The wonderful time of holidays is approaching - Western Christmas, our New Year, Russian and Greek Christmas (January 7). And each country has its own customs to celebrate these magical holidays, as well as its own myths and legends.
Christmas for Western people is just as beloved, noisy and fun party, as for us - the New Year, but the New Year celebration is more like our Christmas - it lasts only one night and takes place in small companies. In England, people like to celebrate the New Year in pubs and squares, in the USA - anywhere, from amusement parks open all night to beaches in warm states, in Canada - at home, with friends or in clubs. But all English-speaking nations strive to spend Christmas in the family circle, gathering at home as many guests and family friends as possible.
Christmas Eve
The celebration of Christmas begins on the 24th, this day is called “Christmas Eve”, and in each country, and even parts of different countries, it is customary to celebrate it differently. For example, in cold Alaska on Christmas night, boys and girls with lanterns in their hands carry from house to house a large homemade cardboard star, decorated with pieces of colored paper, and sing funny Christmas songs (carol). We also have this tradition at Christmas. We call the songs “carols,” and the tradition of going door to door is “caroling.” Back at the beginning of the 20th century in Russia and especially in Ukraine, it was so popular that in villages and hamlets on Christmas Eve no one was left at home among the youth - boys and girls ran to carol and have fun on Christmas night, ride down slides, throw snowballs and, of course, kiss.
In many states with large numbers of families with very strong Catholic roots, Christmas Eve seems to split in two. Until 12 no one eats or drinks, and after 12 the feast and joy begin over the birth of the baby Jesus. It is interesting that in the Russian tradition the same custom was perceived the other way around - before 12 everyone drank, ate and walked, since it was believed that this was still “the time of demons,” and after 12 they went to church and joyfully prayed for a new, bright and clean year.
In the southern states and Australia, it is customary to celebrate Christmas with great noise to scare away bad luck and evil spirits, so on December 24 there is a constant noise in the air from crackers, fireworks, firecrackers, rockets and firecrackers.
In most families, both in England and in the USA, this day is filled with sweet and pleasant chores, starting from the last preparations of dishes for the holiday table and ending with “special preparations” for the arrival of Santa. The most famous custom is to hang special huge stockings over the fireplace, in which Santa will put gifts. It is also customary to leave milk and cookies for Santa under the Christmas tree so that he will not be offended and will come next year in a good mood.
True, some children are so eagerly awaiting gifts that they do not want to wait until Christmas and look for gifts hidden by their parents somewhere at home, and try to look into the box (Peek) in order to at least admire the future gift a little. According to an old belief, in this case Santa will refuse the treat, since he will not come at all. There is logic in this - if a child has already seen a gift from his parents, he is unlikely to believe that Santa brought it. And smart parents, of course, will notice that someone moved the box and put it “as it was.”
Some people, both in England and the USA, as well as in Russia, prefer to decorate the Christmas tree on the eve of the holiday. Typically, two traditional colors dominate - red and green. Green Christmas trees or branches of evergreen coniferous plants, decorated with red ribbons, lanterns and bells, are constant attributes of Christmas. And on the tops of the trees you can see the Christmas Angel or star.
One of the most unusual decorative elements for us is the so-called “candy cane” - a special Christmas striped red and white lollipop in the form of a hook. It is hung on the Christmas tree, served at the holiday table, and sometimes even used as home decor. Mistletoe (Mistletoe) branches tied with ribbons are hung in doorways. According to legend, those who find themselves under the mistletoe will definitely fall in love with each other and live a long and happy life together.
Santa Claus
The mysterious personality of Santa, who lives far away at the North Pole and every year brings gifts to children on a sleigh drawn by flying reindeer, became popular even before the formation of the United States. In Holland, the good winter spirit was called Sant Nicolaas, and he was expected to appear on Christmas Eve. St. Nicolaas is a gray-haired and wise old man who judges children harshly for their behavior throughout the year. If a child played a lot of pranks, then St. Nicholas could even bring him a bunch of rods.
Santa Claus has become noticeably better compared to Saint Nicolaas. He still brings more gifts to good children and fewer to evil ones, but no one is afraid of him. This is a good-natured, plump, bearded old man still in the prime of his life, who, together with the elves, makes magical gifts for children in the workshop all year round.
