By Lubna Abdel-Aziz It is Christmas Day! It is the season of joy and friendship, of peace and goodwill. Although no one is certain when Christ was born, this is the day most of the Christian world celebrates his birth. For two centuries after his birth, no one knew or even cared when he was born, as birthdays were unimportant then; only death dates mattered. In fact the Roman Church deliberately downplayed the contemplation and observation of a birth date, as Christ was considered divine. Why and how then was December 25th selected as the day of the Nativity? In ancient Rome, as far back as 753 BC, celebrations were held at year-end to honour Saturn, the harvest god, a feast called Saturnalia, and especially Mithras, the god of light, as most pagans followed Mithraism. December 25th was the Natalis Solis Invicti, the birth date of the Invincible God Mithras. Up to the present, the winter solstice, which marks the beginning of the winter season, falls around this day -- December 21st. Similar festivals were held throughout Europe, celebrating the end of the harvest season. Special foods were prepared, houses were decorated with greenery, and everyone engaged in the spirit of merriment, by singing and gift-giving. Such customs have survived throughout the centuries, even if the name of the feast has changed. In order to compete with Mithraism, Christianity's major rival, the church located the Nativity on this day, December 25th. Ideologues favoured other dates, particularly May 20, because according to the Gospel of St. Luke, the shepherds were watching their sheep by night, which could only happen in spring. Whether May or December, the celebrations of Christmas on this date took hold in 337 AD, and have grown in popularity throughout the Christian world. Its evolution through the years, its sights and sounds, its abundant joy and generosity, its message of peace and goodwill has spilled over to the rest of the world, making it a celebratory time for Christians as well as non-Christians. It has truly become the happy holiday season for all. There is a deep-rooted need within us for a periodic renewal of hope. Thus we celebrate the end of the year, and welcome the new one. City streets everywhere, sparkle with coloured lights, the sights and sounds of Christmas fill our senses. From the traditional colours of mistletoe and holly, of red and green, the heavenly hues of glittering gold stars and pure white snow, the sound of silver bells jingling, of happy carollers singing, of joyous voices ringing: "Merry Christmas to all," lays the foundation for a specially blessed time. With halls and homes decked with boughs of holly -- who can resist this season to be jolly! Christmas they say, is about children, and indeed the joy and excitement of the little ones, the sparkle in their bright eyes, is the essence of the Christmas spirit, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. A Christmas tree with its lights, tinsel, and colourful ornaments is the main attraction in ever Christian home. Children are aware that Santa Claus is making his list, and " checking it twice," for he must find out " who's been naughty or nice." The gifts are finally laid under the Christmas tree and those sleepless eyes watch for Santa coming down the chimney. Such Christmas lore has evolved through the centuries from different European customs to become the favourite aspects of this beloved feast. The word Christmas comes from an early English phrase "Cristes Maesse," meaning "Mass of Christ," The abbreviated version of Xmas which so many object to, comes from the Greek, since X is the first Greek letter in Christ's name -- Xristos. It is not intended to belittle or demean Christmas. As the frenzy of Christmas shopping dies down, each family anticipates the excitement of reunion with loved ones, the happy sounds of children's laughter and the sumptuous Christmas feast that awaits them. Kitchens become the busiest place in every home with stoves cooking, ovens baking and microwaves silently aiding. It is warm and cosy, with delicious morsels for everyone to munch on, as the fragrant aromas come floating through the home, causing even the most indifferent mouths to drool. Different countries celebrate differently, depending on local customs. Even within the same country, each family favours its unique traditions in tastes, scents, and spices. Not everyone dines on roast turkey and mashed potatoes, but many North Americans do. In the US and Canada, a plump roast turkey stuffed to burst with aromatic breads and herbs, often with celery, onions and mushrooms is the most popular main dish, The different stuffing is usually the specialty of the house. Some favour nuts and raisins, others sausage, oysters or chestnuts. Those who have had their fill of turkey for Thanksgiving, opt for a succulent ham, but no two differ on the necessity of mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, and the pungent cranberry sauce that tastes as good as it looks. Other side dishes may include green beans, yams, creamed onions, and wild rice. Cinnamon and cloves add a warm fragrance to the dinner as well as to the various traditional beverages such as punch, apple cider, glug, wassail, or eggnog. Dessert in the US means pies. Apple is the number one favourite, followed by pumpkin, pecan, and mince-meat. In Canada, a nutty chocolate Buche de Noel, or Yule Log is the centrepiece of the desert table. Fruitcake, gingerbread, trifle, and shortbread are also favourites. Neighbouring Mexico and the South American Continent, have totally different menus, which include bacalao or codfish and tamales. Some prefer roast pork with native side-dishes. Beverages are spiked with tequila or rum, vanilla and cloves. Fish is favoured in Italy, Portugal and Spain. The Scandinavian countries enjoy a smorgasbord of several fish dishes, each accompanied by several potato dishes. Roast turkey is fast becoming the fowl of choice around the world, even in the UK where fat roast goose was once king; their plum pudding however, remains stable and is catching on in other countries. As we gather round our dinner table in anticipation of the special Christmas feast, let us all lift our voices in unison as we pray for peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind. At Christmas play and make good cheer As Christmas comes but once a year -- Thomas Tasser (1524 -- 1580)
