The message of Christmas and celebrating it in its right spirit

Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith. But it would be wrong to assume that it is only celebrated among the Christians.With the world becoming a global village, Christmas is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Caroling, feasting, and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes... Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the spirit remains the same everywhere. But what is the message behind its traditions and the religious meaning? come let me explain it here so that its celebrated in its true spirit this year.. And not just as a holiday!

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
Christmas is the annual holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of dec and there is a very interesting story about the birth of Jesus.click here for whole story

CELEBRATIONS DURING THE HOLIDAY AND ON CHRISTMAS
The magic of the holidays is contagious! Neighborhoods are alive with twinkling lights, the scent of gingerbread cookies perfume the air. From November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centers and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.


By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, colored lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with colored electric lights.

In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes.Wherever you go you'll hear the sound of carols, jingling bells and laughter in the air. And you can't help but whistle a carol yourself and join in the laughter - it's Christmas and you couldn't be happier!

CHRISTMAS DAY
On eve of 24Th people attend the midnight mass in church.In the morning people visit each others homes and exchange greetings, after attending the morning mass.Families celebrate the rest of the day in a joyous mood relishing Christmas cakes,cookies,puddings and special meals prepared for the day.The Christmas cake and cookies are offered to guests who visit during the day.

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS



CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE
Christmas cake is an English tradition that began as plum porridge. People ate the porridge on Christmas Eve, using it to line their stomachs after a day of fasting. gradually they began to add dried fruit, spices and honey were added to the porridge mixture, and eventually it turned into Christmas pudding. These days it is baked into any form and kept for relishing it with guests that come over.


CHRISTMAS TREE
A Christmas tree,is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas.It is normally an evergreen coniferous tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas.An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

SANTA CLAUS
Father Christmas(Santa Claus) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true.It is said that he arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer.He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.


In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children and for the last seven years without fail i've always put a gift with all sorts of chocolates,toys etc for my son Aryan, hes seven years now:)

Who was he?
Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas.He was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4Th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it.It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney.It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings!

So here's to a Christmas that's merry and bright for all! Happy reading and happy holidays to you! please dont forget to comment about Christmas and you!
OTHER CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

HOLLY


MANGER OF JESUS'S BIRTH