Christmas festival

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Christmas Festival Christmas Festival falls on 25th day of December every year and commemorate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Christian communities across the globe celebrate Christmas with faith, joy and enthusiasm. Celebrations for Christmas begin on the eve of Christmas on 24th December and continue till New Year's Day. During this entire period people make merry, party with friends and exchange seasons greetings and gifts with dear ones. High point of Christmas Festival celebrations include decoration of Christmas Tree, Christmas cakes, carols, and the jolly old Santa Claus - the mythical character who brings gifts for children. Origin of Christmas Festival The word 'Christmas' comes from 'Cristes Maesse', or "Christ's Mass." Historians claim that Christmas Festival was first celebrated in Rome 1

Transcript of Christmas festival

Page 1: Christmas festival

Christmas FestivalChristmas Festival falls on 25th day of

December every year and commemorate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. Christian communities across the globe celebrate Christmas with faith, joy and enthusiasm. Celebrations for Christmas begin on the eve of Christmas on 24th December and continue till New Year's Day. During this entire period people make merry, party with friends and exchange seasons greetings and gifts with dear ones. High point of Christmas Festival celebrations include decoration of Christmas Tree, Christmas cakes, carols, and the jolly old Santa Claus - the mythical character who brings gifts for children.

Origin of Christmas FestivalThe word 'Christmas' comes from 'Cristes

Maesse', or "Christ's Mass." Historians claim that Christmas Festival was first celebrated in Rome circa 336 AD. In early times, there was a controversy on the date of Christmas celebrations as the exact date of Christ's birth was not known. But in 336 AD, Christian leaders fixed the Christmas date to December 25. This date was mainly an attempt to eclipse Saturnalia a popular pagan holiday in Rome that celebrated the

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winter solstice. Gradually, the 25th December got acceptance from the Western World and later even Eastern Churches started celebrating Christmas Day on December 25th.

Christmas Festival TraditionsChristmas festival centers around various

popular traditions. Adding age old traditions in your Christmas traditions helps you enjoy the festival to the fullest. The most popular tradition of decorating Christmas Tree is followed with great excitement by people across the world. In many countries, people decorate artificial spruce trees to keep alive the spirit of the tradition. Houses are decorated with auspicious mistletoe, lights and display of Nativity scenes. Christmas is highly enjoyed by young children as it brings along winter holidays and time to perform some traditional activities. They keenly participate in cleanliness and decoration of their house. Children behave very nicely to make their favorite Santa Claus happy who brings gifts for them. Christians actively participate in midnight Christmas Mass and the joyous Christmas carnival. Christmas evening is the time to relish some traditional Christmas food especially the Christmas Cake. Tradition of singing Christmas carols and songs is also practiced with faith and dedication.

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Celebrations for Christmas FestivalFestive air pervade everywhere when

Christmas is near. It is celebrated with high spirits and gusto. Though the way of celebrating Christmas differs in various countries but the fervor and enthusiasm remains the same. Caroling, feasting and gift-giving are the main ingredients of a perfect Christmas celebration. Christmas preparations begin many days before the festival. Markets, streets, homes and churches are illuminated with colorful lights and decorated with Nativity scenes, Christmas trees and artificial snow. Pubs, party halls, restaurants, discotheques and even beaches are thronged by people at the time of Christmas. These celebrations are escalated with multiple fireworks and other festivities. It is celebrated with immense joy and mirth all around. Merry-making with family and friends is the significant part of the Christmas fiesta. No celebration is worth unless spent with loved ones. Some people go to their native place, stay at home or indulge in lavish balls and enjoy get-together with their dear ones.

These days workplaces also hold special theme parties. It gives people a chance to dress in their best. Now-a-days, many Christian schools perform Nativity plays and hold Christmas parties. Sumptuous meals also form an important part of Christmas celebrations. People spend a lot of time

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preparing their special Christmas delicacies. People are in the fun and frolic mood especially children as they get gifts from their beloved Santa Claus.

