Christmas Day in the United States has come to represent several events, including the birth of Jesus of Nazareth more than 2,000 years ago, winter festivals and the annual arrival of Santa Claus. All federal, commercial and retail businesses close on December 25 th for Christmas Day.

Decorations for the holiday represent its religious origins with nativity scenes, angels and stars, as well as seasonal symbols like Christmas trees, wreaths, snowmen and reindeer, and secularizations like Santa Claus, stockings and gift packages. While many of the traditions linked with Christmas grew out of the Christmas story in the Biblical gospels, they have lost their associations over the years.

The Christian tradition celebrates Christmas as the time Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus, God incarnate, in a manger surrounded by farm animals because they could find no room in the inn. Angels proclaimed the good news to shepherds in the hills, and a bright star led wise men from the east bringing gifts to worship the newborn King.

Secular tradition dictates that Santa Claus delivers toys and gifts to all the good little boys and girls via a sleigh pulled through the night sky by reindeer on Christmas Eve. In reality, customers throng to stores and malls during the month of December to purchase gifts for their friends and relatives. Wrapped packages accumulate under the Christmas tree until the gift exchange, which occurs on Christmas Eve in some families and on Christmas Day in others. Many people send Christmas cards, bake cookies and goodies and have festive parties to celebrate the season.

Regardless of religion, most people view the Christmas season as a joyful time of family, celebration, goodwill and giving. More than any other time of the year, families who have scattered across the country try to spend this holiday together. However, it is probably worth mentioning that for some, the season triggers depression and grumpiness.

During the entire month leading up to the holiday, Christmas decorations dominate the landscape. Colored lights and yard decorations illuminate neighborhoods and town centers. Inside and outside homes, businesses and public places you will see Christmas trees with ornaments, Santa Claus and elves, stockings, candy canes, reindeer, snowmen, angels, nativities and brightly-wrapped packages.

People gather to sing Christmas carols, exchange gifts, eat and dress up to attend special Christmas-themed performances. Many offices organize an annual party to celebrate the season, while carefully avoiding offending anyone who does not honor the religious associations with the holiday.