Christmas

c) Christmas, is an annual holiday falling on December 25 or January 7 that honors the birth of Jesus. His birth, has been determined by modern historians as having occurred between 8–4 BC, and is traditionally told to have taken place in a stable within the city of Bethlehem. The specific date of celebration for Jesus' birth is fixed, and is generally believed to have been influenced by the dates of pre-Christian festivals.

Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, church celebrations, and the display of various decorations—including the Christmas tree and some little additions of lights on it. The mythological figure Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, is also a major aspect of Christmas; he is traditionally believed by millions of children presents would be gave on or before Christmas Day.Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian population, but it is also celebrated by many non-Christians, usually because of its cultural status and its non-sectarian winter-related traditions. The world celebrates this event, including 96% of the US populations.

The word Christmas originated as a combination of "Christ's Mass". In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ was used as an abbreviation for Christ. Hence, Xmas is often used as an subsitute for Christmas. After the conversion of Anglo-Saxon Britain in the very early 7th century, Christmas was referred to as geol. In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ is the first letter of Christ.

The most popular festival of the year is winter as less agiculture works are needed to be done. People also expects longer days and shorter nights. In part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to Christianity without losing their own winter celebrations. Originating from Western culture, where the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus. The popular image of Santa Claus was created by the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840–1902), who drew a new image annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the form we now recognize. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.

Father Christmas, who is the Santa claus character,was linked to holiday merry-making and drunkeness. In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. Elves make the toys. His wife is referred to as Mrs. Claus.

The current tradition in several Latin American countries holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes. Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus and other gift bringers, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.

The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization holy item surrounding the Winter Solstice which included the use of evergreen bough.The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to England, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. Around the same time, German immigrants introduced the custom into the United States. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.


In Australia, North and South America, and to a lesser extent Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.

In the Western world, rolls of brightly-colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. Displays of Christian has became a tradition.

Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5.

Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the "Christmas shopping season" generally begins on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, though many American stores begin selling Christmas items as early as October.

In most areas, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce.The Christmas Day is wales and England prevents all large shops from trading.Scotland is currently planning similar legislation. Film studios release many high-budget movies in the holiday season, including Christmas films, fantasy movies or high-tone dramas with high production values.


Whole Group Work
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