From Julie and Truus
Continuing to teach vocabulary
and customs through holiday traditions |
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Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Although traditionally a Christian holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated by many non-Christians. |
In addition, Father Christmas (known as Santa Claus in North America and Ireland) is a popular mythological figure in many countries, associated with the bringing of gifts for children.
More Christian and legendary figures have been associated with both Christmas and the giving of gifts. Among these are Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, the Christkind, Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Joulupukki, Babbo Natale, Weihnachtsmann, Saint Basil and Father Frost.
The most famous of these figures, Santa Claus, is a mythical gift bringer, dressed in red, whose origins have disputed sources. Santa Claus is a derivative of the Dutch Sinterklaas, which means simply Saint Nicholas.
Nicholas was Bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) in the fourth century. Among other saintly attributes, he was noted for the care of children, generosity, and the giving of gifts. His feast on the 6th of November came to be celebrated in many countries by the giving of gifts. Saint Nicholas appeared in bishoply attire, accompanied by helpers, and enquired about the behavior of children during the past year, before deciding whether they deserved a gift or not.
By the 13th century Saint Nicholas was well known in the Netherlands, and the practice spread to other parts of central and southern Europe. At the Reformation, many protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl, and the date of giving gifts changed from December 6th to Christmas Eve.
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Popular modern customs of Christmas include Christmas carols, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, and garlands, mistletoe, stockings and nativity scenes.
In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom. Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on the Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5.
The traditional colors of Christmas are pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red.
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