On 25 December Great Britain and the United States (and many other countries) celebrate Christmas. On this day Christians celebrate the birth of Christ.

Why do we celebrate Xmas on 25 December?Christmas comes from two pagan festivals. People celebrate the winter Solstice on 21 or 22 December. The Romans emperors choose 25 December as the birthday of the sun. During this time the Romans exchange presents.

There are traditional elements such as fir trees, holly, mistletoe and presents that were typical for the pagan tribes. Fir trees and holly are still a symbol of Christmas. Today a branch of mistletoe in the house has another meaning: when a boy and a girl meet under the mistletoes they usually kiss!!!!!. The custom of kissing under it is an ancient Celtic rite.

Christmas is an important holiday on the American and British calendar. However, in Scotland, New Year is more important. In Great Britain and the United States people prepare Christmas weeks before 25 December. Cities and towns are beautifully decorated with Christmas symbols: The Christmas tree, Santa Claus, colour lights and much more. Shop windows are full of presents for everyone. People are busy buying presents. There are Santa Clauses everywhere.

On the street corners people sing Christmas carols. In Britain many children go carol singing with and adult. They go from house to house and sing. They usually receive money for their singing. They use this money to buy presents. Christmas today respects many of the old traditions but it also has new ones.

The mordern Christmas tree comes from the Western Germany. The Germans put up a fir tree in their homes and decorate it with biscuits and candles. German people take this tradition to North America in the 17th century. By the 19th century Christmas trees are very popular in the United States.

In Britain the Christmas tree becomes popular after 1840. The German prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, takes the Christmas tree to British Royal Family. There is a big tree every year in Trafalgar Square in London.

Today America's most famous Christmas tree is in the Rockefeller Center, New York City. Today almost every Christian family has a decorated Christmas tree at home or in their gardens. Some families put up the tree on Christmas Eve and other put up the tree at the beginning of December. Many famillies put a Nativity scene under the Christmas tree. saint Francis of Assis creates the first Nativity scene in 13th century.

Many americans wear "Christmas clothes" during the Christmas season. These are clothes with Christmas colours and symbols.

Christmas crackers are an old tradition. Two people pull the cracker until it "bangs" and opens.Inside there is usually a small present, a paper hat and a joke.

In the USA there are "Christmas shops" in many cities. They sell all types of Christmas trees, ornaments and other decorations for the home. It's usual to send Christmas Cards to relatives and friends with the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you"

The figure of Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Christian bishop of asia Minor. He's famous for his generosity and kindness. Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, is an important part for the Christmas tradition. Children write letters to him and ask for special presents. Today we see Santa Claus as an old man with a white beard, dressed in a red suit. He drives a sleigh pulled by reindeers and comes down the chimney with toys for the children.

Americans and British children put out a stocking on Christmas Eve because they hope to receive presents from Santa Claus. Then they go to bed early because they want Santa Claus to come. Many Chistians go to the church services at midninght and others go on Chritmas morning. Children open their presents on Christmas morning.

I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!