Christmas Story
Christmas is a holiday celebrated on December 25th. Many countries around the world celebrate Christmas and many have their own traditions.
Christmas started as a religious holiday. So, every year on Christmas, Christians remember when Jesus Christ was born. In churches, children usually do a play about Jesus Christ’s birth and what happened – called a “Nativity Play”. This play is usually done at a special “Christmas Eve service,” when many families go to church.
Christmas is also important to those who do not go to church. Most people usually buy gifts for their family and friends. The gifts are wrapped in special paper and ribbons. The gifts are not opened until Christmas Day. Also, family and friends usually go to parties or visit each other for a few days or a week. Children usually have one or two weeks of no school, and adults often take time off of work. Christmas is a national holiday in America, so most people don’t go to work on December 25th.
In December, many American families decorate their houses with lights, wreaths and garland. They usually buy or cut down a Christmas tree to put inside their house. They decorate the Christmas tree with lights, ornaments, ribbons, and other colorful decorations. All of the unopened gifts are put under the tree until Christmas Day. Many people say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” to each other, and send Christmas cards to family and friends.
Christmas Eve is the night before Christmas. This is when families hang up stockings for Santa Claus. Children believe Santa comes at night when they are sleeping to leave presents for them. Some people like to walk around their town singing Christmas carols (songs).
On Christmas morning, families usually open the presents that are under the tree, and then have Christmas dinner, maybe with family or friends too. Christmas is a good time for family and friends to see each other and have a nice time.
