Christmas
is the biggest holiday in the United States. It's celebrated
on December 25, and almost everyone participates regardless of
the fact that it's a Christian holiday. The mythical character
of Santa Claus helps to secularize the holiday.
|
On the day of Christmas and during the
days leading up to the holiday, the birth of Jesus Christ is remembered
and celebrated. |
|
Three wise men visited Jesus after he
was born and brought him gifts.
This is one reason children are
given so many presents on Christmas day. |
|
Christmas occurs at about the same time
as the winter solstice, which was celebrated long ago by European
pagans. As Christianity became a bigger religion, it replaced paganism
in Europe but the tradition of celebrating Christmas on December
25 remains. Many Christians all over the world and in the U.S.
celebrate the birth of Jesus in January--on January 6 or January
7 |
|
| Santa Claus is a mythical character. |
|
Santa Claus is based on the real life
of Saint
Nicholas, a third-century bishop who devoted himself to
the poor and to the welfare of children. |
|
Santa Claus flies all over the world
in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He goes to the house of
every child in the world and brings them presents. |
|
It's a tradition to put a Christmas tree
in your house during the holiday season. Many people also hang
stockings (big socks) on a fireplace so that Santa can fill them
with toys and candy. |
|
People exchange gifts on Christmas Eve
and on Christmas morning. |
|
| Food is an important part of the Christmas
tradition |
christmas cookies |
gingerbread men |
gingerbread house |
fruitcake |
ham |
goose (alive) |
goose (cooked) |
potato casserole |
oranges |
You can eat just about anything on Christmas
Eve or Christmas Day. Many Americans eat the traditional food for
their culture or ethnic group: Mexican food, Chinese food, Italian
food, German food, Ethiopian food, Russian food, etc. |
|
| |
|
return to the blog
|
