Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, commemorating the story of the birth of the faith’s most important figure, Jesus Christ. It is celebrated annually, and this year falls on Thursday, December 25. Observers attend special services at their local church, and at home put up Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations, exchange gifts and cards, and gather for a festive meal.
It is certainly a major commercial holiday as well, being the biggest card-sending holiday in the U.S., with billions of holiday packages going through the United States Postal Service, and with the average consumer spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars Christmas shopping (sometimes even going into debt to pay for their purchases).
Selflessness and “the spirit of giving” are major aspects of Christmas, which plenty will be quick to remind the people around them as the materialistic approach to the holiday takes up so much attention (just look at any of the countless movies about “the true meaning of Christmas”). Especially in a year when rising costs of food and other necessities is a nationwide concern, food banks/pantries, clothing and gift donation organizations, and other charitable organizations are particularly busy around Christmastime.
Check your local charities and volunteer opportunities to see how you can give back to those in need for Christmas, or to see what resources and services you yourself may be entitled to. (You can also call 211, a state hotline intended to connect New Yorkers to food, housing, and other support services and programs, for the latter purpose.)
Christmas is a federal holiday, so you can expect businesses to be closed or operating on limited hours, and government buildings, banks, and schools to be closed. Places may also be closed or operating on limited hours the day before (Christmas Eve) and/or the day after. Christmas is also one of the biggest travel occasions in the U.S., with millions flying or driving to holiday destinations, so expect major traffic while traveling and crowds in popular locations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy, and Merry Christmas!