Our Santa Claus is noticeably older and more stern. His assistants are the Snow Maiden and forest animals - squirrels, bunnies, bear cubs. They are the ones who help Santa Claus deliver gifts in a carved sleigh drawn by three fast horses.
Santa, unlike Father Frost, has many friends. For example, the famous red-nosed reindeer Rudolph (Reindeer Rudolph), who leads a team of flying sleighs. According to some legends, Santa and Rudolph are old friends and even often dance together on winter evenings.
In addition to Rudolph, Santa is friends with Frosty the snowman. Frosty The Snowman appeared in 1950, thanks to composer Walter "Jack" Rollins, who, together with other authors, wrote a song about him shortly after the popular tune about Rudolph. This song was about a snowman who came to life thanks to a magic hat put on him by children. After that, he resurrects every winter to play snowballs with the children, go ice skating and have a merry Christmas. The song was so sweet and touching that the audience did not remain indifferent to it, and Frosty the Snowman was not forgotten. Subsequently, he appeared in films, TV shows and cartoons, even in such an unexpected place as South Park.
This legend was also reflected in Soviet animation. Borrowing the idea of Frosty, Soviet animators created a cartoon about a animated snowman. The cartoon is called “Snowman-Postman” and tells about the adventures of a snowman who was entrusted with the mission of delivering a letter to Santa Claus himself.
After Christmas.
On December 26, the world is divided into two camps. The British call this day Boxing Day, as there is a tradition of showing a lot of sports programs on it (once it was mainly boxing), and the average Englishman spends the whole day lying on the sofa, switching channels.
On this day, Americans get up as early as possible and run around the shops, since on December 26th everything starts to be sold 3-4 times cheaper. Some people specifically buy gifts in advance for those closest to them, and for distant relatives who will still be visiting on the 26th or 27th, they buy souvenirs on sale.
Over the past few years, this tradition of organizing a day or night of discounts has begun to appear in Russia. It's funny that half the stores just keep the Western date - December 26th - without thinking about the fact that not many people celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
Rest days in the West are also structured differently. In our country, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a long holiday, lasting 10 days, and for schoolchildren at this time - winter holidays. While in the USA everyone returns to work 2-3 days after the holiday.
Vasilyeva Valeria
especially for
Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The word Christmas comes from Christes masse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.
People of different countries celebrate Christmas in various ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with colored lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.
Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give presents to their employees.
A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents.
Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and brings presents. Some children hang up stockings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruit and other small gifts.
In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from the Bible and singing Christmas carols.
A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcake are favorite desserts.
Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians around the world, this is the happiest and most troublesome time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth, but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th. The word "Christmas" comes from "Christes masse", an Old English expression that means "Mass of Christ".
Men in different countries Christmas is celebrated in different ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths, and various decorations. The city streets are full of colorful lights, bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.
Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what gifts they would like to receive. Many department stores hire people to wear Santa Claus costumes and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give gifts to their employees.
The Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends can gather to decorate the Christmas tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful decorations. Gifts are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open gifts.
Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Some children hang out stockings for Santa Claus to fill with candy, fruit, and other small gifts.
In many areas of the United States and Canada, groups of people go from house to house singing Christmas carols. Some give the singers money or small gifts, or invite them inside for hot drinks.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to passages from the Bible and sing Christmas carols.
A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a variety of other items. Some families eat ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Favorite desserts are pumpkin pie, plum pudding and fruit cake.
Canada only at first glance seems northern, distant and inaccessible. In fact, its inhabitants have a lot in common with Europeans. Including holidays. Therefore, Christmas in Canada is a chance to get acquainted with the life and customs of distant neighbors on the planet and learn a lot of interesting things about a country with untouched nature and amazing landscapes.
Christmas trees, sleigh, Santa
New Year and Christmas paraphernalia are approximately the same all over the world. Main symbol the coming Christmas in Canada - richly decorated Christmas trees and Santa Clauses in large department stores and shopping centers, on whose laps rosy-cheeked babies sit and pose for parents for photos in the family album.
It is children who are the main heroes of the Christmas chaos. Gifts are chosen for them, performances are staged for them, they are invited to charity balls and fairs.
During Christmas, Canadians prefer to go sledding down the icy mountains with the whole family, master snowboarding or alpine skiing, take up ice skating or play hockey. This is perhaps the most athletic nation on the planet, and therefore Christmas in Canada is a reason to join any of the winter outdoor activities.
