Christmas is a special time in the world; nowadays, it is so prominent that even non-Christian people celebrate it. December 25 is a public holiday in North America, where it was first popularized and commercialized. It is believed that the legend of Santa Claus that we know today – a jolly grandpa who rides the sleigh pulled by flying reindeers – originated in the United States.

Christmas Day is the culmination of the Christmas season, which starts after Black Friday, and the beginning of Christmastide. During this prominent holiday, most people exchange gifts and gather around the Christmas table for a special meal consisting of traditional food. Consumption during December 25 is very high; so is the sum of money spent for presents prior to the holiday. The custom is to give each other wishes (for example by Christmas cards), sing carols and enjoy the unique mood brought by decorations, such as the Christmas tree, lights, and greenery.

The origins of the date of Christmas Day may be traced back to the pagan Roman solar festival called Natalis Invicti. In the later years, Jesus would be associated with the ancient worship of the Sun. The first noted celebration of Christmas took place in Rome in 336. However, it was not as prominent as Easter or Epiphany. It had gained considerable fame in the 9th century, but after some time, Puritans outlawed it on the grounds that it was too drunken an occasion. It became a legal holiday in 1660, but gained prominence in England only in the 19th century. In America, Puritans banned Christmas in Boston in 1659, while other colonies freely enjoyed the celebrations. Within two centuries, Christmas was popularized by the British writer Charles Dickens (Christmas Carol 1843) and the American folklore short story writer Washington Irving, among others. Finally, on June 26, 1870, Christmas Day became a federal holiday in all states. The holiday came to Canada partially from the southern neighbors, but also directly from Europe: Québec hosted the first Christmas tree in North America in 1781. Within the next century, the holiday would become public in Canada; its traditions have been highly influenced by the British and the French. Again, in the 1800s, the legend of the popular Santa Claus came to life as a derivation from the Dutch “Sinterklaas”.

Celebrations of Christmas Day include an abundance of religious, folkloristic and modern secular traditions, of which the most prominent are: Santa Claus, the Christmas tree and other decorations, carols, Christmas cards and stamps, nativity plays, and special holiday cuisine. The last one predominantly originated in Great Britain, from where Canada borrowed the cracker candy, pudding, turkey and cranberries. Another influence were the French, who brought tourtières and la bûche to the North American country. Santa Claus, on the other hand, was a Dutch inspiration, which was completely transformed by Americans; according to the legend, this fantastic figure based on the life of Saint Nicholas every year embarks on a journey from house to house on December 24 in order to deliver all gifts by Christmas morning.

Another custom, the Christmas Tree, the United States adopted for good almost a century after Canada, in the 1870s. The earliest Christmas song in Canada was “A Canadian Christmas Carol” by James P. Clarke, published in 1853. A decade earlier, the first Christmas card known to the wide public was created in London; by the end of the 19th century, cards were so popular that Canada issued its first special holiday stamp. The next tradition, nativity play, is usually a Christmas show performed by church members or students in schools. It incorporates the legend of the Three Kings and, most importantly, the birth of Jesus. When it comes to the house decorations, the most prominent one is the mistletoe, which is associated with the custom stating that a pair standing underneath it must kiss.

Christmas Day is a federal and public holiday in both the US and Canada, and it is one of the most important observances throughout the year, even though it is primarily religious. The customs connected to it, however, are mostly folkloristic; that is why most people from different religions enjoy these celebrations. The streets, institutions and businesses are quiet on the day, post offices and schools are closed. There are very few exceptions to this. It can be easily deduced that, although the Christmas season is characterized by massive consumerism and general chaos, Christmas Day is reserved for peaceful family celebrations. There is a feeling of quietude and joy throughout this special day.