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HRISTMAS is a joyful holiday that is

Christmas is a most cherished tradition so the days before
celebrated by most people in the United
Christmas are some of the busiest times of the year at airStates. Even though its origins are Chrisports, train stations, and bus depots with people on their
tian, it has become a holiday season that is celebrated
way to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Houses
in various ways by people of many faiths. The Christmas
may be full of cousins, aunts, and uncles who might not
story comes from the Bible. In the story an angel apsee each other at other times during the year. Family mempeared to shepherds and told them
bers help in the preparation of the
that a savior had been born to Mary
festivities, including of course, makand Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem.
ing a lot of food! The Christmas dinThree Wise Men from the East (the
ner table looks much like a ThanksMagi) followed a wondrous star,
giving feast, with turkey or ham,
which led them to the baby Jesus.
cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pie.
The Wise Men paid homage to the
No Christmas is complete without
new child, and presented gifts of
lots of desserts, like spicy fruitcake
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
and cookies hot from the oven. A
Christmas has been associated with
popular drink during the holiday
gift giving since the Wise Men
parties and gatherings is eggnog, a
brought these gifts to welcome the
beverage made of beaten eggs,
newborn baby.
cream, milk, sugar, spices, and mayOn Christmas Eve, December
be brandy or rum. Plenty of eggnog
24, many people attend evening
and hot chocolate are often on hand
church services, often at midnight.
for family and visitors alike.
Attention is focused on the nativity
scene, the story of the birth of Jesus, and on the spirit of
Christmas Traditions and Symbols
Christmas. Christmas Eve services often include the
Decorations
singing of Christmas carols. On Christmas morning
In preparation for Christmas, many people decorate
some families also attend church services, but many
their houses with colored lights and hang a wreath of evfamilies spend the morning at home, opening gifts and
ergreen branches, or other Christmas decorations on the
sharing a special meal. Some people visit friends and
door. Inside the house people often decorate with bright
neighbors on Christmas Day.
red poinsettia plants. Most families
Because many American famialso put up Christmas trees. In some
P
REVIOUS PAGE: A decorated Christmas tree towers over
lies are spread out throughout the
parts of the USA there are Christpresents waiting to be opened on Christmas morning.
country, the Christmas season brings ABOVE: During the Christmas season, many people dec- mas tree farms where people can cut
a lot of travel. Going home for orate their houses with poinsettia plants.
down their own trees. Most people,

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ents. The reindeer pull him and his sleigh through the
sky to deliver presents to children all around the world,
that is, if they have been good all year. On Christmas
morning, children cant wait to open their eyes and see
what Santa left for them under the Christmas tree. In
many families, on Christmas Eve children prepare a
glass of milk and cookies as a snack for Santa. Of
course, in the morning the snack is gone, and they
know that Santa was there. Santa Claus exists only in
our imaginations. But he, Saint Nicholas, and Father
Christmas all represent the spirit of giving.

however, buy trees that have already been cut and are
sold from Christmas tree lots on street corners or in shopping areas. The trees are brought home, set up in the living room, and decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel,
and a star or angel at the top. Under this tree, family
members and Santa will leave gifts.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus origin goes back to Norse and preChristian mythological characters who were also associated with gift giving. The Norse God, Odin, rode on a
magical flying horse across the sky in the winter to reward people with gifts. In Scandinavian and other European countries, Father Christmas, or Saint Nicholas,
comes into houses in the night and leaves gifts for the
children, to bring happiness in the coldest months of the
year. The legend of Saint Nicholas may have developed
from stories of a real Saint Nicholas, a priest who lived
in the 300s AD, and reportedly gave money to a poor
family. Saint Nicholas became a symbol for gift giving
among Christians. Later, Saint Nicholas was substituted
with a non-religious figure, Father Christmas, who was
represented as a kindly man with a red cloak and long
white beard. Immigrants brought the idea of Father
Christmas to the United States. His name was eventually changed to Santa Claus, from the Dutch Sinter
Claas, which means Father Christmas. Santa Claus
took shape in the United States, and Americans made
him a cheery old gentleman with red cheeks and a twinkle in his eye. American children believe that Santa
Claus lives at the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus,
and his helpers, the elves. All year he keeps a list of the
names of children in the world, and notes whether they
have been good or bad. He decides what presents to
give to the good children. He oversees the manufacturing and wrapping of the presents by his helpers.
Santa Claus supposedly gets his ideas for the toys
from the millions of children who write to him at the
North Pole, explaining what they would like for
Christmas. Children also find Santa Claus at shopping
malls across the country. They sit on his lap and tell
him what they want. Of course, their parents are probably nearby listening in as well.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, Santa hitches
his eight reindeer to a sleigh, and loads it with presC H R I S T M A S D AY

