Christmas Dictionary

**Where does the word "Christmas" come from?

Christmas = Christ - Mass = "The Mass of Christ"

Christ = Jesus Christ

"Mass" = Roman Catholic religious Church service of "mass".

The word "mass" probably comes from the last words of the service of "mass", which are "you are dismissed" = "missa est" in Latin. From the Latin word "missa" comes the English word "mass"

** Why is December 24th called "Christmas Eve"?

In old times, days started at sunset. So the evening of the day, the "eve" happened first.

Then we changed to days starting at midnight. Now the "eve" is evening of the previous day. So "Christmas Eve" is the day before Christmas.

** What does the phrase "Boxing Day" mean?

The day after Christmas day when presents are given to extended family and friends.

Possibly dating from the Middle Ages when the householder would give presents to the servants and tradesmen. It is a public holiday in some Commonwealth countries.

** Why does the word "Bethlehem" refer to?

A small town in Judea near Jerusalem, where King David was born and the birthplace of Jesus.

** What are the Christmas songs called?

Christmas Carols - Carols, song used in celebrations and dances, written for and sung at Christmas.