Christmas is observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. This date corresponds to the date of the the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.
The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving; completing an Advent calendar or Advent wreath; Christmas music and caroling; viewing a Nativity play; an exchange of Christmas cards; church services; a special meal; and the display of various Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly. In addition, several closely related and often interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Saint Nicholas are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.
December 25, Christmas Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.