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How December 25th Was Chosen for Christmas — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

RI.4.3
RI.4.4
RI.4.5
W.4.2
SL.4.1

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This engaging non-fiction reading passage explores the history of why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. Students will learn about the origins of the date, how early Christians chose it, and the blending of winter festivals across cultures. The passage is designed to build reading comprehension and vocabulary, using clear chronological structure and cause and effect relationships. Included are a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, a multiple-choice quiz, writing activities, and a graphic organizer. This resource supports ELA standards for informational text (RI.4.3, RI.4.4) and writing (W.4.2). Teachers and students can access a read aloud audio and visual resources to enhance understanding. Ideal for social studies and language arts lessons focusing on cultural events, traditions, and historical thinking.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world every year on December 25th. Many people enjoy giving gifts, singing songs, and spending time with family. But why was December 25th chosen as the day to celebrate Christmas?

Jesus was born over two thousand years ago in a place called Bethlehem. The Bible tells the story of his birth, but it does not say the exact date. Early Christians wanted to choose a special day to remember the birth of Jesus. They did not know which day it was, so they had to decide on one.

In the early years, Christians celebrated Jesus’s birth on different days. Over time, church leaders wanted everyone to celebrate on the same day. Around the year 336, the leaders in Rome chose December 25th. One reason was that many people in Rome already celebrated a big festival called Saturnalia in December. Saturnalia was a fun time with food, gifts, and light to chase away winter darkness. Another festival called Sol Invictus, or the “Unconquered Sun,” took place on December 25th. It celebrated the sun getting stronger after the longest night of the year.

The church leaders thought it would be easier for people to celebrate the birth of Jesus if it was on a day they already celebrated. This made it easier for new Christians to join in and feel included. Slowly, more and more people started celebrating Christmas on December 25th. The holiday became a time for joy, family, and hope.

Today, Christmas is celebrated in many different ways, but the date remains the same. People all over the world gather on December 25th to share food, sing songs, and show love to each other. The choice of this date connects old festivals with new traditions. It helps people remember the past and celebrate together in the present.

Interesting Fact: In some countries, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th by people who follow a different calendar, called the Julian calendar.

When is Christmas celebrated?

December 25thJanuary 1stOctober 31stJuly 4th

Where was Jesus born?

BethlehemRomeAthensLondon

Who chose December 25th for Christmas?

Church leaders in RomeKings and queensRoman soldiersFarmers

Why did early Christians pick a special day?

To remember Jesus’s birthFor winter gamesTo plant cropsTo start the new year

What was Saturnalia?

A Roman festival in DecemberA Roman emperorA city in ItalyA Christian church

How did choosing December 25th help people?

It made joining Christmas easierIt made winter longerIt changed the weatherIt ended other holidays