Changes

{{use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}

{{use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}

{{nosources|date=December 2021}}

{{nosources|date=December 2021}}

[[File:Athens Christmas Tree.jpg|thumb|300px|right|A Christmas Tree in Athens [[Greece]]]]

[[File:Badnjak-Beograd.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Serbia|Serbian]] Orthodox priest places the badnjak on a fire during a Christmas Eve celebration at the Temple of Saint Sava in [[Belgrade]].]]

'''Christmas''' (which means "The Mass of Christ") is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus]].  (Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God). Christmas is also a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for many non-Christians.

'''Christmas''' (which means “The Mass of Christ”) is a [[Christian]] [[holiday]] that celebrates the birth of [[Jesus]], who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christmas is also a [[culture|cultural]] holiday for many non-Christians.

Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th day of December.  It is one of the most important days of the year for Christians, along with [[Easter]] (which celebrates [[Crucifixion of Jesus|the death]] and [[resurrection of Jesus]]). The season of [[Advent]] begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas.  During Advent, people prepare for Christmas.   

Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December.  It is a really important day, mainly for Christians, along with [[Easter]] (which celebrates [[Crucifixion of Jesus|the death]] and [[resurrection of Jesus]]). The season of [[Advent]] begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas.  During Advent, people prepare for Christmas.   

The Christmas season (called Christmastide) ends 6 January, also called the Twelfth Day of Christmas. On this day, Christians celebrate ''[[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]''.

The Christmas season (called Christmastide) ends 6 January, also called the Twelfth Day of Christmas. On this day, Christians celebrate ‘’[[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]‘’.

People celebrate Christmas in many places around the world. Some people celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. In some places, Christmas is a time of [[Festival|celebration]] for Christians and non-Christians alike. Christmas traditions are different in different countries. However, they almost always include a [[Meal|feast]]; giving gifts or cards; and enjoying church or public festivities, like singing [[Christmas carol]]s and songs.

People celebrate Christmas in many places around the world. Some people celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. In some places, Christmas is a time of [[Festival|celebration]] for Christians and non-Christians alike. Christmas traditions are different in different countries. However, they almost always include a [[Meal|feast]]; giving gifts or cards; and enjoying church or public festivities, like singing [[Christmas carol]]s and songs. Christmas is not limited to Christianity. The idea of [[Santa Claus]] is based on [[Saint Nicholas]], a [[4th century|4th-century]] Christian [[saint]] of Greek origin.  

The idea of [[Santa Claus]] is based on [[Saint Nicholas]], a [[4th century|4th-century]] Christian [[saint]] of Greek origin.

In the [[Northern Hemisphere]], Christmastide happens during the [[winter]]. Before Christmas was ever celebrated, ancient peoples celebrated winter [[Festival|festivals]]. Some traditions from these ancient festivals became Christmas traditions.  For example, some Christmas traditions come from the [[Paganism|pagan]] holiday of [[Yule]].  

Today, Christmas traditions often focus on gift-giving. About a month before Christmas Day, [[retail store]]s start selling gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, [[Sugar cookies]], [[Candy canes]], and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]].

 

Today, Christmas traditions often focus on gift-giving. About a month before Christmas Day, [[retail store]]s start selling gifts, food, [[greeting card]]s, [[Christmas tree]]s, and [[Christmas decoration|decorations]].

== The history of Christmas ==

== The history of Christmas ==

=== Christmas in the Gospels ===

=== Christmas in the Gospels ===

{{main|Jesus}}

{{main|Jesus}}

[[File:The visit of the wise-men.jpg|250px|thumb|A Bible Story picture showing the Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus. Pictures like this were made to teach children at [[Sunday School]].]]

[[File:Birthplace in the Grotto of the Nativity 2010 2.jpg|250px|thumb|Star marking the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem Israel.]]

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. There are four different [[Gospel|Gospels]] in the [[Bible]] which talk about Jesus’s birth. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives details about Jesus’s birth. The [[Gospel of Matthew]] tells another part of the story.  The [[Gospel of John]] says that Jesus came from God to bring his "Word" (his message) to all people.  Christians believe these Gospels are based on fact.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. There are four different [[Gospel|Gospels]] in the [[Bible]] which talk about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Luke]] gives details about Jesus’ birth. The [[Gospel of Matthew]] tells another part of the story.  The [[Gospel of John]] says that Jesus came from God to bring his “Word” (his message) to all people.  Christians believe these Gospels are based on fact.

