Christmas is a time of celebration, a chance to spend time with family and loved ones and extend kindness to others.
For Christians, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year and is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is also a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith, and many churches will have special programs throughout December.
In her Christmas message last year, Dr Deidre Palmer, who was president of the Uniting Church in Australia, said, "As we approach this Christmas what matters most is not the gifts, the decorations or even the Christmas carols that we so enjoy, what matters most is the love we share with each other, the friendship and community that gives us life.
"The central message of Christmas is that we are loved. We are loved by the God who comes to us in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ who lights up our lives and world with a message of peace, love and hope."
Christmas is a time for generosity to others less fortunate than ourselves.