Christmas, Christian festival celebrating
the birth of Jesus. The German word Weihnachten denotes
“hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday,
observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an
increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure
named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role. Christmas is celebrated on Saturday, December 25, 2021.
