Christmas

Un article de Vev.

Modèle:Pp-semi-vandalism Modèle:Otheruses

Modèle:Infobox Holiday

Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. It refers both to the day celebrating the birth, as well as to the season which that day inaugurates, which concludes with the Feast of the Epiphany. The date of the celebration is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth. Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various cultural customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals. Although a Christian holiday, it is also observed as a cultural holiday by many non-Christians.

While in the Russian Orthodox world it is in early January, in most other places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. Christmas Eve is the preceding day, December 24.

In the United Kingdom and many countries of the Commonwealth, Boxing Day is the following day, December 26. In Catholic countries, Saint Stephen's Day or the Feast of St. Stephen is December 26. The Armenian Apostolic Church observes Christmas on January 6. Eastern Orthodox Churches that still use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on the Julian version of 25 December, which is January 7 on the more widely used Gregorian calendar, because the two calendars are now 13 days apart.

www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.</ref> In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.//www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm "Christmas"], The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.</ref> In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html "The Christmas Season"] The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.</ref>//www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html "The Christmas Season"] The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006.</ref>

The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after Charlemagne was crowned on Christmas Day in 800. Around the 12th century, the remnants of the former Saturnalian traditions of the Romans were transferred to the Twelve Days of Christmas (25 December – 5 January). Christmas during the Middle Ages was a public festival, incorporating ivy, holly, and other evergreens, as well as gift-giving.

Modern traditions have come to include the display of Nativity scenes, Holly and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill and peace.

The Nativity

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=9; Luke 2:1–6]</ref> Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled many prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth.//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-16;&version=9; Luke 2:1–6]</ref> Christians believe that the birth of Jesus fulfilled many prophecies made hundreds of years before his birth.

travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], The New York Times, November 25, 2005.</ref>//travel2.nytimes.com/2005/11/25/travel/escapes/25ahead.html?ex=1165381200&en=58ee42b3737ff438&ei=5070 "Little Towns of Bethlehem"], The New York Times, November 25, 2005.</ref>

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11;&version=9; Matthew 2:1–11]</ref>//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-11;&version=9; Matthew 2:1–11]</ref>

www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm Lynch vs. Donnelly] (1984)</ref>//www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm Lynch vs. Donnelly] (1984)</ref>

In addition to decorations on buildings and in the home, some Christian men decorate their bodies by growing a Christmas Beard between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve in order to prepare themselves spiritually for the holy day.

History

Pre-Christian origins

Main article: List of winter festivals

www.history.com/minisites/christmas/viewPage?pageId=1252 "Christmas – An Ancient Holiday"], The History Channel, 2007.</ref> In part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to Christianity without losing their own winter celebrations.<ref>""Saturnalia", The History Channel, 2007.</ref><ref name=AncientHoliday /> Certain prominent gods and goddesses of other religions in the region had their birthdays celebrated on December 25, including Ishtar, Sol Invictus and Mithras. Various traditions are considered to have been syncretised from winter festivals including the following://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/viewPage?pageId=1252 "Christmas – An Ancient Holiday"], The History Channel, 2007.</ref> In part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to Christianity without losing their own winter celebrations.<ref>""Saturnalia", The History Channel, 2007.</ref><ref name=AncientHoliday /> Certain prominent gods and goddesses of other religions in the region had their birthdays celebrated on December 25, including Ishtar, Sol Invictus and Mithras. Various traditions are considered to have been syncretised from winter festivals including the following:

Saturnalia

Main article: Saturnalia

www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/SF/WinSol.html Bruma], University of Tennessee</ref> During Saturnalia, business was postponed and even slaves feasted. There was drinking, gambling, and singing, and even public nudity. It was the "best of days," according to the poet Catullus.<ref name="Sempronia">Sempronia, Julilla, "Ancient Voices: Saturnalia, AncientWorlds 2004.</ref> Saturnalia honored the god Saturn and began on December 17. The festival gradually lengthened until the late Republican period, when it was seven days (December 17–24). In imperial times, Saturnalia was shortened to five days.<ref name="Mosley1">Mosley, John, "Common Errors in 'Star of Bethlehem' Planetarium Shows", Planetarian, Third Quarter 1981.</ref>//www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/SF/WinSol.html Bruma], University of Tennessee</ref> During Saturnalia, business was postponed and even slaves feasted. There was drinking, gambling, and singing, and even public nudity. It was the "best of days," according to the poet Catullus.<ref name="Sempronia">Sempronia, Julilla, "Ancient Voices: Saturnalia, AncientWorlds 2004.</ref> Saturnalia honored the god Saturn and began on December 17. The festival gradually lengthened until the late Republican period, when it was seven days (December 17–24). In imperial times, Saturnalia was shortened to five days.<ref name="Mosley1">Mosley, John, "Common Errors in 'Star of Bethlehem' Planetarium Shows", Planetarian, Third Quarter 1981.</ref>