The Gospels say that many years before Jesus' birth, [[prophet]]s had told a promise to the Jewish people that God would send them a [[Messiah]], or holy teacher. Christians believe that the promised Messiah was Jesus. His mother was a young woman called Mary, who was engaged, but not yet married to a [[carpenter]] called Joseph. Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant and was upset. He was wondering what he should do, when an angel came from God to tell him that the baby was the Holy One. The angel said that he must ''name the baby''. This was a sign that he would take care of it like his own child.

The Gospels say that many years before Jesus’ birth, [[prophet]]s had told a promise to the Jewish people that God would send them a [[Messiah]], or holy teacher. Christians believe that the promised Messiah was Jesus. His mother was a young woman called Mary, who was engaged, but not yet married to a [[carpenter]] called Joseph. Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant and was upset. He was wondering what he should do, when an angel came from God to tell him that the baby was the Holy One. The angel said that he must ‘’name the baby’’. This was a sign that he would take care of it like his own child.

At this time, the [[Middle East]] was ruled by the [[Roman Republic|Romans]]. An order came that all the people had to travel back to their home town, to put their names on the taxation lists. Joseph took his new wife to [[Bethlehem]]. There was nowhere for them to stay, except a [[stable]] where the animals slept. This is where the baby was born. Joseph called him Jesus, as the angel had said.

At this time, the [[Middle East]] was ruled by the [[Roman Republic|Romans]]. An order came that all the people had to travel back to their home town, to put their names on the taxation lists. Joseph took his new wife to [[Bethlehem]]. There was nowhere for them to stay, except a [[stable]] where the animals slept. This is where the baby was born. Joseph called him Jesus, as the angel had said.

The baby Jesus had two lots of visitors. On the night he was born, angels told some [[shepherd]]s in the fields that they would find a newborn king lying in an animals' feed bin (or ''manger''). Jesus' other visitors were some wise men who saw a new star in the sky and followed it, until they found the house where the family was now living and gave the young child expensive gifts of gold, [[incense]] and a precious herb called [[myrrh]]. (The wise men are often traditionally called the Three Kings, because there were three very expensive presents but the Bible does not say how many wise men there were.)

The baby Jesus had two lots of visitors. On the night he was born, angels told some [[shepherd]]s in the fields that they would find a newborn king lying in an animals’ feed bin (or ‘’manger’’). Jesus’ other visitors were some wise men who saw a new star in the sky and followed it, until they found the house where the family was now living and gave the young child expensive gifts of gold, [[incense]] and a precious herb called [[myrrh]]. (The wise men are often traditionally called the Three Kings, because there were three very expensive presents but the Bible does not say how many wise men there were.)

All these parts of the Christmas story are remembered and celebrated in different ways at Christmas: in pictures, songs, plays, stories and in models that are called "cribs", "creches" or "presepe".

All these parts of the Christmas story are remembered and celebrated in different ways at Christmas: in pictures, songs, plays, stories and in models that are called “cribs”, “creches” or “presepe”.

=== Date of celebration ===

=== Date of celebration ===

The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Church still uses the [[Julian Calendar]] in some regions such as [[Russia]]. In such regions, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December in the Julian Calendar, but because of the difference between the calendars it is 7 January in the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]].

The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Church still uses the [[Julian Calendar]] in some regions such as [[Russia]]. In such regions, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December in the Julian Calendar, but because of the difference between the calendars it is 7 January in the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]].

Some Christians, like [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], do not celebrate Christmas because there is no instruction from Jesus in the Bible which tells Christians to celebrate his birth. [[Mormonism|Mormons]] celebrate Christmas on 25 December but they believe that Christ's actual birth took place on 6 April.

Some Christians, like [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], do not celebrate Christmas because there is no instruction from Jesus in the Bible which tells Christians to celebrate his birth. [[Mormonism|Mormons]] celebrate Christmas on 25 December but they believe that Christ’s actual birth took place on 6 April.

Some{{who|date=December 2012}} believe that Jesus was probably not born on 25 December. Some historians{{who|date=December 2012}} believe this date was used by the Catholic Church to replace the [[pagan]] [[rite]]s that took place at that time of the year.

Some{{who|date=December 2012}} believe that Jesus was probably not born on 25 December. Some historians{{who|date=December 2012}} believe this date was used by the Catholic Church to replace the [[pagan]] [[rite]]s that took place at that time of the year.