Canadian ski resorts are distinguished by high quality trails and a variety of slopes. They are also preferred by the residents of the country. maple leaf, and their closest neighbors from the USA. Europeans are flocking for new sensations and impressions that a country with luxurious mountain landscapes is ready to give.
For example, the Silver Star Resort is recognized as the best in terms of weather conditions and opportunities for family recreation. It is included in the top three ski regions on the planet and annually becomes a training base for the Canadian ski team. So why not take the breeze down its slopes this Christmas in Canada?
The Whistler ski area is located on the Pacific coast. Ocean proximity provides an unprecedented amount of precipitation - up to 11 meters per year. The height of the snow cover here does not fall below one meter. Whistler is a real paradise for freeriders. The resort is called the snow capital of the world.
City bustle
Those staying in the cities for Christmas in Canada will also find something to their liking. For example, walk through the streets of the most populated metropolis outside of France, whose residents speak the language of Dumas and Hugo. This is Montreal, the capital of the province of Quebec. The croissants and aromatic coffee here are just as excellent as on the Parisian boulevards.
Fans of “high” architecture will be delighted by the skyscrapers of Toronto, and admirers of masterpieces created by nature will not miss the opportunity to go on an excursion to Niagara Falls.
Christmas in Canada is worth the time spent on the flight and will be remembered for a long time. Adventures in the country of courageous people and magnificent natural parks will remain in your memory and photo album. Just don't forget to take your camera with you!
Christmas in Canada
Christmas (1)
Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The word Christmas comes from Christes masse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.
People of different countries celebrate Christmas in various ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with colored lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.
Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give presents to their employees.
A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents.
Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and brings presents. Some children hang up stockings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruit and other small gifts.
In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from the Bible and singing Christmas carols.
A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcake are favorite desserts.
Christmas (1)
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians around the world, this is the happiest and most troublesome time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth, but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th. The word "Christmas" comes from "Christes masse", an Old English expression that means "Mass of Christ".
People in different countries celebrate Christmas in different ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths, and various decorations. The city streets are full of colorful lights, bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.
Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what gifts they would like to receive. Many department stores hire people to wear Santa Claus costumes and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give gifts to their employees.
The Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends can gather to decorate the Christmas tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful decorations. Gifts are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open gifts.
Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Some children hang out stockings for Santa Claus to fill with candy, fruit, and other small gifts.
In many areas of the United States and Canada, groups of people go from house to house singing Christmas carols. Some give the singers money or small gifts, or invite them inside for hot drinks.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to passages from the Bible and sing Christmas carols.
A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a variety of other items. Some families eat ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Favorite desserts are pumpkin pie, plum pudding and fruit cake.
Questions:
1. What does Christmas celebrate?
2. Where does the name “Christmas” come from?
3. How do people in the US and Canada celebrate Christmas?
4. What do the children do on Christmas?
5. What is the main symbol of Christmas?
6. What does a traditional Christmas dinner consist of?
Vocabulary:
Christmas - Christmas
Christian - Christian
exact - exact
mass - mass
Christmas tree - Christmas tree
wreath - wreath
ornament - decoration
bell - bell
carol - christmas carol
request - request
employee - employee
to trim - decorate
tinsel - tinsel
Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve
sleigh - sleigh
reindeer - reindeer
stockings - stockings
gift - gift
church service - church service
stuffed turkey - stuffed turkey
mashed potatoes - mashed potatoes
cranberry sauce - cranberry sauce
ham - ham
raust goose - fried goose
pumpkin pie - pumpkin pie
plum - plum
Christmas (2)
Christmas is the year"s most celebrated holiday. It is celebrated on December 25th by Catholic Church and on January 7th by Orthodox Church. The meaning of Christmas is to recognize Christ"s birth, of which the exact date is not known. During the fourth century the Bishop of Rome set December 25th as Christ"s birth date. Some authorities claim that the choice of December 25th was made because it coincided with Chanukah, Mithraic"s feast of the sun god, and the people of northern Europe "s winter solstice feast. The winter solstice is the time of year in the Northern Hemisphere when the noon sun appears to be farthest south.
The Saturnalia was celebrated for seven days, during the period of time when the winter solstice occurred. During this time, slaves were given freedom, gifts were exchanged, and banquets prevailed.
