December 25 is celebrated as Christmas Day, every year, in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is worshiped by people as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, and is the central figure of Christianity. This day is observed as a major festival and national holiday in most countries, which may or may not constitute an entirely Christian population.
Days before Christmas, people decorate their houses and gardens with lights. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees also grace most homes and workplaces.
Special feasts of turkey, meat, gravy, potatoes, vegetables are arranged along with desserts of Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit pies for family and friends. People exchange gifts, greeting cards and wishes and come together on this day.
Attending church service along with participating in processions and parades in the days leading up to Christmas and singing Christmas carols is a common practice.
According to popular tradition, Jesus was born to Mary in the city of Bethlehem. His birth took place in a stable that was surrounded by farm animals. The shepherds of the fields around Bethlehem were the first to see the child, since an angel had told them of this birth. Three kings also came to visit the baby Jesus, bringing with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These visitors were said to follow the mysterious star of Bethlehem.
Today, Christmas is celebrated in most places with a re-enactment of this Nativity scene. Sunday schools, churches, and various communities host special events, such as plays or concerts.
Christmas is also associated with the mythical characters Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer and Santa Claus, who bring gifts to children.
Economically, this festival becomes a key sales period for retailers and businessmen, due to the increased practice of gift exchange, party planning, and revelry involving the preparation of special parties accompanied by music and dancing.
In honor of this festival, many people donate their time and money to worthy causes, providing aid to those in need, and sharing love and warmth with family, friends, and the community at large.
In India people decorate their houses, prepare banquets, exchange gifts, attend church and sing Christmas carols to celebrate Christmas.
Schools run by Christian missionaries in India play an important role in staging births.
In several states of India, banana or mango trees are decorated instead of the traditional pine trees.
Goa is the most exciting place to be in India during the Christmas period. The atmosphere is uplifting with Goan music and dancing. Goan Catholics participate in the traditional midnight mass service called Missa de Galo or Cock Crow.
Apart from this, the slow preceding Carnival is the most important event in Goa.
Today Christmas Day is celebrated around the world with vigor and enthusiasm.