=== Advent ===

=== Advent ===

[[File:Advent2007candlelight.JPG|thumb|250px|Lighting the Advent candles at a church in the US.]]

[[File:Advent2007candlelight.JPG|thumb|250px|Lighting the Advent candles at a church in the US.]]

The Season of Advent, which begins on Sunday about four weeks before Christmas Day, is celebrated by the Catholic and Anglican Churches, as well as others. It is a time for people to prepare themselves for two different things: for the coming of the baby Jesus and Christmas, and for the second coming of Jesus, when he shall rule over all the Earth in peace. Not all Christian people remember Advent. Some people use it as a time of [[fasting]], [[Education|study]], [[meditation]] and [[prayer]]. Special [[Advent Calendar]]s are made for children, with pictures or treats for each day of Advent.

The Season of Advent, which begins on Sunday about four weeks before Christmas Day, is celebrated by the Catholic and Anglican Churches, as well as others. It is a time for people to prepare themselves for two different things: for the coming of the baby Jesus and Christmas, and for the second coming of Jesus, when he shall rule over all the Earth in peace. Not all Christian people remember Advent. Some people use it as a time of [[fasting]], [[Education|study]], [[meditation]] and [[Prayer in Christianity|prayer]]. Special [[Advent Calendar]]s are made for children, with pictures or treats for each day of Advent.

Generally, Advent is a time when many people are very busy in preparation for Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating, buying food and presents, writing cards and letters, and cooking the Christmas feast.

Generally, Advent is a time when many people are very busy in preparation for Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating, buying food and presents, writing cards and letters, and cooking the Christmas feast.

=== Celebrations ===

=== Celebrations ===

Before the 4th century AD, Christians could only worship and celebrate in secret. The feast of Christmas probably began while [[Constantine I (Rome)|Constantine]] was the Emperor of Rome, because it was he who made Christianity a legal religion and built some of Rome's oldest churches. Some old stone [[coffin]]s or ''sarcophagi'' from this time are carved with pictures of [[Madonna and Child|Mary and baby Jesus]] and the [[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]].

Before the 4th century AD, Christians could only worship and celebrate in secret. The feast of Christmas probably began while [[Constantine I (Rome)|Constantine]] was the Emperor of Rome, because it was he who made Christianity a legal religion and built some of Rome’s oldest churches. Some old stone [[coffin]]s or ‘’sarcophagi’’ from this time are carved with pictures of [[Madonna and Child|Mary and baby Jesus]] and the [[Three Wise Men|Wise Men]].

Through the [[Middle Ages]] Christmas was celebrated with feasting, singing and plays. The plays were held in churches, and also in castles and in [[market place]]s, where a big hay wagon was sometimes used as a stage.

Through the [[Middle Ages]] Christmas was celebrated with feasting, singing and plays. The plays were held in churches, and also in castles and in [[market place]]s, where a big hay wagon was sometimes used as a stage.

Another festivity that takes place is the Feast of [[Saint]] Lucy ([[St. Lucia Day]]) on 13 December which is particularly celebrated in Scandinavia, where girls take part in candlelit processions, and the daughters of the house must rise early to bring coffee or chocolate to the family.

Another festivity that takes place is the Feast of [[Saint]] Lucy ([[St. Lucia Day]]) on 13 December which is particularly celebrated in Scandinavia, where girls take part in candlelit processions, and the daughters of the house must rise early to bring coffee or chocolate to the family.

For many centuries, the celebration of Christmas often began with a church service or [[mass (liturgy)|mass]], which lasted from late at night to after midnight on Christmas morning. Christmas Day was a time of feasting. On the following day, the Feast of [[Saint Stephen]] people from rich households would carry boxes of food out to the street for the poor and hungry. Many people would go back to work but employers would give gifts of money to their workers. The Holy Days continued with the feast of [[John the Apostle|Saint John]] and [[Holy Innocents' Day]]. The feasting and parties ended on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day of the [[Three Wise Men]], often called the "Three Kings". The season is nowadays remembered by the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". [[William Shakespeare]] wrote a play to be performed as part of the celebration, called "[[Twelfth Night]]".