Holiday evergreens, the symbol of eternal life, have long been used for Christmas time decorations. The Christmas wreath represents everlasting life and God's endless love for us. Kissing under mistletoe supposedly started out when enemies stopped fighting when they met under mistletoe. Holly is the most famous Christmas greenery, and there are several legends about it, one is that Jesus* crown was made of holly, and the holly berries* represented his blood.
Christmas (2)
Christmas is the most popular holiday of the year. It is celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic Church and January 7th by the Orthodox Church. The meaning of Christmas is to recognize the birth of Christ, exact date whose birth is unknown. In the fourth century, the Bishop of Rome established December 25th as the birthday of Christ. Some argue that December 25 was chosen because it coincided with Chanuka, the Mithrian festival of the sun god and the winter solstice celebrated in Northern Europe.
The winter solstice is the time of year when the midday sun in the Northern Hemisphere is at its furthest south.
Saturnalia was celebrated throughout the seven days of the winter solstice. During this time, slaves were granted freedom, gifts were exchanged, and banquets were held.
Festive evergreen trees, a symbol of eternal life, have long been used for Christmas decorations. The Advent wreath symbolizes eternal life and God's endless love for us. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe appeared, perhaps, after enemies met under the mistletoe and did not fight. Holly is the most famous Christmas plant, about which there are several legends. One of them says that Jesus' crown was made of holly, and its berries symbolized the blood of Jesus.
Questions:
1. What is the meaning of Christmas?
2. When was Christ's birth date set?
3. When was the Saturnalia celebrated?
4. What does the Christmas wreath represent?
5. Why is Holly the most famous Christmas greenery?
Vocabulary:
to coincide - to coincide
solstice - solstice
feast - holiday
to occur - happen, happen
evergreen - evergreen tree
eternal, everlasting - eternal
wreath - wreath
mistletoe - mistletoe (in England, a traditional home decoration for Christmas)
supposedly - supposedly
berry - berry
Christmas day
Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is based on the Biblical event described in Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2 of the New Testament. Luke tells the story of how an angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Saviour had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Matthew tells of the Three Wise Men of the East (the Magi) who followed a wondrous star, which led them to the new-born child, whom they presented with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The majesty and poetry of these lovely verses has won the hearts of listeners throughout the ages.
Despite the fact that the Eastern Christian churches had earlier settled on the date of January 6th to celebrate Christmas, the Roman Church set that of December 25 t h as the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Perhaps this was in order to have it replace the important pagan Roman festival Natalis Invicti Solis (Birth of the Unconquered Sun). The word "Christmas" comes from the term Christes masse, meaning Christ's Mass. So, in the western tradition, January 6th became the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, the date when the Magi arrived with gifts for the Christ child. This served as inspiration for the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and its generous list of presents from someone's true love.
Indeed, to people all over the world, Christmas is a time of gathering with loved ones and of giving and receiving presents.
Some families open their presents on Christmas Eve, December 24th, to the glow of a crackling fire and "White Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and other even older Christmas carols such as "Silent Night," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas ," and "The Wassail Song," playing softly in the background.
Some families attend the Christmas Eve service or Mass at their church. Many families with children leave Christmas cookies, wassail, or egg-nog, and perhaps a carrot or two by the fireplace as youngsters are packed off to bed for the 1 night, where they dream of what they will find under the tree when they 1 wake up. You see most children under 10 years of age believe wholeheartedly that a magical person named Santa Claus will visit them in much the j same way as Clement C. Moore described in his classic "The Night Be- j fore Christmas," written in 1823. Moore's image of Santa Claus, derived ] from the Dutch St. Nicholas, has changed very little over the years . New generations of toddlers acquainted with Raffi"s lovely recordings, still recognize Santa as that cheerful old man with "a beard that"s long and white," "a cherry nose," "cap on head, a suit that"s red "who comes down [the chimney and leaves presents for the family.
In 1939 another Christmas hero appeared in the united States alongside Santa, when Robert L. May published his touching and humorous story about "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Mien Johnny Marks wrote the words and music to the song of the same name, well, Rudolph did indeed "go down in history," becoming a Christmas symbol as familiar as any other.
Perhaps no other holiday has developed a set of customs and symbols as rich and varied as that of Christmas.
The custom of hanging stockings on the mantel to be filled with treats and presents is said to have originated in Norway. Pagan tribes from Northern Europe contributed their sacred evergreens and the custom of decorating them with toys, nuts, and candles. Because of strict fire safety laws in the United States the candles have almost universally been replaced with colored lights, very often designed to flash on and off in intervals, which tends to enter some and annoy others.
