A Merry heart is like a medicine, and in these times of strain and stress people around the world await eagerly, the arrival of Christmas. In countries such as Britain and U.S carols begin playing at departmental stores by Mid-October and November. Unlike other religions Christians have few festivals to celebrate, thus Christmas is indeed a Big day as the Christmas wish goes in northern India “Bada Din Mubarak”(Big day wishes to you!)

While the date of Christ’s actual birth is controversial causing some of the Eastern Orthodox Churches to celebrate Christmas at 7th of January and Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on 6th of January the common man delights in the simple thought of Christ having come into the world, regardless of whether the date is scientifically accurate or not.
It is the pull of communal togetherness, festivity and family gatherings that makes Christmas such a special time as it is.

In 1647 century Christmas was outlawed by the Puritanical Parliament which triumphed over Charles I of England —–but not for long. The common man revolted and it began to be celebrated at even a grander scale with the royalty of England leading the way and combining more traditions into the celebrations such as the import of German tradition of Decorating a Christmas tree by the then Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert in 1835.

Even in the land known for its Statue of liberty, Christmas happened to be outlawed in Boston during (1659-81), but the rest of U.S took part in the celebration. Christmas was ultimately declared a Federal Holiday in the U.S in 1870.
Thus, the need for joy of fellowship with God, warmth of a loving family and communal togetherness and are the primal needs of man. The date of Christmas today, might not be historically correct but it is better than not celebrating the birth of Jesus at all. Christmas also bonds the family members with each other and with God, as they spend time with each other singing carols amidst fun, food and festivity. In a time when productivity and activity is valued greatly, is important to keep in view that it is our relationship with our family, community and God, which gives meaning and value to our existence. Being human, we cannot survive on work or money alone without the love, support and comfort of a loving family and deep trust and faith in God our Father.