Ensayo De Ingles

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY!

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th of each year. It is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Christmas" means "Christ's Mass" - derived from the English term "Christes masse". There are many different customs and traditions around the world. American customs come from many places. Santa Claus has a Dutch origin. He was developed from

St. Nicholas who was a real person. St. Nicholas, was the patron saint of school boys. He brought gifts to the children. The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney originated in Norway, where children hang Christmas stockings on the fireplace mantel. Christmas trees have pagan origins. When pagans became Christian, they used evergreens (a sacred tree) for the holiday by decorating them with nuts and candles. They sang Christmas carols as they danced around the Christmas tree.

Christmas colors are red and green. Today, traditional Christmas activities include caroling, making and giving gifts, sending cards to family and friends, and enjoying festive dinners and parties. Below are symbols of Christmas and their significance.

Advent Wreath

Four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ's birthday.

Angel

An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper.

Bells

Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today.

Camels

Camels are the animals the wisemen rode following the star to where Jesus was born.

Candles

Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree.

Christmas Cards

For many years, private notes of good tidings were sent at Christmas time. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole had 1000 special designed cards printed. The custom of sending Christmas cards began.

Christmas Caroling

Caroling is a medieval custom of singing and dancing around a Christmas tree. Early carols weren't holy enough for singing inside a church, so caroling was done outside.

Christmas Cookies

Originated with pre-Christian Romans who gave sweet cakes to their senators.

Christmas Seals

A Danish postal clerk sold Christmas stamps (Christmas seals) to show that users had given to a worthy cause.

Christmas Stocking

There is a legend associated with the origin of Christmas stockings. St. Nick, who wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor family, threw gold coins down their chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry.

Christmas Tree Lights

The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.

Creche

A manger scene representing the Jesus' place of birth.

Donkeys, Lambs, and Cows

Donkeys, lambs, and cows were animals close to Jesus at the time of his birth. They are usually part of the Creche.

Evergreen Tree

The evergreen tree was decorated by the pagans at the feast of the winter solstice. The evergreen tree was a sign that winter would end.

Gifts

The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby

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