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CHRISTMAS is a joyful holiday that isChristmas 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 theirtian, it has become a holiday season that is celebrated
way to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Housesin various ways by people of many faiths. The Christmasmay be full of cousins, aunts, and uncles who might notstory comes from the Bible. In the story an angel apsee each other at other times during the year. Family mempeared to shepherds and told thembers help in the preparation of thethat a savior had been born to Maryfestivities, including of course, makand Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem.
ing a lot of food! The Christmas dinThree Wise Men from the East (thener 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 theNo Christmas is complete without
new child, and presented gifts oflots of desserts, like spicy fruitcake
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
and cookies hot from the oven. AChristmas has been associated withpopular drink during the holiday
gift giving since the Wise Menparties and gatherings is eggnog, abrought these gifts to welcome thebeverage 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 handchurch 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 ofChristmas Traditions and Symbols
Christmas. Christmas Eve services often include theDecorations
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 andergreen branches, or other Christmas decorations on thesharing a special meal. Some people visit friends anddoor. Inside the house people often decorate with brightneighbors on Christmas Day.
red poinsettia plants. Most families
Because many American famialso put up Christmas trees. In somePREVIOUS PAGE: A decorated Christmas tree towers overlies are spread out throughout theparts 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 thesky to deliver presents to children all around the world,that is, if they have been good all year. On Christmas
morning, children can’t wait to open their eyes and see
what Santa left for them under the Christmas tree. In
many families, on Christmas Eve children prepare aglass of milk and cookies as a snack for Santa. Ofcourse, in the morning the snack is gone, and theyknow 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 aresold 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, familymembers 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 amagical 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 thechildren, to bring happiness in the coldest months of theyear. 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 poorfamily. Saint Nicholas became a symbol for gift giving
among Christians. Later, Saint Nicholas was substituted
with a non-religious figure, Father Christmas, who wasrepresented as a kindly man with a red cloak and longwhite beard. Immigrants brought the idea of Father
Christmas to the United States. His name was eventually changed to Santa Claus, from the Dutch “SinterClaas,” which means Father Christmas. Santa Claus
took shape in the United States, and Americans madehim 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 thenames of children in the world, and notes whether they
have been good or bad. He decides what presents togive 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 theNorth Pole, explaining what they would like forChristmas. 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 peekinto 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. Children’s 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. Somepeople believe that the origin and spirit of Christmas
has been lost.
Every year human-interest stories appear in themedia 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 to54

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emphasize the importance of giving—rather thanreceiving—during this holiday season.

often listen to this poem before they go to bed on Christmas Eve, in anticipation of Santa’s 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 forwhat they do have—a close, happy family and generous friends. Reading excerpts
from “A Christmas Carol” isan important Christmas tradition for many American families. Theater and television productions of “A Christmas Carol” are popular entertainment
at Christmas time. Anotherpopular Christmas production
is “The Nutcracker,” a balletby Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky
which tells the story of a child’s
dream. “The Nutcracker” is aholiday favorite for people of
all ages, as many children dancein the cast.
Special Christmas songs, orcarols, 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 ofcarols: 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 ofBethlehem;” and modern American songs like “I’ll Be
Home for Christmas.” Christmas carols, both religious and secular, capture the spirit and excitement ofthe season.

Christmas Stockings
Long ago, children hung their own stockings, orsocks, over the fireplace mantel. Santa entered down thechimney and left candy and presents inside the socks forgood children. Bad children received a lump of coal.
Today the tradition of hanging up a stocking is carriedon, 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 owner’s name.
In some households all family
members, young and old, have
Christmas stockings. In others,
only the children hang up theirstockings. On Christmas morning, everyone eagerly opens theirstockings to find small items
bringing Christmas cheer.
Christmas Cards
Another important customof 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 cards—or letters and photos—giveinformation 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 andHappy New Year.” Today many people choose cards
that say simply, “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings,” which are inclusive of all faiths.

Christmas Entertainment
GlossarySongs, 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. OneBible: n. the holy book of the Christian religion
well-known poem is “The Night Beangel: n. a spirit, usually thoughtfore 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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C H R I S T M A S D AY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 camewith 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 fora long winter’s 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 thenew 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 headto his foot,And his clothes were all tarnishedwith 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 plumpa 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 wentstraight 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 teamgave 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.

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AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.”56

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reindeer: n. deer-like animal living in cold regions
sleigh: n. vehicle with runners pulled by animals oversnow
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; havensoup kitchen(s): phrase. a place where food is served
free of charge to people in needdrive: n. organized event or effort to raise money for a
cause
mantel: n. an ornamental shelf over a fireplace
lump: n. irregularly shaped piececoal: n. black ore used for fuelpersonalize(d): v. to make personal by adding the owner’sname or initials
sentiment: n. feelinghumorous: 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 showcaroler(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; inChristianity, 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 Africanor Arabian tree that makes a fragrant smell when it isburned
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; appreciatedfestivity(ies): n. celebration
spicy: adj. containing aromatic substances such as cinnamon and nutmeg
wreath: n. a ring or circle of leaves, flowers, ribbon orother items, often hung on the door as decoration at
Christmas timelot(s): n. a piece of land with the use specified by anadjective; i.e., parking lot, used car lot, Christmas treelot, empty lot
tinsel: n. shiny, thin strands of silver or gold coloredpaper 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 God’s chosen
substitute(d): v. to be replaced
cloak: n. a long, loose outer garment without sleeves
immigrant(s): n. a person who moves permanently toanother country
cheery: adj. friendly, happy
twinkle: n. sparkle; bright spot like a starelf(ves): n. small mischievous or helpful creature inmythologyoversee(s): v. to supervise
hitch(es): v. to connect
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