1. The Origin of ChristmasThe origin of Christmas differs as the

precise date of the birth and historicity of Jesus are much debated. Christmas, literally meaning the Mass of Christ, is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar. The festival of Christmas takes place on 25th December, every year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is also celebrated as a secular holiday throughout the world, including countries with small Christian populations like India. Various theories of the origin of Christmas exist that give a clear insight into the celebration of Christmas.

Date of ChristmasChristmas is celebrated on December 25

in all Christian churches including Eastern Rite, Roman & Protestant. Since most Eastern Orthodox churches have not accepted either the Gregorian calendar or the Revised Julian Calendar reforms, December 25 will fall on the civil date of January 7 for the years from 1900 to 2099. It is believed that the nativity was set on December 25th by a Roman bishop around the third century A.D.

The Roots Of Christmas

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Christmas is from Christes Maesse, which means Christ Mass. It is referred that during the 4th century, the celebration of Christ's birth on December 25 was gradually adopted by most Eastern churches. In Jerusalem, opposition to Christmas lasted longer as according to them the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ is unknown. It is said that December 17-24th was the period of Saturnalia, a well-known festival in pagan, Rome. December 25th was the birthday of Mithra, the Iranian god of light. This day was adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals

The AcceptationThough the true origin of Christmas is

filled with controversy and compromise, today, Christmas has turned out to be one of the most popular festival that fills joy, happiness and love in people's life. The festival of Christmas has absorbed various customs and traditions of world and 25th December has emerged as the most important day for Christians, irrespective of its roots. It is taken as a day that reflects the power, glory and salvation of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world.

Various Theories Of The origin of Christmas

As the origin of Christmas has been a debatable issue, various theories has been suggested, supporting the date of 25th December as the birth of Jesus.

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2. Christmas TraditionThe Tradition of Christmas festival has

gradually evolved from times that long represented the Christian period. All the traditions and customs performed on this day are only the extension of Roman Pagan to Christian ceremonial. The tradition of Christmas include the 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carols, the feasts, and the church processions, can all be traced back to the early times.

With the passage of time, the nature of Christmas celebration has undergone tremendous change and every year a new tradition begins. Christmas, celebrated to remember and honor the birth of holy Jesus, has evolved from a staunch religious affair into a merry hearted event that include carnivals, cookies and off course Santa Clause. The Traditional Elements Of Christmas:

Yule LogThe burning of the Yule Log was taken

from ancient sun worship rituals. Yule Logs are supposed to be cut from red oak trees and burned all of Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day.

SnowChristmas has been widely associated

with snow fun activities such as skiing,

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snowboarding, sled riding, snow mobile riding, or hiking with snowshoes.

WreathTo worship evergreen holly is taken as a

sign of eternal life because it did not brown or die in the winter. Some religious groups say that the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head was made of holly. The berries were supposedly white but turned bright red from Jesus' blood.

MistletoeMistletoe is rarely used in churches

because it comes from the ancient Druid ceremony celebrating winter solstice. This once pagan tradition started when a girl would stand beneath the hanging plant and a boy would walk up, pick a berry and then kiss her.

CookiesThere is no exact date recorded but the

idea of leaving cookies for Santa started sometime in the 1930's. Naughty kids use them to bribe Santa at the last minute and nice kids use them as a way of thanking him for all his hard work on Christmas Eve.

Santa ClausSanta' has been around since the 4th

century. Originally known as Saint Nicholas, the patron of children and sailors, the bishop was immortalized because of his generous and loving nature towards children.

Lights

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The very first person to have Christmas lights on their tree was Edward Johnson who worked for Thomas Edison. The use of decorative light has been imperative on the Christmas Day.

Christmas TreeThe tradition of the Christmas tree comes

from Germany. The very first trees were oak, the same tree used for the Yule Log. Trees have been a symbol of good luck since the middle Ages.