Other ornaments and symbols found decorating the Christmas tree are glass bulbs in numerous colors and shapes, peppermint candy canes, wreaths, bells, fluffy white "angel"s hair", or shiny tinsel (thin strips of metal foil) are often strewn over the boughs as finishing touches. The tree is usually crowned with a bright star or the graceful figure of the Christmas angel.
Decorating the house with "boughs of holly" is a custom, which comes from England. Holly is a bush with shiny red berries and glossy leaves with a characteristic shape and sharp pointy edges. Because it remains green throughout the year it was believed to hold a promise that the sun would return.
Mistletoe is another Christmas symbol. It is an interesting green parasitic plant, which grows in globe-like formations high up in the branches of oak trees. Sprigs of it are tied together with ribbons and hung up in doorways. By custom anyone standing under the mistletoe gets to be kissed. This certainly adds to the warmth of the season!
Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is based on the events described in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 2) and Matthew (chapter 1 and 2) of the New Testament. Luke tells the story of how an angel descended from heaven to the shepherds to announce that the Savior was born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Matthew tells about three wise men from the east, the Magi, who followed a magical star that led to the newborn. They brought the child gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The greatness and beauty of these lines won the hearts of listeners for many centuries.
Despite the fact that the Eastern Christian churches set the date for celebrating Christmas on January 6, the Roman Church celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This was probably done in order to supplant the important pagan festival Natalis Invicti Solis (Birth of the Unconquered Sun). The word "Christmas" (Christmas) comes from the term "Christes masse", meaning Christ's Mass (Christ's mass). Western tradition, January 6th became Epiphany or Twelfth Night, the day when the Magi brought their gifts to the child. This event inspired the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the lavish list of gifts to show someone's true love.
Indeed, for people all over the world, Christmas is a day when those who love each other come together and give gifts.
In some families, gifts are opened on Christmas Eve, December 24, by the light of a crackling fireplace to the songs “White Christmas”, “Jingle Bells”, as well as other older Christmas songs: “Silent Night”, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “ The Wassail Song" that sounds in the distance.
Some families attend Christmas church services at their church. In many families with children, Christmas cookies, ale, and egg cocktail are left by the fireplace. Children go to bed and dream in bed about what they will find under the tree in the morning. Children under the age of ten sincerely believe that they will be visited by a magical figure, Santa Claus, just as described in Clement Moore's 1823 novel The Night Before Christmas. The image of Santa Claus, which Moore wrote from the Dutch Saint Nicholas, has changed little over the years. New generations of children are still waiting for Santa, a kindly man with a long gray beard, a red nose, a hat and a red caftan, who climbs into the house through the chimney and leaves gifts for the family.
In 1939, another Christmas hero appeared alongside Santa when Robert May published his touching, humorous story, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Mien Johnny Marks wrote the lyrics and music for the song of the same name. So, Rudolph went down in history and became the same symbol of Christmas, recognizable as any other.
Probably no holiday has as many different customs and symbols as Christmas.
It is said that the tradition of hanging a leather stocking on the fireplace to place treats and gifts originated in Norway. From the pagan tribes of northern Europe came the custom of decorating coniferous trees with toys, nuts and candles. Due to strict laws fire safety USA, candles have been replaced by colored lights that light up alternately at certain intervals, which delights some and irritates others.
Another decoration of the Christmas tree are glass balls of various shapes and colors, as well as mint candy sticks, wreaths, bells and rain, which is scattered on the branches as a finishing touch. Usually placed on the top of a tree bright star or the graceful figure of a Christmas angel.
The tradition of decorating a house with holly branches came from England. Holly is a shrub with shiny red berries and smooth, pointed leaves with a distinctive shape. It is an evergreen shrub, so it symbolizes the imminent return of the sun.
