25th December, 2011 / 7 January, 2012
Christmas is the day on which Christians celebrate the birth, or nativity, of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The Christmastide period lasts for twelve days following 25th December. While both Western and Orthodox churches observe 25th December as a fixed date for this occasion, some countries where Orthodox Christianity is practiced work on the Julian Calendar. The 25th December in the Julian Calendar corresponds with 7th January in the Gregorian Calendar. Therefore many Orthodox Christians in Australia celebrate Christmas on 7th January.
Accounts of the birth of Christ are found in each of the four Gospels – the first four books of the New Testament. At Christmas, it is customary for nativity scenes to be constructed, depicting the Gospel accounts of the event. Carols, telling of the story are sung, and many Christians attend a church service.
During the lead-up to the Christmas period, it is customary to wish Christians a Merry Christmas, or to wish them Peace.