The Catholic world on December 25 marks the day of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. 

That day is an official state holiday and not a working day in more than 100 countries. 

In fact, Catholics celebrate Christmas much longer, since the five-day pre-holiday and the six-day post-holiday period is observed, too.  

The Christmas mass is celebrated at midnight, sunrise, and in the afternoon. 

Christmas was first celebrated in the 4th century. 

But the exact date of Christ’s birth is not known.

Members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, however, celebrate Christmas on January 6.