The Night and the Day That Became Christmas
By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller and Author
Moral of the Story
Christmas became one special day because faith, kindness, and joy all point to
love.
The birth of Jesus reminds us why love came into the world. Santa Claus reminds
us how love is shared through giving. December 25 became a day of light, hope,
and generosity. When love leads, traditions come together instead of competing.
Long ago children asked the same
question children ask today.
Why do we celebrate Christmas on
December 25?
Why does Santa Claus come at night?
And how did all of this become one beautiful holiday?
In a small village covered in snow
lived a thoughtful girl named Clara. Clara loved Christmas lights and carols,
but she loved questions even more. One evening she sat beside her grandfather
as the fire crackled and the winter wind tapped on the window.
“Grandpa,” Clara asked, “who decided
that everything happens on the same day?”
Her grandfather smiled. He had been
waiting for that question.
“It did not happen all at once,” he
said. “It happened slowly as people tried to remember what mattered most.”
He leaned back and began.
“The Bible tells us that Jesus was
born in Bethlehem, but it does not tell us the exact date. Early Christians
wanted a day to celebrate His birth together. They chose December 25 because
winter was the darkest season, and the world needed light. They wanted a day
that reminded everyone that hope had entered the world.”
Clara nodded.
“That day became Christmas,” her
grandfather continued. “A celebration of Christ. Families gathered. Candles
were lit. Songs were sung. People remembered that love had come down to earth.”
“But Santa Claus?” Clara asked.
Her grandfather’s eyes twinkled.
“Santa Claus comes from a real man
named Saint Nicholas,” he said. “He lived long ago and was known for helping
the poor and caring deeply for children. He believed gifts should be given
quietly and with joy. Over time, his story traveled across countries and
languages. His name became Santa Claus, and his kindness became part of
Christmas.”
Clara leaned closer.
“And the night before Christmas?”
she asked.
“As families prepared for Christmas
Day,” her grandfather said, “the story of Santa Claus was placed on the evening
before. December 24 became a night of anticipation. Children went to sleep
thinking about generosity and joy. Santa arriving at night made Christmas
morning feel like a surprise-filled with wonder.”
“So it all fit together,” Clara said
slowly.
“Yes,” her grandfather replied.
“December 25 became the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas became
the celebration of His love. And Santa Claus became the symbol of giving that
flows from that love.”
That night, Clara dreamed of a
calendar page glowing with light. December 25 shone brighter than all the
others. On one side came a manger. From another came a warm home filled with
laughter. From the night before came Santa Claus, carrying gifts given with joy.
When Clara woke, she understood.
Christmas was not about choosing one
meaning over another.
It was about remembering where love begins and how it is shared.
From that day on, Clara celebrated
Christmas with a full heart. She sang about Jesus. She gave gifts with
kindness. She welcomed joy without confusion.
Because one night and one day came
together to tell one beautiful story.
A Christmas Poem:
One winter day, the world agreed.
To honor love in word and deed
A child was born to bring us light.
A truth remembered every night
So Christmas came, and joy stood
tall.
With hearts that welcomed all
Faith and kindness go hand in hand
Made one bright day across the land
Discussion Questions for Parents and
Caregivers:
1. Why do
you think December 25 was chosen as a day of light and hope during winter?
2. How does
Santa Claus help children understand generosity and kindness?
3. How can
your family celebrate both faith and giving during Christmas in meaningful
ways?
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