CarolingThe custom of singing Christmas carols is

said to have come from 13th century Italy where a man named St. Francis of Assisi led songs of praise. It is very bad luck to send carolers away empty handed. It is customary to offer food, drink or even a little money.

RudolphThe invention of Rudolph was an

advertising gimmick. The red-nosed reindeer was born in 1939 when a 34-year old writer for Montgomery Ward named Robert L. May was asked to invent a Christmas story. The company gave copies of the story to customers during the holiday season as a promotion for their stores.

3. Christmas Day in the MorningChristmas mornings are the most spirited

time of the year after spending a great Christmas Eve. All christians attend Christmas services held on the Christmas

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day. It is a prayerful service and people pray on Christmas mornings celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ. The prayer is usually followed by carol songs which is the traditional songs sung during the Christmas season. People of all age group join in singing the Christmas carols which set the right spirit for the festival. After this they wish each other greetings of the seasons. People also visit the crib which is a depiction of the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Decoration of Christmas TreeMost of the houses set up the Christmas

tree in their garden or house before the Christmas mornings. This tree is decorated by all the members of the family and the stars are fixed. Lights, buntings and other decorations brighten up the Christmas tree. Gifts for all the family members are kept next to the christmas tree and are to be opened up only on the Christmas Eve or the Christmas morning. It is a well known belief that children of many cultures across the world are known to hang stockings in the house and believe that Santa Claus will stuff the stocking with gifts.

Christmas CelebrationAll young boys and girls wake up early in

the morning to see the gifts that they got from their parents as well as from Santa Claus. They are exited to open up the new toys and sweets that they have received as presents. Dressed in the best clothes brought

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for Christmas, children also check the gifts in the stocking that they have hung near the fire place or near the Christmas tree. They also have a special sumptuous Christmas breakfast that includes puddings, cakes and special cookies that are all home made and delicious.

The melodious carols sung by the carol singers in the vicinity make the occasion all the more special and memorable. The singers visit every house and sing melodious carols. Every member of the family come together to celebrate on Christmas mornings and have lunch or dinner together. The meals are really filing with a variety from, chicken, pork, beef, meat and wonderful desserts to feast on. Christmas mornings are one of the best times of the year for enjoying with your family and loved ones

4. About Santa ClausThe whole persona of Santa Claus is well

etched out and is a very attractive icon of children. Christmas is a festivity most awaited by children and this has immensely helped in the survival of the legends of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New York brought this fun and lively tradition to America.

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The PersonaThis version of Santa has given the

current myth its visual form and some very curious traditions. A merry old man with red and white clothes, along with eight flying reindeer, which is later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The home of Santa Clause is located on or near the North Pole and he is in habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th. Santa Claus is also said to possess the habit of entering houses through the chimney.

The TransformationThe basis for the Santa Claus is Bishop

Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir), in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children. Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows. The modern day image of Santa Clause has been very much evolved and has attained a commercial status. But nonetheless this image has still preserved the essence of the old cult. Actually the old "cult" of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.

The Real Saint NicholasBorn to relatively affluent Christian

parents in Patara, Saint Nicholas was at one time bishop of Myra, a town in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Recognized for his

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great generosity, he is the real saint Nicholas.

Santa Around the WorldSanta around the world is recalled in a

different versions. But the common facts related to him is that he is virtually omnipresent and can visit hundreds of millions of homes in one night.

5. The Christmas TreeA Christmas without the Christmas tree is

incoherent. The fragrance and essence of the Xmas trees have been an integral part of the celebrations as well as of the family unit since time immemorial. The celebrations usually begin with the selection of the tree, and carries on with the decorations till the day of Christ, when all the revelry takes place in front of this very tree. Gifts are placed under the tree, as family and friends gather around to celebrate the birth of Christ.

A Christmas SymbolFor families in North America, Germany

and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. The use of evergreens was and is most widespread in England and Germany. At least 500 years ago the religious meaning began to be associated with these plants.

