, a town in Massachusetts, to execute his ghostly duty to scare at least one person a year. However, Casper's friendly nature prevails; unable to meet his goals, the character's friends decide to help him before it's too late.   

The movie has set all film lovers in the mood for Christmas since 2000. The animation has been a family favorite for a long while, and a clever play on the plot of How the Grinch Stole Christmas will have a new generation excited. It is a great moment to reconnect with our past and connect with the future.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas 

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is an excellent choice to set a proper nostalgic Christmas mood. 1999's hand-drawn animation produced by Walt Disney Television Animation invites all our favorite childhood characters into the same space. You can time travel and shake hands with characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

The animation's sentimental nature makes everyone put the generational difference aside and bond over the fun tale. In addition, the animation features classic Christmas songs that have broken the boundaries of epochs and become infamous worldwide.  

Best Christmas Movies to Watch in 2024-2025

Now, let’s browse through some of the best Christmas movies along with new releases that add a fun mix of adventure, family dynamics, and classic holiday themes, making them perfect picks for the 2024-25 holiday season!

Red One

It's early December, and we are already loaded with assignments; you might even be complaining ‘I have to write my annotated bibliography’ which is due soon! If this is the case, let us present the list of Christmas movies to lift your spirit up immediately.

In this high-octane action-comedy, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans take on the roles of operatives from the North Pole’s elite security force. When Santa is abducted, their mission becomes a global adventure to save Christmas, blending traditional holiday magic with big-budget thrills. Expect wild stunts, funny banter, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with just the right amount of suspense. Directed by Jake Kasdan and with a talented ensemble cast, "Red One" promises a unique mix of Christmas cheer and adrenaline-fueled action for audiences of all ages

A Sudden Case of Christmas

This heartwarming comedy centers on a young girl who, longing for family unity, makes a magical Christmas wish. Starring Danny DeVito and Andie MacDowell, the story unfolds in an Italian mountain hotel where the family gathers for a summer holiday. Soon, festive chaos ensues as the characters are caught between Christmas celebrations and the July heat. Mixing humor with touching family dynamics, this movie offers a fun, unconventional look at Christmas, reminding viewers of the holiday’s deeper meaning in a beautifully unusual setting​.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved book, this adaptation follows a church’s holiday pageant thrown into chaos when the Herdman siblings—known troublemakers—join the cast. With Judy Greer and Lauren Graham leading the cast, the film explores how the unlikely participants disrupt, yet ultimately enrich, the play. Their unpredictable antics add humor, while their sincerity brings heartwarming surprises, challenging everyone’s view of the Christmas story. This family-friendly movie combines laughter and holiday warmth, capturing the spirit of embracing the unexpected​.

Santa Hunters

In this unique Australian mockumentary, three young, determined “Santa-catchers” take matters into their own hands, hoping to capture proof of Santa’s existence. With a blend of comedy and curiosity, they set traps and embark on hilarious adventures, all while dealing with the mischief of the holiday season. This mockumentary-style film infuses humor into the holiday spirit, showcasing the kids’ boundless enthusiasm and faith in the magic of Christmas. It’s a delightful twist on holiday storytelling, bringing a touch of whimsy to the search for Santa. 

Bad Santa 

The 2003 comedy film Bad Santa directed by Terry Zwigoff, is one of those classic Christmas movies. The professional thieves Willie T. Soke and Marcus Skidmore decide to rob shopping malls and pose as Santa and elf in the department store. As the plot develops, the audience sees the positive change in traditional villain characters. The movie is loaded with classic American narratives and witty humor, which makes it an absolute antidote to conventional Christmas movies. If you are looking for funny Christmas movies that are not necessarily family-friendly, this one is a match for you. 

Richie Rich

Is it really Christmas without Macaulay Culkin? Please don't get excited yet; in this instance, we are talking about Richie Rich. The 1994 classic tells a story about a rich little boy with all the toys but no friends. Once his parents go missing, and Richie Rich decides to inspect the case on his own, he comes across a group of youngsters. Fun and challenging adventures bring kids together.

The holiday classic is a reminder to call your friends for Christmas and catch up with them. No toys and money can compare to soulful conversations and fun times with friends.

Home Alone 

Time to get excited! Is there a person on earth who has never seen Home Alone? We think it's a prerequisite to enter life. But, even though we have seen it millions of times, this classic never fails to touch our hearts. Young Macaulay Culkin has become the face of Christmas excitement. Culkin's brilliant acting, entertaining and unique plot, iconic villains, sentimental vibes, and some of the best Christmas music – it seems like the production behind the movie nailed every single aspect of it. 

Since its premiere in 1990, Home Alone has become a symbol of American Christmas. Who can't relate to little Kevin wanting to make his family disappear? And who can't relate to wanting them back? Home Alone is one of those family Christmas movies that all generations enjoy. This classic is proof not all old Christmas movies follow the same cheesy narrative.

Elf

A true classic of old Christmas movies, Elf highlights the importance of family, love, and the Christmas spirit. Raised as an elf, the main character Buddy discovers he is a human and decides to visit his birth location, New York. After a series of unfortunate events, Buddy finds Santa's damaged sleigh. With help from his human friends, Buddy gathers just enough Christmas Spirit so the sleigh can fly and Christmas can be properly celebrated.

In terms of quality family Christmas movies, Elf is among the highest-ranked films loved by millions of people all around the globe. If it's one of your childhood favorites, you should definitely share it with younger generations.  

Let’s Recap

As we wrap up, it’s clear that Christmas is a celebration like no other—filled with history, symbols, stories, and traditions that bring people together in countless ways. 

Here’s a quick recap of what makes this holiday so special:

• Christmas has deep roots that shape our celebrations today.
• Ugly sweaters, stockings, mistletoe, and even candy canes each carry unique meanings that connect us to past customs.
• Stories like A Christmas Carol and movies like Home Alone bring a bit of magic to every holiday season.
• From unexpected customs around the world, we see just how universal—and unique—the spirit of Christmas can be.

As you enjoy the season, take a moment to think about the traditions that mean the most to you, and remember that Christmas is ultimately about connection, joy, and the memories we make with loved ones!