Show CHRISTMAS I 1 0 throughout the christian world christmas is celebrated ration of f the birth of jesus christ although the day or even the year of that event is not definite definitely lr known observance servance of Christma sAwas first officially set for Decem december bei 25 by pope julius in the fourth century lecause erain pagan festivals were held at that time of the year a I 1 even to this day many of the customs which surround christmas season may be traced to pagan origins this may be accounted for by the fact that early missionaries naties did not disturb the harmless native cu customs of their converts to christianity but gradually merged them with christian observances thus the giving 0 of gifts the decoration of holl holly and mistletoe the feasting and other teai tures of christmas celebration are of very ancient origin christmas therefore may be said ito to have a double significance one religious tile the other social the latter perpetuating the customs of many peoples it is the worlds most widely observed holiday and its social observance is by no means confined to adherents of christianity no day clay is so generally pervaded pervade with the spirit of peace on earth wood good will toward men while there has jong been a tendency to commercialize the christmas season it is marked by much genuine charity and kindliness and the cheer cheery y gree greeting ti ing merry christmas is usually a sincere 1 expression of friedl frie nl in ess and good wishes |