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Choosing the TreeThere are many varieties of evergreen

trees around the world, and finding the first variety used is a matter of myth. Some of the oldest legends include fir trees. Some older, verifiable accounts include hemlocks, though hemlock branches are often too frail to support most ornaments. There are approximately 50 different kinds of conifers sold to eager holiday shoppers. Common types include pines, spruces and other firs.

DecorationsOnce the right kind of tree is secured, the

next step is to source various ornamental items for its decorations. It is up to the taste and preference of individual to decide the kind of look wanted to give to the tree. This is true time to showcase the creativity with the help of color and style theme. The Christmas tree is decorated with colorful ribbons, ornaments, glistening garland and blinking lights. No matter how the tree is decorated it still symbolizes a timeless Christmas tradition of families gathered together exchanging presents and love.

Christmas Tree EvolutionThe Christmas tree evolution is believed

to have begun in Germany, in the first half of the 700s. Later on various additions were made and the Christmas tree custom became popular in other parts of world.

Christmas Celebrations

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Christmas celebrations include spending time with the family, decorating the entire house, inside and out and shopping, for friends and relatives. Spending Christmas with the family is very important. On this day, all family members spend time in baking cookies, making fudge and preparing a big Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings. The children love to see each other and spend the day playing games and sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for each of them1. Christmas Day

People love everything about Christmas Day - the nativity scene, caroling, scripture reading and concerts. November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows. During the season people take the time to enjoy the city or town when it's all decorated.

The Tradition of ChristmasThe Tradition of Christmas have combined

from over half a dozen cultures and accumulated over the centuries. An in-depth look in into its tradition, and one is moved with all the sentiments, symbols and meaning associated with Christmas. All of which combine to give a touch of liveliness and harmony to the season of celebrations. However, no matter which part of the world

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you are in, the tradition of Christmas blossoms with fun and celebration and carries along with it faith, hope and love.

Celebrating ChristmasCelebrating Christmas has nothing to do

with spending a lot of money and having elaborate parties. The biggest celebrations are the most personal ones spent with people whose company we love. A simple thing as watching a beautiful Christmas movie with a special someone can be all it takes. Or maybe share a home cooked meal with friends in front of the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas MealOn Christmas Day, a special meal of

Christmas dishes is usually served, for which there are traditional menus in each country. In the United Kingdom, the traditional meal consists of roast turkey or goose, served with roast potatoes and other vegetables, followed by Christmas pudding, a heavy boiled pudding made with dried fruit (traditionally plums) and flour.

2. Christmas GiftsChristmas is the celebration of the birth

of Jesus for members of the Christian religion. The first celebration of Christmas took place in Rome. Christmas is a wonderful catalyst for enjoying the precious and simple pleasures of being, if only for a brief time, close together in the warm familiarity of

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friends and family, renewing relationships and sharing memories. People enjoy this festival with lots of love and enjoy the cherish of Christmas with sweets and gifts.

Every country is having a unique way of celebrating christmas,but certain customs are same throughout the world people exchange gifts and sweets, decorate their houses and illuminate it with light, decoration. 'Christmas trees' will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.

From December onwards it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centers and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial flowers. Shops are decorated in a new and impressive way,people start planning before the Christmas it needs a lot of care before the purchasing of christmas gifts your gifts selection choice will do the right the job and bring cheer in your life. On christmas when you decide the shpping place to buy a gift because there are countless of shops are reflecting their product it is essential to choose peculiar one from a huge market.it is essential to keep in mind the person for whom it is presented, whether it is special presents for close friends and family or corporate gifts for business customers. Nowadays,people used to purchase a specific gifts for their mother,

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father, kids, teenagers and any one special for you.

Christmas home made gift can save money, depending on the materials, but they definitely cost you in time, so it’s an even trade off. But there is an additional benefit to hand-making this year’s Christmas gifts. You can be definitely sure that the gift you give will be an original.When you make your own gift, you have the luxury and comfort of knowing that this will never happen to you.Enjoy this Christmas with kids and with your relatives with new gift and make this christmas a memorable and delighted.

