🎄 #Gate广场圣诞送温暖 · The Origins & Legends of Christmas

As Christmas approaches, the world prepares once again for a season of warmth, gratitude, and celebration. Beyond the lights, gifts, and joyful gatherings, Christmas carries a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition. Here is a look into the origins and timeless legends that shaped this beloved holiday.

1. The Origin of Christmas
Christmas, celebrated on December 25, is one of the most important holidays in Christianity, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Jesus was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary. God sent the angel Gabriel to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to accept Mary and name the child Jesus.
When Mary was nearing childbirth, the Roman Empire ordered all citizens to register in their ancestral towns. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, but found no lodging available. Jesus was ultimately born in a humble manger inside a stable, symbolizing simplicity, humility, and hope.
Why December 25?
The date was not always fixed.

In the early 4th century, the Eastern churches celebrated January 6 as the combined festival of Jesus’s birth and baptism, known as the Epiphany.

In 336 AD, the Roman Church formally designated December 25 as Christmas.

The choice of date is believed to align with the Roman winter solstice and the birthday of Mithras, the Persian sun god — part of early efforts to transform pre-existing pagan traditions into Christian celebrations.

Because different regions used different calendars, the celebration extended across the period of December 24 to January 6, forming what is now known as the Christmas season.

2. The Legend of Santa Claus
The beloved figure of Santa Claus traces back to Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor. Saint Nicholas was known for his kindness, generosity, and compassion toward the poor.
Over time, stories about him transformed into the modern image of a cheerful, white-bearded old man dressed in red, traveling from the snowy North in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. On Christmas Eve, he is said to slide down chimneys to deliver gifts into stockings hung by children.
One enduring story tells of Saint Nicholas secretly helping three impoverished sisters by throwing gold coins through their window — one of which fell into a stocking drying by the fireplace. This tale gave rise to the tradition of Christmas stockings.

3. The Legend of the Christmas Tree
The tradition of the Christmas tree also has a touching legend behind it. It is said that on a harsh winter night, a farmer welcomed a cold, hungry child into his home and offered him a warm Christmas dinner. As the child left, he broke off a branch from a fir tree, planted it in the ground, and gave a blessing:
“May your kindness be remembered every Christmas, and may this evergreen remain as a symbol of your goodness.”
The branch grew into a beautiful fir tree, and the farmer realized that the child was a messenger from God. This story became one of the origins of the Christmas tree tradition.

4. The Legend of the Christmas Star
According to Christian tradition, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a bright new star appeared in the night sky. Three wise kings from the East followed the star’s guidance to the manger where Jesus lay. They brought precious gifts and offered their worship. This heavenly sign became known as the Christmas Star, symbolizing guidance, hope, and divine light.

🎅 A Season of Warmth on Gate Square
As we revisit these timeless stories, may the spirit of Christmas remind us of kindness, generosity, and hope — values that have endured for centuries.
Whether through market insights, shared experiences, festive posts, or warm wishes, let’s continue spreading positivity throughout the Gate Square community.
Wishing everyone a blessed, joyful, and meaningful Christmas season.
‍#Gate广场圣诞送温暖 #GateChristmasGiveaway