There are certain terms that are inherent to Christmas. Some of the more popular of these terms are:
(1) Midnight Mass- As I write this blog, devout catholics are starting to throng the churches in their respective parish or any popular church all over to participate in this special mass that is organised on the Christmas Eve. Churches look resplendent in colourful lights and other decorations that adorn them to celebrate the birth of Jesus, son of the God.
(2) Nativity- Though dictionary says that the term means the birth, it is especially associated with the birth of Jesus. As the folklore goes, Jesus was born to Virgin Mary in the Church of Nativity in the city of Bethlehem.
(3) Virgin Mary- Mother of Jesus and equally idolised, adored and worshipped. Jesus was born to virgin mother who conceived Jesus through Holy Spirit without the intervention of a human father.
(4) Noel – Another term used for Christmas, it is also used for Christmas Carols.
(5) Christmas tree – Evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to decorate homes during Christmas. It’s symbolic of everlasting life with God for Christians. Though Fir tree is most popular, there has been tradition of using cherry or hawthorn trees also.
(6) Santa Claus – Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on Christmas Eve and the early morning hours of Christmas. A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on Saint Nicholas Day so that Santa can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives. Some people even put their Christmas stocking by their bedposts so that Santa Claus can fill it with goodies when they are asleep, because St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
(7) Christmas music – Christmas music comprises several genres like carols, jingles, hymns, nursery rhymes, instrumental etc. While Jingle bells is known by heart to every child, the songs like White Christmas, 12 days of Christmas, White Christmas are equally well known. 12 days of Christmas is representative of 12 days of celebration as January 6 is celebrated as the day of epiphany when 3 wise men visited baby Jesus.
Doesn’t the above all sound familiar? Isn’t the birth of Jesus as dramatic as the birth of Krishna inside Mathura Jail and all those miracles associated with his life! Christmas, Janmashtami, Gurupurab or Eid Milan un nabi are all celebration around birth of God, son of God or messenger of God and the spirit and fervour are same, though traditions and manner of celebration could be different!
Merry Christmas to all! May this Christmas bring lots of cheers and happiness to one and all!
Arvind Arya blog 
Nicely written piece for the uninitiated Arvind. The comparison with the birth of Krishna with that of Jesus is unique but significant. King Herod had had a divine warning of sorts about the impending birth of Christ who would cause his eventual ruin. He had therefore ordered a census of the entire country, probably the first of its kind, ever, where the citizens were required to personally present themselves before the government officials to register their names. Same goes for King Kangsa who had imprisoned Devaki and Basudeva based on a divine warning of sorts that said that a child was going to be born to the couple and he would be the cause of his death… 😀
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It’s all the same Dada! But people have to realise this. Thanks for your support like always
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🙏🙏👍
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Refreshing memory of childhood when we didn’t knew much about Christmas and than read it through some friends, parents and relatives. Merry Christmas, Sir…🙏🏻🙏🏻
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I wish you and your family a wonderful period ahead
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Sir wish you and your family a merry Christmas. Your comparison of two divine interventions is thought provoking and unique. Christmas somehow, for me, brings back memories of bygone days, those cakes, those goodies dating back to a time when life was less complicated. Wishing once again fun filled and happy times ahead…🙏
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So are on the cusp of starting a new inning. All the best
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Sir, so many interesting facts about Christmas nicely covered. I missed this piece earlier as I only recently started following your blogs regularly.
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