3. Christmas ShoppingWith the beginning of December, people

begin making plans and look forward for shopping. It is a time of dual celebration, of Christmas and New Year. People tend to think that Christmas shopping and shopping for gifts is the same thing. However, there is much more to Christmas shopping than just gifts. One has to take some important decisions to make it a wonderful experience.

When do I start my Christmas Shopping?

To set the festive mood, start shopping as early as possible. Start noticing the pre-Christmas sales that have been running at most shops. Grab a bargain, and visit stores that offer discounts. Always avoid shopping in a hurry.

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What do I buy?If you are shopping for kids and ladies,

the nature of gift or product would differ and the place from which you are buying would also change. So always keep in mind, and make a separate list for each category.

Some Popular Ideas on Christmas shoppingMarket Selection:

Come Christmas time and all of us start searching the market to select those perfect gifts for all our near and dear ones. But if you choose the market before shopping, it will make your shopping session much simpler and convenient, it helps in saving your precious time and makes shopping successful.Shopping on a Weekday:

Weekends have always been considered a favorite time to go shopping. But the festive season added to the fact that it is a weekend makes it so much more difficult to shop at peace. A great solution to this is to shop on weekdays.

Make the Budget for Christmas Shopping:

Its Christmas time, the best time to go for shopping! Christmas holiday represents the perfect reason to indulge in shopping for self as well as family members and friends. One should prepare and make up their mind before they go and shop for that perfect gift.

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It helps in avoiding the splurging or the feeling that one has overspent.

4. Christmas SongChristmas Songs stand as one of the

most important pillars of holiday music. The vast collection of Christmas songs prompt a lot of lovers of Christmas music to fall in love with it. These songs are sung by one & all and are also presented by famous singers in their incomparable style and timeless voice. Christmas songs capture the warmth of the Christmas season like no other. All the songs are beautiful, bringing that unmistakeable Christmas charm to each and every household

Christmas DecorationsThere are many things that can spark the

Christmas spirit, the arrival of cold weather, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the presence of family are all examples. But nothing seems to trigger the magical feelings of the holiday season quite like holiday decorations

The nature of the Christmas decorations has changed noticeably over the past sixty years. Tastes have changed, of course the themes that were so popular in the fifties and sixties are no longer in evidence. Perfect Christmas decorating needs a plan or a theme such as selecting among the rustic lodge Christmas, a Toyland Christmas,

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countries around the world, Victorian, country, Santa, snowmen, old fashioned, the list goes on and on.1. Christmas Ornament

During Christmas, various store offers a wide collection of luxurious Christmas ornaments. These include glass balls, glass eggs, wooden balls, hand curved Santas, ornament dolls and many more including costly items and souvenirs. Sparkling and gleaming, they create festive atmosphere and merry mood, decorating the home inside and outside on Christmas.

Molded to perfection by skilled artisans, Christmas ornaments is one-of-a kind decorative pieces that are rich in color and luxurious details. The Christmas tree just isn't complete without absolutely charming Christmas ornaments. These are covered with high-gloss finish depicting various Christmas ornaments and provided with attractive ribbons. One can hang them on the Christmas tree or simply hand over as a gift.

Christmas ornaments are one of the best ways to express the cheer and meaning of the holidays in one of the simplest ways. Such a small thing can really make a big difference in the Christmas decorating. The different themes and feelings can be conveyed merely through Christmas ornaments. A history of love and connections spoken in ornaments, hanging upon the boughs of pine-scented greenery.

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The beauty of the season is expressed in the tradition of bringing out the ornaments each year, remembering which ornament was added to the collection in what year, bringing back to memories of years past. Some memories holding joy, some even sadness, but each holding on to love. Christmas ornaments bring the nostalgic element to Christmas, the love and warmth of tradition into your home.