Natalis Solis Invicti

Main article: Sol Invictus

www.newadvent.org/cathen/10402a.htm "Mithraism"], The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.</ref> Emperor Elagabalus (218–222) introduced the festival, and it reached the height of its popularity under Aurelian, who promoted it as an empire-wide holiday.<ref>"Sol." Encyclopædia Britannica, Chicago (2006).</ref>//www.newadvent.org/cathen/10402a.htm "Mithraism"], The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.</ref> Emperor Elagabalus (218–222) introduced the festival, and it reached the height of its popularity under Aurelian, who promoted it as an empire-wide holiday.<ref>"Sol." Encyclopædia Britannica, Chicago (2006).</ref>

www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica 2006.</ref> "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born . . . Christ should be born", Cyprian wrote.<ref name="CathChrit"/>//www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica 2006.</ref> "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born . . . Christ should be born", Cyprian wrote.<ref name="CathChrit"/>

Yule

Main article: Yule

www.serve.com/shea/germusa/xmasintr.htm "Christmas"].</ref> As Northern Europe was the last part to Christianize, its pagan celebrations had a major influence on Christmas. Scandinavians still call Christmas Jul. In English, the Germanic word Yule is synonymous with Christmas,<ref>Yule. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved December 3, 2006.</ref> a usage first recorded in 900.//www.serve.com/shea/germusa/xmasintr.htm "Christmas"].</ref> As Northern Europe was the last part to Christianize, its pagan celebrations had a major influence on Christmas. Scandinavians still call Christmas Jul. In English, the Germanic word Yule is synonymous with Christmas,<ref>Yule. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved December 3, 2006.</ref> a usage first recorded in 900.

Christian origins

www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> Tertullian does not mention it as a major feast day in the Church of Roman Africa. In 245, the theologian Origen denounced the idea of celebrating Christ's birthday "as if he were a king pharaoh". He contended that only sinners, not saints, celebrated their birthdays.<ref>Origen, "Levit., Hom. VIII"; Migne P.G., XII, 495; quoted by Natal Day The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911</ref>Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Christ was born on December 25 in his Chronographiai, a reference book for Christians written in AD 221.<ref name="Britannica"/> This date is nine months after the traditional date of the Incarnation (March 25), now celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation. March 25 was considered to be the date of the vernal equinox and therefore the creation of Adam; early Christians believed this was also the date Christ was crucified. The Christian idea that Christ was conceived on the same date that he died on the cross is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.<ref name="CathAnnun">"The Feast of the Annunciation", Catholic Encyclopedia, 1998.</ref> Thus, the date as a birthdate for Christ is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth.//www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas "Christmas], Encyclopædia Britannica Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.</ref> Tertullian does not mention it as a major feast day in the Church of Roman Africa. In 245, the theologian Origen denounced the idea of celebrating Christ's birthday "as if he were a king pharaoh". He contended that only sinners, not saints, celebrated their birthdays.<ref>Origen, "Levit., Hom. VIII"; Migne P.G., XII, 495; quoted by Natal Day The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911</ref>Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Christ was born on December 25 in his Chronographiai, a reference book for Christians written in AD 221.<ref name="Britannica"/> This date is nine months after the traditional date of the Incarnation (March 25), now celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation. March 25 was considered to be the date of the vernal equinox and therefore the creation of Adam; early Christians believed this was also the date Christ was crucified. The Christian idea that Christ was conceived on the same date that he died on the cross is consistent with a Jewish belief that a prophet lived an integral number of years.<ref name="CathAnnun">"The Feast of the Annunciation", Catholic Encyclopedia, 1998.</ref> Thus, the date as a birthdate for Christ is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth.

orthodoxeurope.org/page/12/4.aspx "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions]</ref>//orthodoxeurope.org/page/12/4.aspx "The Formation of Epiphany according to Different Traditions]</ref>

Christmas was promoted in the Christian East as part of the revival of Catholicism following the death of the pro-Arian Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378. The feast was introduced to Constantinople in 379, and to Antioch in about 380. The feast disappeared after Gregory of Nazianzus resigned as bishop in 381, although it was reintroduced by John Chrysostom in about 400.<ref name="CathChrit" />

