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The Christmas season is a special time of year for many people. Christmas traditions vary throughout the world. In the United States and Canada, people decorate their homes with Christmas trees, evergreen wreaths, and Nativity scenes. They place presents for one another under the tree. City streets sparkle with outdoor lights and other decorations. Many people send greeting cards to relatives and friends who live far away. Children look forward to a visit from Santa Claus, bringing them presents on Christmas Eve. They also may hang up stockings for Santa to fill with small treats.

Christmas is the Christian feast day that commemorates the Nativity, the birth of Jesus Christ. A feast is a time of celebration. The Nativity feast originated in ancient times and evolved over many years. In the A.D. 300’s, Christians began celebrating a religious feast based on Bible accounts of Jesus’s birth. In time, both religious and nonreligious traditions developed around the feast. Artwork and music also were created to celebrate the Nativity. In the 1800’s, Christmas increasingly came to be recognized as a children’s holiday and the center of a major commercial season. Most Christians observe Christmas on December 25, but the exact date of Jesus’s birth is unknown.

Like so many holidays this year, Christmas might look different than in years past. In many places, efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the pandemic (global outbreak) of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Such efforts often include social distancing, meant to limit contact among people and thus the spread of germs. But limiting the spread of germs doesn’t mean you can’t have a joyful holiday!

One socially distant way to enjoy the holiday is to through virtual caroling—the singing of festive songs. Some famous carols include “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” Gather friends and family via a video-chat service and sing some of your favorites! If you must visit friends or relatives, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after greeting others. Wearing a protective face mask when not eating can help prevent the spread of disease. However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a safe and fun Christmas!