Ornaments with religious themes, such as angels and inspirational nativity scenes, are available from leading names in collectibles, such as Fontanini, Precious Moments, and Bradford Editions, crafted in fine porcelain and resin. Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and other traditional symbols of the season such as candy canes, gingerbread houses, and gaily wrapped presents all remain popular ornament themes.

Christmas LightsChristmas Lights are a fabulous way to

bring a touch of class to holiday celebrations. Christmas, the winter festivals use lights and fires to symbolize life and warmth in the midst of winter's cold and darkness. These usages, like gift giving, have persisted. The most splendid symbol of a modern Christmas is the brilliantly lighted evergreen tree with strings of multicolored lights. Uniquely themed lighted trees that break from

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tradition have grown in popularity the past few years.

Decorating a Christmas tree is a family event. The Christmas lights, ornaments and tree topper enhance the beauty of the tree. The decorated and fully lighted Christmas tree has an aura in itself. It fills the air with warmth, love and happiness that are symbolic of the holiday season. Apart from Christmas tree, the lighting is done everywhere, be it on a roof top, to the driveways, home, restaurants as well as commercial places.

The DecorationsThe decorations on the Christmas trees

draw their root in traditional values. The crystal balls symbolizes the fruit of redemption, the electric light or the candles are ancient symbols that stand for the triumph of spring over the darkness of winter. The light also symbolizes the light that Jesus Christ cast upon the lives of the people.

Christmas is the time of year to deck out the trees, shrubs, windows and eaves with hundreds and thousands of Christmas lights. Christmas lights are a big part of the holiday season. As November and December roll around, one can see strands of lights everywhere - on Christmas trees, houses, shrubs, bushes and even the occasional car.

The early Christmas trees were lighted with candles, then glass covers with candles

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inside or metal lanterns with small wicks hung on the Christmas tree branches like ornaments. With the invention of the electric lights, people use red ,white, and blue, flashing light bulb colors to light up the Christmas holiday season.

Christmas RecipesChristmas recipes always include terrific

holiday offerings which make a great appetizer. There are huge collection of books and articles on Christmas Recipes that one can find. Christmas cookies, Christmas Candy, Christmas Cakes and many other delicious dishes are specially made on Christmas Eve. Various Christmas recipes make a great addition to the table and it is a holiday tradition for families to get together and try out new Christmas recipes each year

Families usually have their favorites, whether it's chocolate chip, shortbread or pinwheels. They make great gifts when you combine them with other items. One can make a great gift by tyeing colorful ribbon on the Christmas recipe instructions or Christmas Recipes cook book.

1. Christmas CandyPreparing Christmas candy is one of the

most important activity done by family members on Christmas days. People enjoy Christmas candy during the holiday season as these have many good uses. Apart from

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eating it, one might also consider giving Christmas candy as gifts. It is great fun to make Christmas candy as most homemade candy lasts quite a long time, and has the added benefit of being custom made. The recipes can be adjusted to the individual taste of the intended recipient.

Early candy canes were intentionally shaped like that of a shepherd's crook to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for humanity. The earliest candy canes were pure white and were invented in the 17th century. But modern day Christmas candy is as extremely colorful and decorative in their looks.

Christmas candy are also used to hang up for decorations, can act as the perfect gift, and is a holiday treat that can be very indulging. There are various types of Christmas candy that can be prepared at home or can be bought at the holiday times. Few of them are decorative such as candy canes for Christmas tree, ribbon candy, red and green chocolates, some can act as stocking stuffers such as novelty candies; candy toys; and interactive candy

2. Christmas CookiesChristmas cookies are the perfect way to

celebrate the Holiday season and are a family favorite all the year round. Christmas Cookies are giveaways that is filled with

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Christmas spirit, loving memories and delicious buttery taste. Christmas cookies are more than just baked goods as these help to stay connected to all loved ones and to friends and family around the world. They are a tangible and tasty link to the Christmas traditions, and memories.

