Christmas Sunday facts for kids

The Nativity of Christ
(Byzantine icon).

Christmas Sunday is the name for the Sunday that comes right after Christmas. It's a special day for many Christians around the world.

What is Christmas Sunday?

Christmas Sunday is a day of rest and worship. It helps people continue to celebrate the Christmas season. This day is often used to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

How Different Churches Celebrate

In Western Christianity, which includes many churches like Catholic and Protestant ones, the first Sunday after Christmas is often called the "First Sunday of Christmas." It's a time to keep the holiday spirit going.

Christmas Sunday in the UK

In the United Kingdom, sometimes the date of Boxing Day can shift. If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, December 26th might be called "Christmas Sunday." In this case, Boxing Day would move to December 27th. This used to be more common, but now December 26th is usually called Boxing Day, even if it's a Sunday.

Remembering Important People

For some Christians, especially in Eastern Christianity, Christmas Sunday is a very important feast day. It's called the "Sunday After the Nativity." On this day, people remember key figures connected to the birth of Jesus.

These figures include King David, who was an ancestor of Jesus. They also remember Saint Joseph, who was Jesus's earthly father. Another important person remembered is James the Brother of the Lord. He was one of Jesus's close relatives.

Special songs and readings are part of the church services on this day. They help people think about the roles these individuals played in the Christmas story. If there isn't a Sunday between December 25th and January 1st, this special feast day moves to December 26th.