The Christian Xmas story dates back thousands of years. The Christian Xmas celebrates the birth of God's son and our savior, Jesus Christ. Before beginning into the traditional Christmas story, a brief summary of what Christians celebrate in their Christmas celebrations is important. Christians do not join in all celebration aspects of the holiday that others may celebrate. Strict christians do not celebrate Santa Claus in their home, or do they go overly gift-crazy. Instead, the Christian Xmas focuses on why there is a reason for the holiday, and what that reason is. The Christian tradition involves celebration with lights, food, and gift giving. But these are not the sole focus of the holiday, and each tradition is linked to the past.

The Christian Xmas story dates back a few thousand years to the birth of a man known as Jesus Christ. Jesus is believed by Christians to have been born approximately two thousand years ago and was the heaven sent son of God. He was born to a woman by the name of Mary and her husband Joseph. At the time Mary was giving birth, Joseph and Mary were fleeing persecution and they wound up having the baby Jesus in a stable. A star created by God led three men to where the baby was, and they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor this little baby, whom they believed to be the new king of their people. An angel guided the wise men to where the baby was, and also appeared to Mary several times during her pregnancy, so an angel is one of the Christmas symbols as is the star. From this original birth story comes many of the origins of the holiday.

While the exact dates and details surrounding the life of Jesus are not known in certainty, it is believed that he was born on December twenty-fifth. The Christian Xmas celebration has designated this date as the date of his birth and the celebration they subsequently hold in his honor. There is an awareness and celebration of the story of his birth, carried out by reading the story in a book or by having a play to dramatize the event. Christian children are taught the story at a very early age, often through plays or stories at church and by their families. In addition to the story of his birth, there is also a celebration of the things Jesus did during his lifetime. People talk about his ability to heal the sick, his teachings, and his death. From the time he was born until the time he died, Jesus faced many trials and suffering and he is used as an example of many moral lessons. Other aspects of the Christian Xmas celebration are rooted in his birth. The angel, a symbol of Christian faith, is linked to the Christian celebration and faith as a symbol of hope. Stars are associated with Christmas, as in reference to the star that lead the three wise men to baby Jesus. And gifts have a multifaceted meaning: gifts are given as a reference to the gifts the wise men brought baby Jesus, but also as a reflection on the gift given to the world by God and by the life of Jesus: eternal salvation.

Depending on the particular vein of Christian faith one belongs to will determine how they celebrate the holiday and with what traditions. Some families go to church service and give gifts while reading the Christian Xmas story and no more. Other families belonging to a different sect of Christianity might have restrictions on what they eat, the decorations in their celebration, and more. However one chooses to celebrate Christmas, the focus is on the same thing. Celebrating the story of Jesus Christ, God, and salvation is key to this religious holiday and is sometimes forgotten in the bustle of the season. Whatever your faith, remember that there is a reason for all of the holidays we have.