Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses not celebrate Christmas?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Three Jehovah's Witnesses stand beside literature carts, holding religious magazines, at the Star Ferry Pier under a blue sign for City Hall and MTR Station in Hong Kong. — Jehovah’s Witness Adherents of the Jehovah's Witness movement distributing literature about their faith in Hong Kong, China.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas because they view it, along with other traditional Christian holidays and birthdays, as a "pagan" accretion to Christianity that developed after the time of the apostles.1

Their religious practice is centered on a restorationist goal, aiming to return to the focus and practices of Christ’s early followers. Consequently, they reject observances they believe are not supported by their interpretation of Scripture. Instead of celebrating the birth of Jesus, Witnesses observe an annual commemoration of his death, known as the Memorial Meal or Lord’s Evening Meal, in accordance with the instructions recorded in Luke 22:19.1