Eventually, Christmas Day traditions spread beyond Europe to Latin and North America and other places around the world. In the Middle Ages, the word mass referred to a religious feast day in honor of a specific person. This is what’s referred to by the ending -mas, which is used in the names of Christian holidays. By far the most well-known holiday that uses this ending is Christmas, but there are others, including Candlemas and Michaelmas. Shop the Christmas Sale at Oriental Trading to find a large selection of Christmas decorations, plates and cups, gift bags, stocking stuffers, nativity scenes, gift boxes, gifts, toys and more at great prices.
After the holidays shop for winter holiday decorations, crafts and gifts for your winter parties. Enjoy sale prices on gift bags, Winter Wonderland decorations, snowflake centerpieces, snowmen plush toys, notepads, candles, candy, gumball packs, snowflake mobiles and more. Stock up on winter party plates, cups and decorations to make every winter party special. Whether you select a fresh-cut tree or an artificial tree, it’s important to have the correct type of base for it. And keep in mind that most Christmas tree stands will add a bit of height to your tree, so you’ll need to do a little math in order to leave enough space between the tree and the ceiling for a Christmas tree topper.
Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
There’s nothing sweeter for the holidays than baked goods, candy canes, and gingerbread. Bring your holiday to life with our candy inspired “Sweetest Season” Christmas tree decorations. We keep track of fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate.
Although the month and date of Jesus’ birth are unknown, the church in the early fourth century fixed the date as December 25. This corresponds to the date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar. It is exactly nine months after Annunciation on March 25, also the date of the spring equinox. Most Christians celebrate on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in the civil calendars used in countries throughout the world. However, part of the Eastern Christian Churches celebrate Christmas on December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. For Christians, believing that God came into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity, rather than knowing Jesus’ exact birth date, is considered to be the primary purpose in celebrating Christmas.