For Everybody

               Shoping centers become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late. Shoping center speaker system will play Christmas “carols”-the traditional Christmas songs, and groups of the people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink (and plenty of it) means that little work will bw done after the party!

               By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights ans paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights, a habit which has long been popular in USA.

               In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes. In UK this years, the British Post Office expects to handle over 100 milion cards each day, in three weeks before Christmas. 

THE OLD MAN WITH THE SACK

        FATHER CHRISTMAS (or Santa Claus) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6^th-St. Nicholos Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believ this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) puuled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas trees.

                In shops or at  childrens’ parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents tochildren, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children. 

Each year, during the month of December, millions of homes across America are decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights. But how much do you really know about this festive holiday?

If you know any story about Christmas share with me.....

Christmas - An Ancient Holiday

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.