For many centuries, the celebration of Christmas often began with a church service or [[mass (liturgy)|mass]], which lasted from late at night to after midnight on Christmas morning. Christmas Day was a time of feasting. On the following day, the Feast of [[Saint Stephen]] people from rich households would carry boxes of food out to the street for the poor and hungry. Many people would go back to work but employers would give gifts of money to their workers. The Holy Days continued with the feast of [[John the Apostle|Saint John]] and [[Holy Innocents' Day]]. The feasting and parties ended on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day of the [[Three Wise Men]], often called the “Three Kings”. The season is nowadays remembered by the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. [[William Shakespeare]] wrote a play to be performed as part of the celebration, called “[[Twelfth Night]]“.

[[File:Winterwald Christmas market Bozen.JPG|thumb|250px|Christmas shopping in a market in Italy]]

[[File:Winterwald Christmas market Bozen.JPG|thumb|250px|Christmas shopping in a market in Italy]]

For many, Christmas has become a time when having parties, sending messages to family and friends and giving presents has become more important than the celebration of Jesus' birth. Manufacturers and stores have responded to the feasting and present-giving with lots of advertising, decorations and displays. In the US, the Christmas displays are put up right after [[Thanksgiving]], late in November. In some countries such as Australia, stores put up decorations at the beginning of November. Given that Jesus himself called people making money in the Jewish Temple 'robbers' (Matthew 21:13) many Christians are uneasy about profit instead of [[prophet]]s at Christmas.

For many, Christmas has become a time when having parties, sending messages to family and friends and giving presents has become more important than the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Manufacturers and stores have responded to the feasting and present-giving with lots of advertising, decorations and displays. In the US, the Christmas displays are put up right after [[Thanksgiving]], late in November. In some countries such as Australia, stores put up decorations at the beginning of November. Given that Jesus himself called people making money in the Jewish Temple ‘robbers’ (Matthew 21:13) many Christians are uneasy about profit instead of [[prophet]]s at Christmas.

Town councils celebrate by decorating streets and squares, and providing Christmas entertainment for shoppers. In countries of the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas falls in Summer, there is a tradition of open-air Carol Services, often organised by the town council, which are attended by thousands of people.

Town councils celebrate by decorating streets and squares, and providing Christmas entertainment for shoppers. In countries of the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas falls in Summer, there is a tradition of open-air Carol Services, often organised by the town council, which are attended by thousands of people.

== Christmas Traditions ==

== Christmas Traditions ==

[[File:Countries that recognize Christmas as a Public Holiday.png|thumb|250px|Map of countries where Christmas is a [[formal]] [[public holiday]] either on December 24/25 or January 6/7. The red color shading shows the number of "Days of rest".]]

[[File:Countries that recognize Christmas as a Public Holiday.svg|thumb|250px|Map of countries where Christmas is a [[formal]] [[public holiday]] either on December 24/25 or January 6/7. The red color shading shows the number of "Days of rest".]]

Christmas traditions are of several types. There are traditions of the church, traditions which are public celebrations and traditions that are kept by families. These traditions are different in different times, places, cultures and even families.

Christmas traditions are of several types. There are traditions of the church, traditions which are public celebrations and traditions that are kept by families. These traditions are different in different times, places, cultures and even families.

==== The Crib ====

==== The Crib ====

It is the custom in many churches to set up a Crib (or ''Creche'') scene of the ''Nativity'' or birth of Jesus. The first scene of this type was set up by St. Francis of [[Assisi]] in the 13th century. They have been very popular in Italy ever since then, and the custom has spread to other countries.

It is the custom in many churches to set up a Crib (or ‘’Creche’’) scene of the ‘’Nativity’’ or birth of Jesus. The first scene of this type was set up by St. Francis of [[Assisi]] in the 13th century. They have been very popular in Italy ever since then, and the custom has spread to other countries.

[[Nativity scene]]s can be large with life-sized statues, or they can be tiny enough to fit in a matchbox. They are made of many different things including carved and painted wood, brightly coloured ceramics (pottery), painted paper glued to boards, and mixtures of material with clay, wood, cloth, straw and metal used for different parts.

[[Nativity scene]]s can be large with life-sized statues, or they can be tiny enough to fit in a matchbox. They are made of many different things including carved and painted wood, brightly coloured ceramics (pottery), painted paper glued to boards, and mixtures of material with clay, wood, cloth, straw and metal used for different parts.

