Chennai has a sizeable population of Christians who celebrate Christmas by decorating their houses with Christmas trees and illuminate it with lights. Gifts are exchanged among friends and families. Prayer meetings are held in every church to celebrate the birth of Christ. The city commemorates the day with a sense of love and gratitude.

The term Christmas is a translation of the Old English version – ‘Cristes Maesse’ which literally means the “Mass of Christ”.

It is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar and the most auspicious and holistic Christian festival observed across the globe on December 25th with much fanfare.

December 25th is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ, who is believed to be born on the same date at Bethlehem, the land of Jews. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder of the Christian religion.

Christmas is basically celebrated by the Christians; but it is also observed as a day of celebration by other communities around the globe.