Gift-Giving
Giving gifts is a major Christmas tradition. Gifts
are bought or made for all people. Often school children will make gifts in their classrooms for their parents or grandparents. The gifts are wrapped and placed
under the Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas
morning. Some children are so excited on Christmas
Day that they wake up at the crack of dawn to peek
into the living room. It is hard for them to wait until
after breakfast before opening the gifts.
Nowadays people often complain that Christmas
has become too commercialized, especially in large
cities. Shop owners begin advertising and decorating
for Christmas as early as October in hopes of selling
more goods. Children demand more from Santa Claus
because manufacturers and retailers saturate the media with advertising. Childrens toys have become
more complex and expensive. Many kids ask for pricey electronic or sports equipment, while the trend for
adults is also for larger, more expensive gifts. Some
people believe that the origin and spirit of Christmas
has been lost.
Every year human-interest stories appear in the
media reminding readers of the origin of Christmas.
Shelters for the homeless and hungry appeal for money or gifts for those who are in need. Members of organizations like the Salvation Army dress up as Santa
Claus and stand on the sidewalks collecting money
for their soup kitchens. City police and other groups
supervise a Toys for Tots drive, in which people
donate new toys for needy children. Company employees may take up a collection for a special charity
or a family in need. All of these efforts are meant to
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emphasize the importance of givingrather than

receivingduring this holiday season.

often listen to this poem before they go to bed on Christmas Eve, in anticipation of Santas visit.
A favorite Christmas story is A Christmas Carol
written by British author Charles Dickens in 1854.
Dickens story spreads the idea of sharing and compassion. It tells about a poor family with little money
to live or eat well, and no money to pay for a doctor
for their son, Tiny Tim, who is disabled and walks
with crutches. Yet they consider themselves lucky for
what they do havea close, happy family and generous friends. Reading excerpts
from A Christmas Carol is
an important Christmas tradition for many American families. Theater and television productions of A Christmas Carol are popular entertainment
at Christmas time. Another
popular Christmas production
is The Nutcracker, a ballet
by Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky
which tells the story of a childs
dream. The Nutcracker is a
holiday favorite for people of
all ages, as many children dance
in the cast.
Special Christmas songs, or
carols, are sung and heard throughout the holiday season. Carolers from community groups or churches
may go from door to door through neighborhoods
singing Christmas carols. There are different types of
carols: old traditional songs such as Good King
Wenceslaus and Deck the Halls; there are religious
songs like Joy to the World and O Little Town of
Bethlehem; and modern American songs like Ill Be
Home for Christmas. Christmas carols, both religious and secular, capture the spirit and excitement of
the season.

Christmas Stockings
Long ago, children hung their own stockings, or
socks, over the fireplace mantel. Santa entered down the
chimney and left candy and presents inside the socks for
good children. Bad children received a lump of coal.
Today the tradition of hanging up a stocking is carried
on, but now many of the stockings are large sock-shaped
fabric bags decorated in Christmas red and green and holiday
designs. Stockings are often personalized with the owners name.
In some households all family
members, young and old, have
Christmas stockings. In others,
only the children hang up their
stockings. On Christmas morning, everyone eagerly opens their
stockings to find small items
bringing Christmas cheer.
Christmas Cards
Another important custom
of Christmas is to send and receive Christmas cards that express the sentiment of the season. Some cards are religious in nature; others are non-religious, or even humorous. Often the cardsor letters and photosgive
information about family events from the previous year.
Americans send Christmas cards throughout December
to friends, family, co-workers, and even business clients.
Christmas cards often include a greeting for the New
Year, wishing the recipient, Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. Today many people choose cards
that say simply, Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings, which are inclusive of all faiths.

