A Christmas wreath hangs in 21st century Earth
Christmas is an ancient Earth religious holiday in the Christian faiths that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who according to Christian theology is the son of God. It also has roots in ancient pagan Earth religions. It is celebrated on December 25.
In 2000, while recording a personal journal entry on December 27, Shannon O'Donnell noted that while she wasn't looking forward to New Year's Eve, at least Christmas was over. (VOY: "11:59")
In the Julian Bashir, Secret Agent holoprogram, Julian Bashir gave Anastasia Komananov a set of exploding earrings for Christmas of 1963. (DS9: "Our Man Bashir")
In 2266, a Christmas party was held for personnel in the science labs of the Federation starship Enterprise. James T. Kirk made an appearance, and ended up spending a romantic evening with Helen Noel after they met, danced and he talked about the stars. (TOS: "Dagger of the Mind")
Christmas is the setting of A Christmas Carol, a play of which Data was going to be performing in as Ebenezer Scrooge in 2367. (TNG: "Devil's Due")
While trapped in the Nexus in 2371, Captain Jean-Luc Picard experienced a Christmas – complete with a Christmas tree, presents and dinner – with his illusory children and wife, before being shaken from his reverie and resuming his mission to stop Dr. Soran from destroying the Veridian system. (Star Trek Generations)
While attempting to escape Q in 2372, Q briefly tried to hide the USS Voyager, disguising it as an ornament on a Christmas tree. (VOY: "Death Wish")
Appendices
Additional References
- VOY: "Spirit Folk"
Background
Since episodes such as TNG: "Who Watches The Watchers" suggests that Humanity has become largely irreligious, it is possible that Christmas continues in the future as a secularized celebration of family and goodwill, while the traditional Christian observances have faded to a greater or lesser degree.
However, Kasidy Yates mentioned that her mother would prefer her to be married by a minister. This suggests that some Humans may still have some religious beliefs and holidays, such as Christmas, are religiously important to them. (DS9: "Penumbra") In a later episode she also tells Benjamin Sisko that she will not participate in a Bajoran blessing ceremony because she did not convert when she married him.
Apocrypha
- Christmas was also a central story element in "Spirit in the Sky," an issue of DC Comics' Next Generation comics miniseries.