Many towns hold Christmas parades, street entertainment and concerts. Some towns have a tradition of carols with a choir and entertainers in the town hall, while in Australia and New Zealand, these concerts of Christmas entertainment and carols are usually held outdoors, in parks or even on beaches, with families bringing picnics. The arrival of Santa Claus at the end of the evening is accompanied by a firework display.

Many towns hold Christmas parades, street entertainment and concerts. Some towns have a tradition of carols with a choir and entertainers in the town hall, while in Australia and New Zealand, these concerts of Christmas entertainment and carols are usually held outdoors, in parks or even on beaches, with families bringing picnics. The arrival of Santa Claus at the end of the evening is accompanied by a firework display.

A traditional part of Christmas is the theatre entertainment. This includes the performance of classical music such as Handel's Messiah as well as orchestral concerts and band recitals. Pantomimes are often played at Christmas and favourites include "[[Peter Pan and Wendy]]" and "[[Cinderella]]". Many children's movies are released during the Christmas season.

A traditional part of Christmas is the theatre entertainment. This includes the performance of classical music such as Handel’s Messiah as well as orchestral concerts and band recitals. Pantomimes are often played at Christmas and favourites include “[[Peter Pan and Wendy]]“ and “[[Cinderella]]“. Many children’s movies are released during the Christmas season.

Because many people feel very lonely, hungry and sad at Christmas, many cities, churches, charities and service organisations try to help the poor and lonely by providing Christmas food and gifts for poor families, and Christmas parties for people who are hungry or who are lonely and without any friends or family.

Because many people feel very lonely, hungry and sad at Christmas, many cities, churches, charities and service organisations try to help the poor and lonely by providing Christmas food and gifts for poor families, and Christmas parties for people who are hungry or who are lonely and without any friends or family.

Family traditions are very different. Some families might all go off to church together, to a Carol Service, a Midnight Mass, or a Christmas Morning service. Some families are pulled out of bed very early by children who want to open their presents. In other families, presents are given on St. Nicholas Day, on Christmas Eve or not until after church on Christmas morning. The Christmas feast might start on Christmas Eve, with a special breakfast on Christmas morning, or at midday on Christmas Day.

Family traditions are very different. Some families might all go off to church together, to a Carol Service, a Midnight Mass, or a Christmas Morning service. Some families are pulled out of bed very early by children who want to open their presents. In other families, presents are given on St. Nicholas Day, on Christmas Eve or not until after church on Christmas morning. The Christmas feast might start on Christmas Eve, with a special breakfast on Christmas morning, or at midday on Christmas Day.

Some families have a tradition of carol singing, and might go around the streets, to hospitals and other such places singing with members of their church. Other families like to watch certain television programs together, which might include carol services and the Queen's Message. Some families use Christmas as a time to play music and sing together, or to read a favourite book such as "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, a visit to the beach or a swim in a pool is often part of the Christmas Day tradition.

Some families have a tradition of carol singing, and might go around the streets, to hospitals and other such places singing with members of their church. Other families like to watch certain television programs together, which might include carol services and the Queen’s Message. Some families use Christmas as a time to play music and sing together, or to read a favourite book such as “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, a visit to the beach or a swim in a pool is often part of the Christmas Day tradition.

==== Christmas dinner ====

==== Christmas dinner ====

Christmas Dinner, usually eaten in the middle of the day, is an important part of the family celebration. The food differs from country to country and also from family to family. In the Northern Hemisphere, roasted meat and vegetables is generally the main course of the meal. Usually one of several types of meat are served, which may include [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], chicken, ham, roast beef or lamb. There are often several courses, with special treats that are usually only eaten at Christmas.

Christmas Dinner, usually eaten in the middle of the day, is an important part of the family celebration. The food differs from country to country and also from family to family. In the Northern Hemisphere, roasted meat and vegetables are generally the main courses of the meal. Usually one of several types of meat are served, which may include [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], Chicken, ham, roast beef, or lamb. There are often several courses, with special treats that are usually only eaten at Christmas.