Christmas Entertainment
Glossary
Songs, poems, stories, and performances are a regucelebrate(d): v. to honor by a ceremony or festivity
lar part of the Christmas season for many families. One
Bible: n. the holy book of the Christian religion
well-known poem is The Night Beangel: n. a spirit, usually thought
fore Christmas written by Clement ABOVE: Santa Claus places gifts under the tree and in the to be from heaven
Moore in 1823. American children stockings hanging over the fireplace mantel.
shepherd(s): n. a person who takes
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The Night Before Christmas

And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came
with a bound.

Twas the night before Christmas

when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney
with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon
would be there.
The children were nestled
all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums
danced through their heads.
Mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for
a long winters nap.
When out on the lawn there
arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see
what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the
new fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering
eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

He was dressed all in fur from his head

to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished
with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back.
And he looked like a peddler just
opening his pack.
His eyes how they twinkled,
his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses,
his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was
as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head
like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed,
like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump
a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him,
in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye, and twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went
straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings,
then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team
gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

More rapid than eagles his coursers

they came,
And he whistled, and shouted,
and called them by name:
Now, Dasher! now, Dancer!
now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid!
on, Donner and Blitzen
To the top of the porch to the top of wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle,
mount to the sky,
So, up to the house top the coursers
they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys
and St. Nicholas, too.

C H R I S T M A S D AY

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

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reindeer: n. deer-like animal living in cold regions

sleigh: n. vehicle with runners pulled by animals over
snow
exist(s): v. to live; to be
imagination(s): n. picture or idea in the mind
spirit: n. an attitude or intention
crack (of dawn): n. the earliest light of the day; daybreak
peek: v. to take a quick look as if from a place of hiding
commercialize(d): v. to exploit for profit
retailer(s): n. a person who sells items directly to customers
saturate: v. to fill up completely
pricey: adj. expensive
shelter(s): n. safe place; haven
soup kitchen(s): phrase. a place where food is served
free of charge to people in need
drive: n. organized event or effort to raise money for a
cause
mantel: n. an ornamental shelf over a fireplace
lump: n. irregularly shaped piece
coal: n. black ore used for fuel
personalize(d): v. to make personal by adding the owners
name or initials
sentiment: n. feeling
humorous: adj. funny; amusing
recipient: n. person who receives a gift or award
anticipation: n. looking forward, thinking of the future
crutches: n. support used as a walking aid
generous: adj. giving
production(s): n. staged performance or show
caroler(s): n. person singing Christmas carols at Christmas time, generally in a group standing outside or going door to door in a neighborhood
secular: adj. of or relating to worldly concerns; nonreligious

care of or watches sheep

savior: n. one who saves or brings salvation; in
Christianity, Jesus Christ
stable: n. a farm building where animals are kept
Magi: n. wise men from the East who came with gifts
for baby Jesus
wondrous: adj. remarkable; extraordinary
homage: n. respect; honor
frankincense: n. material from a special East African
or Arabian tree that makes a fragrant smell when it is
burned
myrrh: n. material from a special East African or
Arabian tree which is used in making perfumes
nativity scene: n. phrase. an exhibit of statues or figures
which show baby Jesus in the manger with Mary,
Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi
carol(s): n. a song of praise or joy, especially for
Christmas
cherish(ed): adj. held dear; appreciated
festivity(ies): n. celebration
spicy: adj. containing aromatic substances such as cinnamon and nutmeg
wreath: n. a ring or circle of leaves, flowers, ribbon or
other items, often hung on the door as decoration at
Christmas time
lot(s): n. a piece of land with the use specified by an
adjective; i.e., parking lot, used car lot, Christmas tree
lot, empty lot
tinsel: n. shiny, thin strands of silver or gold colored
paper used to decorate the Christmas tree
Norse: adj. Norwegian, from or relating to Norway
mythological: adj. not having a factual basis, relating
to a myth or story
saint: n. a title given by church (usually Christian) to
represent one of Gods chosen
substitute(d): v. to be replaced
cloak: n. a long, loose outer garment without sleeves
immigrant(s): n. a person who moves permanently to
another country
cheery: adj. friendly, happy
twinkle: n. sparkle; bright spot like a star
elf(ves): n. small mischievous or helpful creature in
mythology
oversee(s): v. to supervise
hitch(es): v. to connect
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