The origin of Christmas cookies is related to Santa Clause. People just made cookies on Christmas because they wanted santa to have something to eat before he would go to the next house and cookies are also a festive thing to eat on Christmas. They are fun to make and decorate and when they are done they look nice. They just taste really and are a good thing to eat on Christmas.

3. Christmas CakesIf you want some inspiration in the

kitchen this Christmas Season, then making beautiful Christmas Cakes is the perfect solution for you. There are an array of different cakes and designs to suit all tastes of one and all. The Christmas cakes are imaginative and inspiring for even the most basic baker.

The design of Christmas cakes are made according to the age ranges and are also specifically made for typical boys, feminine girls and for those children who fall into neither category.

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X'mas Around the WorldChristmas around the world is celebrated

in different ways by different countries. Customs differ around the world for observing Christmas, but they all center on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Thus, all around the world, people have taken the celebration of the birth of Jesus and made a Christmas that fits with the culture of their own country.

Christmas is a happy, festive time filled with great spiritual significance. Caroling, feasting, and gift giving along with the prayers and wishes - the Christmas is celebrated with high spirits all over the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the main spirit remains the same everywhere. It is interesting to see how different countries celebrate Christmas. Here, one can have a glimpse over the different ways Christmas is celebrated in different countries

1. Christmas in UKThe English Christmas celebrations

include the beautiful Christmas music, decorated Christmas Trees and hang up evergreen branches. The English gift giver is called Father Christmas and he wears a long red or green robe, and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve. However, the

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gifts are not usually opened until the following afternoon.

Christmas in England began in AD. 596, when St Augustine landed on her shores with monks who wanted to bring Christianity to the Anglo Saxons. Father Christmas delivers them during the night before Christmas. The Children leave an empty stocking or pillowcase hanging at the end of the bed. In the morning they hope it will be full of presents.

In England the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day because boys used to go round collecting money in clay boxes. When the boxes were full, they broke them open. In England Christmas dinner was usually eaten at Midday on December 25, during daylight.

In England the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit.

The Christmas tree is central to England's holiday celebration and, although it had been seen in various places in England, it grew extremely popular when Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, brought the tradition to the Royal Family from his native Germany in the mid-nineteenth century. However, it has not entirely eclipsed the kissing bough (a mixture of evergreens and mistletoe).

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2. Christmas in EuropeChristmas throughout Europe is a

celebration time, which includes spending time with the family, decorating the entire house, inside and out and shopping, for friends and relatives. Spending Christmas with the family is very important for European people. On this day, all family members spend time in baking cookies, making fudge and preparing a big Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings. The children love to see each other and spend the day playing games and sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for each of them. Though the underlying zest of celebration is same, some of the distinct tradition can be seen that varies with different European countries.

Christmas FunThe spirit of Christmas isn't about gifts,

decoration, lights, but it's more about love. It's about being with those people love to spend some quality time and telling them how you feel. Christmas is about showing and sharing love for those dear to one's heart and for one's common man. Christmas is a also a fun time that can consist of a child's homemade card for a parent, a unexpected kiss on the cheek to your beloved, a phone call to a friend or relative who is alone, or any number of things that can make others happy and content.

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Nowadays Christmas is all about style and enjoyment, but people are also very passionate about traditions and throughout the country in November and December there is an undeniably festive ambience. The thousands of Christmas lights that line the streets that bring a warm glow to the long evenings. Christmas markets feature stalls selling handicrafts and the sort of homemade foods that send appealing aromas in the air.

For the majority of people, December 25th is associated with has all the glitter, tinsel and razzmatazz of a Christmas. Christmas Party, Christmas Candle, Christmas ornaments, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Gifts and Christmas Cards are some of the major aspects of a modern day celebrations. For many, the children in various households, wake up the family at dawn. Gifts are unwrapped and the joy of Christmas begins.1.Christmas Party

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when joy, hope, generosity, goodwill, and fellowship abound, and is one of the most exciting and festive holiday. It is also a unique day to party along with friends and relatives. Christmas party is a social and family get together that also features gift giving, entertainment, and feasting. But one must be always sure enough by planing the event ahead, since Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone.

