Christmas is shortened form of “Christ's mass”. Christ is from greek Khrīstos, translation from Hebrew “Messiah”, meaning “anointed”. Mass is from Latin missa, celebration of the Eucharist¹⁾.

Many Christmas traditions comes from ancient Roman festival, called Saturnalia. Held in mid December, they were festival honoring the agricultural god Saturn. When Romans Empire conquered most of Europe from 2nd century BC to 4th century AD. Many traditions, including date, giving gifts, lighting candles, feasting and merrymaking were adopted²⁾.