[[File:Christmas in Australia 01.JPG|thumb|left|300px|The Christmas pudding is served at the end of Christmas dinner on the [[verandah]] in Australia]]

[[File:Christmas in Australia 01.JPG|thumb|left|300px|The Christmas pudding is served at the end of Christmas dinner on the [[verandah]] in Australia]]

In English-speaking countries, the traditional dessert is Christmas plum pudding. Nowadays these puddings are often bought from bakers, but many people make their own to a family recipe. The tradition came from the Middle Ages when the pudding was used to preserve some of the fruit from the autumn until the mid-winter. A traditional pudding is baked six weeks before Christmas and is left tied up in a cloth or basin with a cloth covering, in a cool place. Stirring the pudding is sometimes a family tradition, with everyone making a wish as they stir. Traditionally a silver coin would be stirred into the pudding, to bring luck to the person who found it. Nowadays most coins cannot be used because they are not made of silver so taste horrible and may be poisonous. Some families use old coins or silver charms. On Christmas Day the pudding must be boiled in a pot for several hours. When it is served, the cloth is cut off, [[brandy]] is poured onto the pudding, and it is set on fire before it is carried to the table. [[Christmas cracker|Christmas crackers]] are  used to decorate and are often opened prior to serving dish or starter course. It is usually served with hard sauce.

In English-speaking countries, the traditional dessert is Christmas plum pudding. Nowadays these puddings are often bought from bakers, but many people make their own to a family recipe. The tradition came from the Middle Ages when the pudding was used to preserve some of the fruit from autumn until the mid-winter. A traditional pudding is baked six weeks before Christmas and is left tied up in a cloth or basin with a cloth covering, in a cool place. Stirring the pudding is sometimes a family tradition, with everyone making a wish as they stir. Traditionally a silver coin would be stirred into the pudding, to bring luck to the person who found it. Nowadays most coins cannot be used because they are not made of silver so taste horrible and may be poisonous. Some families use old coins or silver charms. On Christmas Day the pudding must be boiled in a pot for several hours. When it is served, the cloth is cut off, [[brandy]] is poured onto the pudding, and it is set on fire before it is carried to the table. [[Christmas cracker|Christmas crackers]] are  used to decorate and are often opened prior to serving the dish or starter course. It is usually served with hard sauce.

Many families have a Christmas cake or a special bread instead of a pudding (or as well as a pudding). These are very different depending on the country, but often have [[marzipan]] which is made from [[almond]]s and is traditional in many countries at Christmas. In [[France]] ''Buche de Noäl'' or [[gingerbread]] men and women are decorated and hung on the [[Christmas tree]]. In [[Scotland]] a pastry biscuit called [[shortbread]] is made and has become a popular tradition in many countries. A German tradition is ''pfeffernuss'', spiced [[cookie]]s rolled in powdered sugar. Other Christmas food includes raisins, sultanas, ginger, Greek [[baklava]], almonds, chocolates, caramel toffee, candy canes and oranges.

Many families have a Christmas cake or a special bread instead of a pudding (or as well as a pudding). These are very different depending on the country, but often have [[marzipan]] which is made from [[almond]]s and is traditional in many countries at Christmas. In [[France]] ‘’Buche de Noäl’’ or [[gingerbread]] men and women are decorated and hung on the [[Christmas tree]]. In [[Scotland]] a pastry biscuit called [[shortbread]] is made and has become a popular tradition in many countries. A German tradition is ‘’pfeffernuss’’, spiced [[cookie]]s rolled in powdered sugar. Other Christmas food includes fruit cakes, sultanas, ginger, Greek [[baklava]], almonds, chocolates, caramel toffee, candy canes and cookies.

Many families also prepare mulled wine which is warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg or [[egg nog]]s, a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, eggs, nutmeg and sometimes alcohol.

Many families also prepare mulled wine which is warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg or [[egg nog]]s, a sweet drink made of milk, sugar, eggs, nutmeg and sometimes alcohol.

{{main|Christmas decorations}}

{{main|Christmas decorations}}

[[File:ATC Christmas Tree.JPG|thumb|right|A Christmas tree in [[Armenia]]]]

[[File:ATC Christmas Tree.JPG|thumb|right|A Christmas tree in [[Armenia]]]]

In most homes when Christmas is celebrated, people set up a [[Christmas tree]] in the house. This old Yuletide custom began in Germany as the "Tannenbaum" (German for ''Fir Tree''). These are traditionally [[evergreen]]s, the best type being the Fir Tree which does not shed its needles or lose its [[Odor|fragrance]]. The tree may be a cut tree that is bought from a plantation or taken from the forest. Artificial trees are sometimes preferred to real trees. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights, shiny coloured balls, sparkly tinsel and other ornaments. A wreath of leaves or pine is often put on the front door of a house as a sign of welcome. Other plants that have special significance at Christmas are holly which is used as decoration and [[mistletoe]] which is hung in the centre of a room. The tradition is that people who meet under the mistletoe must kiss.

