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Christmas (/krɪsməs/) is an annual
holiday celebrated on December
25
that marks and honors
the birth of Jesus
, which is
the basis for the Anno Domini (between 7
and 2 BC, the date of celebration is not thought to be Jesus' actual
date of birth, and may have been chosen to coincide with ancient
Roman solar festivals that were held on December 25.)
Etymology
The word Christmas originated as a contraction of
"Christ's mass". It is derived from the Middle
English Christemasse and Old English Cristes
mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038, the
Greek christos and the Latin missa. In early
Greek versions the letter Χ (chi) is the first letter
of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the
similar Roman letter X, has been used as an
abbreviation for Christ. Xmas is often used as an
abbreviation for Christmas.
Modern customs of the holiday
include postcard-
and gift-giving,
church celebrations.
The display of various
decorations—including
the Christmas tree
Other decorations:
lights
garlands
candles
Other popular holiday plants:
Christmas Cactus in bloom
European mistletoe
European Holly (Ilex aquifolium) leaves and fruit
Two main figures:
(they have different origins)
Santa Claus,
also known as Saint
Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or
simply "Santa", is the
figure who, in Western
cultures, is described as
bringing gifts on
Christmas Eve,
December 24.The legend
may have its basis in
hagiographical tales
concerning the historical
figure of Saint Nicholas.
Father Christmas
The traditional
Father Christmas
was neither a gift
bringer, nor
associated with
children.
Nowadays, most
Britons use the
expressions
Father Christmas
and Santa Claus
as synonyms.
Christmas is celebrated throughout the
Christian population, but is also celebrated
by many non-Christians as a secular,
cultural festival. The holiday is widely
celebrated around the world, including in
the United States, where it is celebrated
by 96% of the population.
How do people prepare to
celebrate Christmas?
• buy and carry
Christmas tree
• decorate this tree
at home lights and
ornaments
• decorate the fireplace
with stockings,
candles
• put presents under
the tree
• decorate the street
door with garlands
• Decorate the
house with street
lights
• make snowmen
• wait for Santa
Claus with a sack
How does Santa Claus come to
your house?
Don’t forget to send Christmas
cards to your relatives and friends