Counting down the days to Christmas is a universal tradition for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting a holiday vacation, planning shopping sprees, or answering curious questions from little ones, we’ve got the answer for you.

Christmas Countdown: How Many Days Left?

Christmas Day is celebrated annually on December 25, and this year, it falls on a Wednesday. As of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, there are:

35 Days Until Christmas

That’s just five weekends left for shopping, including the upcoming Black Friday–Cyber Monday rush.

Why Is Christmas Celebrated on December 25?

The tradition of celebrating Christmas on December 25 dates back to early Christianity.

Key Historical Highlights:

• Saint Hippolytus of Rome: One of the earliest mentions of December 25 as Jesus’ birth date comes from his Commentary on Daniel (circa 205 A.D.), about two centuries after Christ’s birth.
• Adoption by the Roman Church: The date became more formally recognized in the 4th century, after Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan (313 A.D.).
• Connection to Pagan Festivals:
  • The Roman festival of Sol Invictus celebrated the winter solstice, symbolizing the sun’s return and renewal.
  • Saturnalia, another Roman festival, honoured Saturn with feasting and gift-giving.

By aligning Christmas with these pagan traditions, early Christians eased the integration of their faith into Roman society while maintaining the themes of light and renewal.

Key Dates for the 2024 Holiday Season

Here are some other important dates to mark on your calendar this holiday season:

• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28
• Hanukkah: Sunday, December 22 – Monday, December 30
• Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24
• Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
• Kwanzaa: Thursday, December 26 – Wednesday, January 1
• New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, December 31
• New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Final Countdown

Get your decorations up, finalize your gift list, and prepare for the most wonderful time of the year! The festive season is officially underway with just 35 days left until Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

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