The word "Christmas" means "Mass of Christ," later shortened to "Christ-Mass." The even shorter form "Xmas" - first used in Europe in the 1500s - is derived from the Greek alphabet, in which X is the first letter of Christ's name: Xristos, therefore "X-Mass."
Today we know that Christ was not born on the 25th of December. The date was chosen to coincide with the pagan Roman celebrations honouring Saturnus (the harvest god) and Mithras (the ancient god of light), a form of sun worship. These celebrations came on or just after the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, to announce that winter is not forever, that life continues, and an invitation to stay in good spirit.
The Father Christmas (Santa Claus) figure is based on Saint Nicholas (270 - 310AD), the patron saint of children.
AD is short for Anno Domini, or "Year of our Lord," as proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church. Some non-Christians prefer the alternative designation "CE" for "Common Era."
The Christmas candy cane, shaped as a shepherds’ crook, represents the humble shepherds who were first to worship the new-born Christ.
Legend has it that the candy cane was invented in 1670 by a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral who handed out the bent sugar sticks among children to keep them quiet during the long Living Crèche ceremony.
Christ's birth in Bethlehem about 2000 years ago is celebrated on 25th of December. But the early Christians appear not to have celebrated Christ's birthday. In fact, unlike with Easter, there is no New Testament record of Christmas celebrations, and no date is given for the Nativity. The 25th December was introduced as Christ's birthday only in 320AD
The modern-day figure of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) was introduced by artist Haddon Sundblom in advertisements for the Coca-Cola Company.
Saint Nicholas became Sinterklaas for the Dutch. The American pronounced it Santa Claus. In Britain and the commonwealth, he is Father Christmas, in France he is Père Noël. The gift giver actually has various names.
Selamat Hari Natal! Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!
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