In most homes when Christmas is celebrated, people set up a [[Christmas tree]] in the house. This old Yuletide custom began in Germany as the “Tannenbaum” (German for ‘’Fir Tree’’). These are traditionally [[evergreen]]s, the best type being the Fir Tree which does not shed its needles or lose its [[Odor|fragrance]]. The tree may be a cut tree that is bought from a plantation or taken from the forest. Artificial trees are sometimes preferred to real trees. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights, shiny coloured balls, sparkly tinsel and other ornaments. A wreath of leaves or pine is often put on the front door of a house as a sign of welcome. Other plants that have special significance at Christmas are holly which is used as decoration and [[mistletoe]] which is hung in the centre of a room. The tradition is that people who meet under the mistletoe must kiss.

Many people decorate their homes at Christmas time. These decorations and the Christmas tree are generally inside, but may be put where they can also be seen through a window by people passing by. In the mid 20th century there grew up a custom for decorating the outside of houses as well. These decorations may be just a few lights around the porch, or hundreds of lights and colourful Christmas figures decorating the whole house and garden. Some neighbourhoods hold competitions for the best-decorated house, and driving around the streets to look at them has become another family tradition.

Many people decorate their homes at Christmas time. These decorations and the Christmas tree are generally inside, but may be put where they can also be seen through a window by people passing by. In the mid 20th century there grew up a custom for decorating the outside of houses as well. These decorations may be just a few lights around the porch, or hundreds of lights and colourful Christmas figures decorating the whole house and garden. Some neighbourhoods hold competitions for the best-decorated house, and driving around the streets to look at them has become another family tradition.

The giving of gifts at Christmas comes from several different ideas. One is that God gave his son, Jesus, to the world at Christmas. There is also the story of the Wise Men who came to the baby Jesus with three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. For many centuries it has been the custom for people to give small gifts at Christmas, and also to give generously to the poor and needy to help them through the winter. Another tradition has become linked to this one, and the result is the tradition of [[Santa Claus]], or Father Christmas as he is sometimes called, and who is nowadays thought by many children to be the bringer of presents and happiness.

The giving of gifts at Christmas comes from several different ideas. One is that God gave his son, Jesus, to the world at Christmas. There is also the story of the Wise Men who came to the baby Jesus with three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. For many centuries it has been the custom for people to give small gifts at Christmas, and also to give generously to the poor and needy to help them through the winter. Another tradition has become linked to this one, and the result is the tradition of [[Santa Claus]], or Father Christmas as he is sometimes called, and who is nowadays thought by many children to be the bringer of presents and happiness.

In the 4th century, in a Greek village that is now part of Turkey, there was a good man who would secretly given presents to the poor to help them. He became a bishop and is called Saint Nicholas. Over the centuries, he became a very popular saint and lots of churches were named after him. He was very popular in places where there were lots of sailors. One of those places was the Netherlands. In the Netherlands and many other European countries, presents are given on the feast of Saint Nicholas, 6 December. Traditionally, the presents are not big, and are sometimes hidden, or have a funny joke or poem that must be read. In many towns of Europe a man dressed in bishop's robes comes on a horse or in a boat, acting as St. Nicholas. His name was often shortened to Sante Claus, or Santa Claus in English.

In the 4th century, in a Greek village that is now part of Turkey, there was a good man who would secretly given presents to the poor to help them. He became a bishop and is called Saint Nicholas. Over the centuries, he became a very popular saint and lots of churches were named after him. He was very popular in places where there were lots of sailors. One of those places was the Netherlands. In the Netherlands and many other European countries, presents are given on the feast of Saint Nicholas, 6 December. Traditionally, the presents are not big, and are sometimes hidden, or have a funny joke or poem that must be read. In many towns of Europe a man dressed in bishop’s robes comes on a horse or in a boat, acting as St. Nicholas. His name was often shortened to Sante Claus, or Santa Claus in English.

[[File:Christmas Presents for the Chil;dren-04+ (332216251).jpg|thumb|250px|Christmas presents delivered by Santa.]]

[[File:Christmas Presents for the Chil;dren-04+ (332216251).jpg|thumb|250px|Christmas presents delivered by Santa.]]