Many in the Central Valley observed Christmas Day by attending church services.
St. John's Cathedral in Fresno is the oldest surviving church in Fresno, according to the Fresno Historical Society. The church was packed for midnight mass and church services throughout the day.
Parishioners said they are celebrating the true meaning of the day.
"We have our little nativity [scene] out. So this morning, the first thing they do is put baby Jesus in the hay and sing happy birthday to him," said Audrey Lara, a parishioner at St. John's.
Lara has been attending St. John's for the last 15 years.
At a Wednesday morning mass, Lara's daughter had the honor of ushering in the symbolic baby Jesus that's used in the church's nativity scene.
"It meant a lot to me because I was excited to carry him. I never got to carry it before," said Leticia Lara, a fourth grader who is a member of St. John's Cathedral.
Parishioners said many people ignore the meaning of Christmas, as some are wrapped up in the excitement of the holiday season.
"They're too excited to open gifts and they forget that Jesus is the main reason that we have this season-- his birthday. And it's very special," said Isabel Gomez, who sang in the church's choir for about 30 years.
The holidays are times for many to celebrate, while for some, the holidays only bring sore reminders of sad times.
Manuel Arroyo shared his Christmas message for those who've hit hard times: "Hold on to the faith and believe that things will happen for you. If we move forward, and if we rely on people, friends and family, we'll get through it."'
This Christmas is also special to many as it's the first one with Pope Francis presiding over the Catholic church.