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The most important aspects that are to be planned quite early includes making a guest list, sending out invitations, planning a menu, setting a budget for food and decorations. If these are planned out properly, the organizers need not be tensed about all the tiny details as these can be looked in a couple of days before the big day.

2. Christmas CandleChristians world over light candles at

Christmas as a symbol of the birth of Christ, and his renewing light force that guides his followers along the righteous path that has been chosen by them. People widely follow the tradition of lighting candles in the windows and lighting candles on the Christmas tree. Christmas candles are manufactured only out of the best waxes, dyes, fragrances essential oils, and lead free wicks. Manufacturers with their expertise on candle making, produce high quality candles that are slow burning and virtually dripless.

In today's Christmas ceremonies, candles can be found everywhere from the carolers who walk around and sing to us to many of the beautiful greeting cards we send to our friends and loved ones. Candles are a part of almost every culture's Christmas. Smooth and texture surfaced candles are available in a variety of sizes and fragrances as well as unscented for the festive occasion of Christmas.

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Candles have been around for centuries and no one really knows who actually invented the candle. But, we do know that candles where replaced by oil lamps and that they were used by prehistoric people to make wall paintings deep inside caves. The candle continues to play an important role in many seasonal celebrations. In China, Christians celebrate by using paper lanterns to turn Christmas trees into trees of light. In parts of India, clay oil-burning lamps are used. In Sweden, many believers participate in what is known as Lucia. This is a celebration in which they give thanks to the Queen of Light for bringing hope during the darkest time of the year.

3. Christmas CardsBe it any occasion, the personal touch is

what makes all the difference when conveying your wishes. To make an occasion memorable and special, homemade cards, no matter how simply done. Christmas letters are a way of using Christmas as the time for connecting with people and keeping in touch by writing to them about the year gone by. E-cards are the instant yet creative way to keep in touch with everyone. The effort and time invested is so less and that is the reason that with the changing times everyone has adapted themselves to this quicker way of sending Christmas wishes across.

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Christmas SymbolsChristmas is the most widely celebrated

festival world over, and also the most popular festival globally. Apart from traditions, customs and rituals, there are some of the interesting and enjoyable information on the different icons and symbols that are associated with Christmas. In fact, these things have become so common with the celebration of Christmas, through these symbols people come to know that Christmas has come. For, these are what Christmas mean to the masses, at least symbolically. Following are some of the symbols that have been eventually attached to the Day celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ

Christmas StarFor centuries scholars and laymen alike

have speculated on the nature of the star that led the wise men from the east to seek out the Messiah. The Christmas star has traditionally been associated with the spirit of the celebration and their is something very special about it. The significance of the star can be found in the story related to the birth of Jesus Christ.

One wintry night a new star came to visit the other stars. It was so radiant that its rays shone upon the gray hills and made them light as day. The shepherds saw it and were

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frightened at its strange brightness; but an angel came to them and said: "Do not be afraid; the star has come to bring you good, tidings of great joy, and to show you the place where a little babe is born,--a little babe whose name is Jesus, and who will give peace and joy to the whole world."

When the angels had gone back to Heaven, the shepherds said, "Let us go and see this child." So they left their flocks sleeping on the hillsides, and took their crooks in their hands and followed the star. It led them to the little stable in Bethlehem, when the Baby Jesus was cradled in a manger. Then the star moved on again to a country far away, where some good, wise men lived. They saw the bright light, and noticed the star moving on and on, as if it were showing them the way to go. So they, too, followed the star till it rested above the birthplace of Jesus.

The star watched over them, casting a peaceful light over all. At last the dawn came over the hill tops, and the star went away, far back into the blue heavens, to tell the other stars the story of the Christmas day. The Christmas star symbolizes high hopes and high ideals - hope for good fortune, hope for reaching above oneself.

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