The world celebrates together on December 25th every year for the beautiful and magical festival of Christmas, and this year, in 2024, it will be celebrated on a Wednesday. This special day brings joy and love, and one of the most heartwarming ways to show someone you care is through a thoughtful Christmas wish, a meaningful quote, or a heartfelt greeting. To help spread the Christmas cheer, here is a list of top 10 Christmas songs to tune into this holiday season. So get ready to sing along and feel the festive spirit with your loved ones!
Christmas: A Global Celebration of Joy and Love
Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25th, is a cherished festival that unites the world in joy, love, and festivity. Rooted in the Christian tradition, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and has evolved into a symbol of goodwill, peace, and unity.
Background
The origins of Christmas can be traced back to pagan winter solstice festivals celebrated in ancient Europe. The Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule were among the most prominent, characterized by feasts, gift-giving, and merriment.
In the 4th century AD, Pope Julius I established December 25th as the official date for Christmas to coincide with the Roman winter solstice. The festival quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the Christian world, becoming a symbol of hope and renewal during the darkest and coldest time of the year.
Contemporary Celebrations
Today, Christmas is a global holiday celebrated by people of diverse cultures and faiths. It is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, festive feasts, and religious observance.
Top 5 Christmas Songs to Spread Cheer
FAQs
1. Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th? The date was chosen to coincide with the Roman winter solstice and to provide a Christian alternative to pagan festivals.
2. What is the traditional color of Christmas? Red and green are the traditional Christmas colors, with red symbolizing the blood of Christ and green representing evergreen trees and eternal life.
3. Who is Santa Claus based on? Santa Claus is based on the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness towards children.
4. What is the significance of the Christmas tree? The Christmas tree is an evergreen symbol of hope and new life during the winter months. It is traditionally decorated with lights, ornaments, and a star or angel on top.
5. How do different cultures celebrate Christmas? Christmas traditions vary widely around the world. In some countries, nativity scenes are displayed in homes and churches, while others have unique culinary traditions, such as the French bûche de Noël (Yule log cake).
Mohanlal's highly-anticipated fantasy drama 'Barroz' has finally hit theatres, with the legendary Malayalam actor taking on his directorial debut. The film follows the titular character Barroz, a guardian of da Gama's treasure, as he searches for an heir capable of claiming the treasure. As viewers are taken on a journey filled with mystery and adventure, social media is abuzz with reactions, with fans eagerly discussing whether the film lives up to the immense hype.
Delhi locals no longer have to wait for Christmas to receive gifts from Santa Claus. A kind-hearted man, known as Delhi's own Santa, has made it his mission to spread joy and happiness by delivering gifts year-round. With his signature red suit and white beard, he has become a beloved figure in the community and his acts of kindness have captured the hearts of many.
South Indian actress Trisha Krishnan took to social media to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of her beloved pet dog, Zorro. The emotional tweet revealed that Zorro passed away early Christmas morning, leaving Trisha and her family devastated. Trisha also announced that she will be taking some time off work to cope with the loss of her "son" and will be off the radar for a while. This news has left her fans and followers heartbroken as they remember Zorro as an inseparable part of Trisha's life.
As Christmas 2024 approaches, the anticipation for Santa Claus's arrival increases among children around the world. Thanks to Heathrow Airport, kids in the UK can now track Santa's journey and know exactly when he will reach their homes. In a festive video shared on Instagram, Heathrow featured Santa's flight information and even included his trusty reindeer's names on the arrival board. The post has received almost a million views and garnered attention from celebrities like Parineeti Chopra, adding to the holiday cheer.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bigg Boss 18 contestant Digvijay Singh Rathee is set to make a comeback to the reality show after being evicted earlier. The sudden twist is a result of a voting session conducted by host Salman Khan, where fellow housemates were asked whether they want Digvijay to return to the house. Reactions from viewers are pouring in as the race to the finale continues.
The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is all set to honor former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth centenary with a grand week-long celebration. The event, titled Atal Shatabdi Samaroh, will feature exhibitions, cultural programs, and tributes to the late leader, with winners of various activities being felicitated on the concluding day. Additionally, the state will also sign MoUs with other states for cultural exchange under the 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat' initiative. The aim of the celebrations is to inspire future generations through the exemplary life and contributions of Atal Ji.
Tamil actor Suriya's 44th film, titled 'Retro', is set to release in the summer of 2025. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, known for his hit movies like 'Jigarthanda DoubleX', the film features an exciting cast including Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Jayaram, and Karunakaran. Suriya shared the teaser of the highly-awaited film on his official social media platforms, leaving fans thrilled for the release.
Director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film 'The Odyssey' will hit IMAX screens in 2026, promising an immersive experience for the audience. The mythic action epic will feature an all-star cast, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. This will be Nolan's first foray into adapting literature for the big screen since his successful adaptation of Christopher Priest's novel 'The Prestige'.
The highly anticipated title and teaser of Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming film, Nbk109, has been postponed to November 15. This decision has sparked excitement and speculation among the actor's loyal fan base. With Bobby Deol in a prominent role and Thaman's music, the film promises to be a blockbuster. The delay has only increased the film's buzz, and fans eagerly await the teaser's release.
Every year on Christmas Eve, Santa and his trusted reindeer embark on their journey to deliver presents to children all around the world. This year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa's journey in real-time, allowing people to follow along on their live blog. The latest update shows that Santa has delivered over 5.7 billion presents so far and is now heading to the United States where he will make a stop in Milton, Delaware before flying over the Caribbean.