TASKS
1. Can you make some Christmas anagrams? Use these as the example and try your own.
Christmas anagrams
Christmas time = It emits charms
Father Christmas = This charmer "s fat and He"s fat, smart, rich
Christmas = Trims cash
2. Read these proverbs and quotes and discuss them. Proverbs and Quotes
A turkey never voted for an early Christmas. (Irish)
A good conscience is a continual Christmas. (Benjamin Franklin)
Vocabulary:
to commemorate - to celebrate, mark, honor memory
New Testament - New Testament
Saviour - Savior, Jesus Christ
stable - barn, stable
frankincense - incense
nativity - Christmas, birth
pagan - pagan
Mass - mass, liturgy (for Catholics), mass (for Orthodox)
Inspiration - inspiration, influence
Epiphany - Epiphany (one of the names of the Christian holiday of Epiphany)
glow - intense heat, glow
wassail - spiced beer or wine
egg-nog - egg yolk, mashed with sugar, with the addition of cream, milk or alcoholic beverage
toddler - a child starting to walk
chimney - trumpet
reindeer - reindeer
mantel - mantel
to entrance - bring into a state of delight
wreath - wreath, garland
fluffy - fluffy
tinsel - sparkles, tinsel
bough - bitch
holly - holly
mistletoe - mistletoe
Christmas Celebration
Christmas is the happiest time for children. For about a month before Christmas they begin Carol-singing. They go from door to door and sing carols. People listen to them and give them little presents: cakes, sweets, biscuits and so on. In Russia there is also the same tradition.
There is a tale that Santa Claus or Father Christmas gets into houses through chimneys and puts presents for the household and especially for children into the stockings which he finds on his way.
The children believe in this legend and prepare the stockings for presents. Usually, they put them not far from the chimney, under the Christmas trees or near their beds. Late at night on Christmas Eve their parents crawl to the stockings and fill them with Christmas presents. Christmas Day is a family holiday. Most people prefer to stay at home. Children and grown-ups unpack their presents, enjoy and show them to each other.
Then the time of Christmas dinner comes. It consists of numerous delicious dishes.
There are stuffed geese or turkeys, Christmas puddings, sauces on the tables. The air is full of tasty smell of roasting poultry.
Around five o"clock the candles are lit on the Christmas trees and the Christmas cakes are cut and eaten with cups of tea. It is a wonderful time for families.
Christmas celebration
Christmas is the happiest time for children. About a month before Christmas they start singing carols. They go from door to door and sing. People listen to them and give small gifts: pies, sweets, candies, biscuits, etc. There is a similar tradition in Russia.
There is a fairy tale that Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, enters homes through the chimney and leaves gifts for the inhabitants of the house, and especially for children, in the stockings that come his way.
Children believe in this legend and prepare stockings for gifts. They usually place them near the fireplace, under the Christmas tree, or near their beds. At night, parents sneak into their stockings and fill them with Christmas gifts.
Christmas is a family holiday. Most people prefer to stay at home. Children and adults unpack their gifts, rejoice and show them to each other.
Then it's time for Christmas lunch. It consists of many delicious dishes.
On the tables are stuffed geese or turkeys, Christmas puddings, sauces. The air is filled with the delicious aroma of roasting poultry.
Around five o'clock the lights (candles) are lit on the Christmas trees and Christmas cakes are cut for tea. This is a wonderful time for families.
Questions:
1. For whom is Christmas the happiest time?
2. When do children begin Carol-singing?
3. What presents do people give them?
4. Is there a tradition like that in Russia?
5. How does Santa Claus get into houses according to the tale?
6. Where does he put the presents for the household and especially for children?
7. Why do the children prepare their stockings?
8. Where do they put their stockings?
9. Who fills the stockings with Christmas presents?
10. Is Christmas Day an out-of-door holiday?
11. What do people do on that day?
12. Which dishes does the Christmas dinner consist of?
Vocabulary:
carol carol (Christmas)
chimhey chimney pipe; fireplace
household family, household, household
especially especially
crawl to creep
to fill
grown-up adult
delicious excellent, wonderful, delightful
dish dish
stuffed
turkey
sauce, seasoning, gravy
smell smell
to roast, fry, bake, bake
poultry poultry
candle
to light (lit, lighted)
to eat (ate, eaten)
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
Do you know which province boasts the most generous gifts? Or how many turkeys were eaten at holiday dinners in Canadian families? From holiday shopping to a gift for the Prime Minister and letters for Santa, here are 13 amazing facts about Christmas in Canada.
A Christmas Story was filmed in Canada
Photo: static-bluray.com
Can you imagine Christmas without watching A Christmas Story every year? Despite the fact that everyone believes that this is a purely American fairy tale, a significant part of the film was filmed in Canada. Ralphie's school, the Chinese restaurant where his family ate, the famous fight scene, and many interior scenes were filmed in Canada. Where else could you find old TTC “red rocket” streetcars?
