We would like to wish all our students and staff and enjoyable and restful Winter break and a happy new year! For everyone celebrating Christmas, we hope you have a very merry Christmas!
The Christian church established Christmas as 25 December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Whilst the Bible does not state Jesus’ birth date, the Western Church adopted 25 December around the 4th century. The word “Christmas” comes from “Cristes Maesse” (Christ’s Mass), a Christian service for his birth.
Christmas coincides with Roman winter solstice celebrations. Long before Christianity, cultures celebrated the shortest day of the year (Solstice) with festivals, feasting, and symbols of new life (evergreens). Solstice takes place on Sunday 21 December.
Every year, services are held within churches and cathedrals across the country to mark Christmas, including Advent services, Midnight Mass, and Christmas Day services. You can find out about events being held at Canterbury Cathedral and Rochester Cathedral, including Carol Services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.