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071222/ap_on_re_eu/italy_roman_christmas;_ylt=Agc1Lq5VwVkhu9hZ9DFhlnCs0NUE]//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071222/ap_on_re_eu/italy_roman_christmas;_ylt=Agc1Lq5VwVkhu9hZ9DFhlnCs0NUE] </ref>

Constantinian Origins

www.redrampant.com/roma/XP.html]. There are numerous reasons why Constantine may have chosen the date of December 25th to celebrate Christmas. On that date also was celebrated the birth of Mithras, the Persian god of light. Also, the pagan god Saturn, one of the chief gods of the Roman pantheon, was worshiped on December 17th. Giving presents was also similar to many Roman and Persian holidays. [.http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/emperor-constantine-faq.htm]//www.redrampant.com/roma/XP.html]. There are numerous reasons why Constantine may have chosen the date of December 25th to celebrate Christmas. On that date also was celebrated the birth of Mithras, the Persian god of light. Also, the pagan god Saturn, one of the chief gods of the Roman pantheon, was worshiped on December 17th. Giving presents was also similar to many Roman and Persian holidays. [.http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/emperor-constantine-faq.htm]

Middle Ages

www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], History Today, December 1986, 36 (12), pp. 31 – 39.</ref> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/> Around the 12th century, these traditions transferred again to the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 26 – January 6); a time that appears in the liturgical calendars as Christmastide or Twelve Holy Days.<ref name="Murray"/>//www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=13022&aid=&tgid=&amid=13022&g13022=x&g9142=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x&e=true "Medieval Christmas"], History Today, December 1986, 36 (12), pp. 31 – 39.</ref> In Italy, former Saturnalian traditions were attached to Advent.<ref name="Murray"/> Around the 12th century, these traditions transferred again to the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 26 – January 6); a time that appears in the liturgical calendars as Christmastide or Twelve Holy Days.<ref name="Murray"/> links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7428%28199001%2980%3A1%3C32%3APITAC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 JSTOR]), Geographical Review, Vol. 80, No. 1. January 1990, pp. 32–42. Retrieved 10 September 2007.</ref>//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7428%28199001%2980%3A1%3C32%3APITAC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 JSTOR]), Geographical Review, Vol. 80, No. 1. January 1990, pp. 32–42. Retrieved 10 September 2007.</ref> By the High Middle Ages, the holiday had become so prominent that chroniclers routinely noted where various magnates celebrated Christmas. King Richard II of England hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten.<ref name="Murray"/> The Yule boar was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts. Caroling also became popular, and was originally a group of dancers who sang. The group was composed of a lead singer and a ring of dancers that provided the chorus. Various writers of the time condemned caroling as lewd, indicating that the unruly traditions of Saturnalia and Yule may have continued in this form.<ref name="Murray"/> "Misrule" — drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling — was also an important aspect of the festival. In England, gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day, and there was special Christmas ale.<ref name="Murray"/>

From the Reformation into the 1800s

www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60"], History Today, December 1985, 35 (12) pp. 7 – 14.</ref> The Restoration of 1660 ended the ban, but many of the Nonconformist clergy still disapproved of Christmas celebrations, using Puritan arguments.//www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=12890&aid=&tgid=&amid=12890&g12890=x&g9130=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas 1642–60"], History Today, December 1985, 35 (12) pp. 7 – 14.</ref> The Restoration of 1660 ended the ban, but many of the Nonconformist clergy still disapproved of Christmas celebrations, using Puritan arguments. In Colonial America, the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas; its celebration was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. At the same time, Christian residents of Virginia and New York observed the holiday freely. Christmas fell out of favor in the United States after the American Revolution, when it was considered an English custom.<ref name="cinne">Modèle:Cite book</ref> www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], History Today, December 1993, 43 (12), pp. 17 – 24.</ref>//www.historytoday.com/dt_main_allatonce.asp?gid=9784&aid=&tgid=&amid=9784&g9784=x&g9777=x&g30026=x&g20991=x&g21010=x&g19965=x&g19963=x "Dickens and the Construction of Christmas"], History Today, December 1993, 43 (12), pp. 17 – 24.</ref> www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America], 2006</ref> The poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006</ref> In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", Harriet Beecher Stowe includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First Presbyterian Church of Watertown “Oh . . . and one more thing” December 11, 2005</ref> Christmas was declared a United States Federal holiday in 1870, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.//www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm The history of Christmas: Christmas history in America], 2006</ref> The poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance.<ref>usinfo.state.gov “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways” November 26, 2006</ref> In her 1850 book "The First Christmas in New England", Harriet Beecher Stowe includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree.<ref>First Presbyterian Church of Watertown “Oh . . . and one more thing” December 11, 2005</ref> Christmas was declared a United States Federal holiday in 1870, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.

Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts

Main article: Santa Claus

Originating from Western culture, where the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or St. Nikolaus, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Joulupukki, Weihnachtsmann, Saint Basil and Father Frost).

www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], Snopes.com, 2006.</ref>//www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp "The Claus That Refreshes"], Snopes.com, 2006.</ref>

Father Christmas, who predates the Santa Claus character, was first recorded in the 15th century, but was associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness.<ref name=Harper/> In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. The French Père Noël evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In Italy, Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while La Befana is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the Epiphany. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby Jesus gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all children. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, or Black Peter. In other versions, elves make the toys. His wife is referred to as Mrs. Claus.

The current tradition in several Latin American countries (such as Venezuela) holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. This story is meant to be a reconciliation between traditional religious beliefs and modern day globalization, most notably the iconography of Santa Claus imported from the United States.

www.citybeat.com/archives/1996/issue304/cover1.html Santa: The First Great Lie, essay by Mariane Matera, Citybeat issue 304]</ref>//www.citybeat.com/archives/1996/issue304/cover1.html Santa: The First Great Lie, essay by Mariane Matera, Citybeat issue 304]</ref>

Christmas tree and other decorations

Main article: Christmas tree

www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm "All about the Christmas tree: Pagan origins, Christian adaptation, & secular status"] ReligiousTolerance.Org, December 13 2003.</ref> and an adaptation of pagan tree worship.<ref name=Shaman/> The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, Christ, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name=Shaman>van Renterghem, Tony. When Santa was a shaman. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century.<ref name="Christmas Archives"> The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree

. The Christmas Archives  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-18. </ref><ref name="Fashion Era- Christmas"> Christmas Tradition - The Christmas Tree Custom

. Fashion Era  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-18. </ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>Morris, Desmond. Christmas Watching. London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.//www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm "All about the Christmas tree: Pagan origins, Christian adaptation, & secular status"] ReligiousTolerance.Org, December 13 2003.</ref> and an adaptation of pagan tree worship.<ref name=Shaman/> The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835<ref name=Harper>Harper, Douglas, Christ, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001.</ref> and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century<ref name=Shaman>van Renterghem, Tony. When Santa was a shaman. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-56718-765-X</ref> though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century.<ref name="Christmas Archives"> The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree

. The Christmas Archives  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-18. </ref><ref name="Fashion Era- Christmas"> Christmas Tradition - The Christmas Tree Custom

. Fashion Era  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-18. </ref> From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States.<ref>Morris, Desmond. Christmas Watching. London: Mackays of Chatham, 1992. ISBN 0-224-03598-3</ref> Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

Since the 19th century, the poinsettia has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

www.historymatters.appstate.edu/documents/christmaslights.pdf "Christmas lights and community building in America,"] History Matters, Spring 2006.</ref>//www.historymatters.appstate.edu/documents/christmaslights.pdf "Christmas lights and community building in America,"] History Matters, Spring 2006.</ref>

In the Western world, rolls of brightly-colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, wreaths, and angels.

Economics of Christmas

Main articles: Christmas in the media and Christmas music

retailindustry.about.com/od/abouttheretailindustry/g/black_friday.htm "Black Friday], About:Retail Industry.</ref>//retailindustry.about.com/od/abouttheretailindustry/g/black_friday.htm "Black Friday], About:Retail Industry.</ref>

In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce; almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity (more than any other day of the year). In England and Wales, the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prevents all large shops from trading on Christmas Day. Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. Film studios release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, fantasy movies or high-tone dramas with high production values.

www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=885748 "Is Santa a deadweight loss?"] The Economist 20 December 2001</ref> Because of complicating factors, this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory. Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as white elephants, imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter.<ref>Reuters. "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says" December 16 2005.</ref>//www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=885748 "Is Santa a deadweight loss?"] The Economist 20 December 2001</ref> Because of complicating factors, this analysis is sometimes used to discuss possible flaws in current microeconomic theory. Other deadweight losses include the effects of Christmas on the environment and the fact that material gifts are often perceived as white elephants, imposing cost for upkeep and storage and contributing to clutter.<ref>Reuters. "Christmas is Damaging the Environment, Report Says" December 16 2005.</ref>

Alternative names

There are several alternative terms for Christmas. Crimbo is a slang term which first appeared in print in 1928; the variant form Crimble was first used by John Lennon in a 1963 Beatles' Fan Club Christmas single. Xmas is a long established abbreviation, though it is involved in the secularization of Christmas debate. Yule is used in Northern Europe. In the USA, the term(s) "holiday" or "season" may be used, as addressed at Christmas controversy.