The Prime Minister doesn't need gifts
Photo ytimg.com
If you want to send a little holiday gift to the Prime Minister, think again. The Federal Accountability Act of 2006, as well as security protocols, state that the Canadian Prime Minister and his family cannot accept material gifts, holiday cards or perishable items such as Christmas cookies or cupcakes. And don't even bother sending anything else - it can be pretty damaged during numerous checks and inspections.
Albertans spend the most at Christmas
Photo: staticflickr.com
A 2005 Statistics Canada study found that Albertans spent more in retail stores than any other province in Canada (an average of $967 per person). Residents of the Yukon and Northwest Territories also had their cash registers ringing in celebration as they spent $928 and $926 per person respectively, finishing second and third on the list.
Santa has many Canadian elves
Photo irishnews.com
Since 1982, Santa's Post Office has hired elf helpers from Canada, and over that time, Santa's Post Office has received more than 20 million letters from children around the world. Canadian Chapter volunteers donate over 200,000 hours of their time each year to help Santa answer all the letters he receives.
Canadians love department stores...and booze
Photo vancouvermom.ca
According to Statistics Canada, Canadians prefer to shop in person. With total sales of about $3.2 billion, the number one place for Canadians to stock up on their holiday shopping list is... the department store. Guess what the second place where spenders spend their time before the holidays is? In Canadian Beer, Spirits and Wine Stores. During the holiday period, they earned $1.6 billion and thereby took second place.
Michael Buble had a great Christmas
Photo: musictour.eu
2011 was a green Christmas for Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. Nielsen Soundscan in the US named Bublé's "Christmas" as the second best-selling album of 2011. With sales of 2.45 million in the United States alone, the album's proceeds were literally trucked away; and only Adele with her album “21” managed to beat Buble. Remarkably, Michael Bublé's Christmas album broke all annual sales records after only being on shelves for a few weeks.
Canadians love eggnog
Photo: cookdiary.net
According to Statistics Canada, 5.8 million liters of eggnog were consumed in December 2009. Egg nogg may not be the best idea for a tasty holiday drink, but Canadians apparently love it.
Canada loves Christmas trees
Did you know that approximately 5.5 million Christmas trees are harvested in Canada every year? This means that approximately one in seven Canadians buys a Christmas tree. But if you can't spend Christmas in Canada, you can still take a piece of the country with you. In 2006, Canala exported 2.25 million Christmas trees to more than 25 countries, including Japan, Mexico, the United States and Jamaica.
Rudolph was Canadian
Photo: mamiverse.com
If you were born in Canada after 1964, your Christmas schedule probably included an annual viewing of the holiday cartoon Rudolph the Reindeer. Rankin-Bass, the American production company, created this beloved Christmas cartoon, but did you know it has a secret Canadian connection? All characters (except Sam the Snowman) were voiced by Canadian actors, singers and voice-over artists at RCA Victor Studios in Toronto.
Canadians love turkey
Photo weightlossresources.co.uk
The Turkey Farmers of Canada report that in 2012, 8.8 million whole turkeys were consumed. 40.6 percent of Canadian households purchased a turkey for the holiday meal. Are you hungry? Well, Canadians bought 3.9 million whole turkeys for Christmas last year. And that's a lot of legs, drumsticks and sandwiches.
Canadians love ballet
Photo cloudfront.ne
Would you like your holiday cultural program to include the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing mice and toy soldiers? The Nutcracker Ballet is a traditional Canadian Christmas tradition with performances that audiences adore. Since 1995, National Ballet of Canada ballerinas have worn 5,548 pairs of pointe shoes in performances of The Nutcracker (as of January 2011)
Canadians love to give gifts
Photo huffpost.com
The poll, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of RBC, found that four in five Canadians (that's 82 per cent of the population) planned to give gifts this year. The survey found that the average Canadian will spend about $1,182 on gifts. More than half (56 percent) of Canadians would use credit cards to pay for these seasonal purchases, and only 24 percent will rely on their savings.
Christmas doesn't only come once a year
Photo caperfrasers.wordpress.com
In some parts of Canada, Christmas lasts 365 days a year. Welcome to Raindeer Station (Northwest Territories), Christmas Island (Nova Scotia), Sled Lake (Saskatchewan), Holly (Ontario), Noel (Nova Scotia), Current Point (Ontario), and Snowflake (Manitoba).
