What is Christmas?
The word Christmas comes from the words Christes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for members of the Christian religion.
Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. In America it is one of the biggest events of the year (especially for kids), and for members of the Christian religions it is an important day on the religious calendar.
The federal government, all state governments, all schools and universities, and the vast majority of businesses in America give employes one or more days off at Christmas, making it an important holiday.
Santa and opening presents is also a big part of Christmas.
Why is Christmas such a big deal?
There are two reasons why Christmas is such a big deal.
1st reason: According to the 1994 Britannica Book of the Year, there are 1.8 billion Christians in a total world population of 5.5 billion, making Christianity the largest religion in the world. In America, 241 million out of a population of 281 million people profess to be Christians (that's 85%). Because Christians follow Jesus, the birthof Jesus is important to them.
2nd reason: In America, the weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year. Many retailers make up to 70% of their revenues in the month preceding Christmas. Therefore, retailers hike the event beyond belief.
Why is Christmas spelled Xmas?
The word of Christ in Greek is Xristos. The use of the shortened form Xmas became popular in Europe in the 1500s.
game: Disco Dancing Santa
Gospel reading: Luke 10:21-24
**Krissy**
