The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning " Christ 's Mass ".

It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. [ 6 ] "Cristes" is from Greek Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin missa (the holy mass).

In Greek , the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar Roman letter X , has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century. [ 12 ] Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Further information: Christmas worldwide

Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in most countries of the world, even in many whose populations are not majority Christian.

In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration, in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.

Major exceptions, where Christmas is not a formal public holiday, include China , (excepting Hong Kong and Macao ), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria , Thailand, Nepal , Iran , Turkey and North Korea.

While most countries celebrate Christmas on December 25 each year, some national churches including those of Russia , Georgia , Egypt , Armenia , the Ukraine and Serbia celebrate on January 7 .

This is because of their use of the traditional Julian Calendar , under which December 25 falls on January 7 as measured by the standard Gregorian Calendar .

Around the world, Christmas celebrations can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions.

Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees.

Main articles: Annunciation , Nativity of Jesus , and Child Jesus

Even in countries where there is a strong Christian tradition, Christmas celebrations can vary markedly from country to country.

For many Christians, a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season.

And Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance.

In many Catholic countries, religious processions are held in the days preceding Christmas.

In other countries, secular processions, featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held.

Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season.

Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day itself in most countries.

However December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, and January 6, Epiphany are more popularly observed as gift-giving days in some countries.

A special Christmas family meal is an important part of the celebration for many, but what is actually served can vary greatly from country to country.

In England, and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal would include turkey, potatoes, vegetables, sausages and gravy, followed by Christmas pudding or mince pies .

In Poland and other parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia, fish often provides the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served.

Ham is the main meal in the Phillippines, while in Germany, France and Austria, goose and pork are favored.

Beef, ham and chicken in various recipes are popular throughout the world.

The eating of sweets and chocolates has become popular worldwide, and sweeter Christmas delicacies include the German stollen marzipan cake, and Jamaican rum fruit cake.

Main article: Christmas decoration

See also: Christmas tree , Christmas lights , Christmas stocking , and Christmas ornament

The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history.

From pre-Christian times, evergreen plants had been brought indoors throughout the Roman Empire.

Such customs were eventually adapted for Christian usage.

In the fifteenth century it is recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". [ 17 ] The heart shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolise the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion. [ 18 ] Nativity scenes are known from 10th century Rome, and were popularised by Saint Francis of Asissi from 1223 , quickly spreading across Europe. [ 19 ] Many different types of decorations developed across the Christian world, dependant on local tradition and available resources.

The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by the paper chains made by children. [ 20 ]

The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianisation of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship . [ 21 ] The English ******** phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 [ 22 ] and represents an importation from the German ******** .

The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century [ 21 ] though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. [ 23 ] [ 24 ] From Germany the custom was introduced to Britiain, first via Queen Charlotte , wife of George III , and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria , and by 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. [ 25 ] By the 1870s, putting up a Christmas tree had become common in America. [ 26 ] Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments .

Since the 19th century, the poinsettia , a native plant from Mexico , has been associated with Christmas.

Other popular holiday plants include holly , mistletoe , red amaryllis , and Christmas cactus .

Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.

In Australia, North and South America, and Europe , it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs , snowmen , and other Christmas figures.

Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well.

Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square. [ 27 ]

In the Western world , rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts.

The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season.

Other traditional decorations include bells , candles , candy canes , stockings , wreaths , and angels .

In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones.

Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom .

Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night , the evening of January 5.

The traditional colors of Christmas are pine green ( evergreen ), snow white , and heart red .