Controversy

Main article: Christmas controversy

Modèle:Globalize/USA usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways”] November 26, 2006</ref> Religious leaders protested this move, with a New York Times roundup of Christmas sermons showing the most common theme as the dangers of an increasingly commercial Christmas.<ref>New York Times “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ” December 4, 2005</ref>//usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2005/Dec/19-344398.html “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways”] November 26, 2006</ref> Religious leaders protested this move, with a New York Times roundup of Christmas sermons showing the most common theme as the dangers of an increasingly commercial Christmas.<ref>New York Times “This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else ” December 4, 2005</ref>

www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm Lynch vs. Donnelly] (1984)</ref> and Ganulin v. United States (1999).<ref name="Ganulin"> Ganulin v. United States (1999)</ref>//www.belcherfoundation.org/lynch_v_donnelly.htm Lynch vs. Donnelly] (1984)</ref> and Ganulin v. United States (1999).<ref name="Ganulin"> Ganulin v. United States (1999)</ref>

On December 6, 1999, the verdict for Ganulin v. United States (1999) declared that "the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose." This decision was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on December 19, 2000. At the same time, many devout Christians objected to what they saw as the vulgarization and co-optation of one of their sacred observances by secular commercial society and calls to a return to "the true meaning of Christmas" are common.

www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else."] The New York Times, December 5 2005.</ref>//www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04sun3.html?ex=1291352400&en=a1c102d8260b92e3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "This season's war cry: Commercialize Christmas, or else."] The New York Times, December 5 2005.</ref>

Books

• Penne L. Restad, Christmas in America: A History (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995). ISBN 0-19-509300-3
• Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas (1996; New York: Vintage Books, 1997). ISBN 0-679-74038-4

See also

Modèle:Sisterlinks

References

</div>

External links

• [Christmas Catégorie Society/Holidays/Christmas/] de l’annuaire dmoz.

Modèle:Christmas Modèle:US Federal HolidaysModèle:Link FA Modèle:Link FA Modèle:Link FA

af:Kersfees ang:Crīstesmæsse ar:عيد الميلاد bn:বড়দিন zh-min-nan:Sèng-tàn-cheh be-x-old:Божае Нараджэньне bs:Božić br:Nedeleg bg:Рождество Христово ca:Nadal cv:Раштав (уяв) cs:Vánoce cy:Nadolig da:Jul pdc:Grischtdaag de:Weihnachten et:Jõulud el:Χριστούγεννα eml:Nadêl es:Navidad eo:Kristnasko eu:Eguberria fa:کریسمس fr:Noël fy:Krysttiid fur:Nadâl ga:An Nollaig gd:Nollaig gl:Nadal zh-classical:聖誕節 ko:크리스마스 hi:क्रिसमस hsb:Hody hr:Božić id:Natal zu:UKhisimusi is:Jól it:Natale he:חג המולד jv:Natal kn:ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಮಸ್ ka:შობა sw:Krismasi la:Christi Natalis lv:Ziemassvētki lb:Chrëschtdag lt:Kalėdos li:Kaersjmes ln:Nɔ́ɛlɛ hu:Karácsony ml:ക്രിസ്തുമസ് ms:Krismas cdo:Séng-dáng-cáik nl:Kerstmis nds-nl:Kìrsttied ja:クリスマス no:Jul nn:Jul nrm:Noué oc:Nadal nds:Wiehnacht pl:Boże Narodzenie pt:Natal ro:Crăciun rm:Nadal qu:Nawidad ru:Рождество Христово sco:Christenmas sq:Krishtlindja scn:Natali simple:Christmas sk:Vianoce sl:Božič sr:Божић fi:Joulu sv:Jul tl:Pasko ta:கிறிஸ்துமஸ் tet:Natál th:คริสต์มาส vi:Giáng sinh tr:Noel uk:Різдво wa:Noyé vls:Kestdag wuu:圣诞 bat-smg:Kaliedas zh:圣诞节