Western Holidays.pptVIP

Unit Two: Western Holidays Christmas Day, which is the most festive time in the United States, falls on December 25th on which Christian people believe Jesus Christ was born. This is the biggest and best-loved holiday in the United States, which is full of joy and gaiety, love and laughter, hospitality and good will. Americans begin to prepare Christmas long before the actual day. Small families and large business firms prepare the holiday differently. Stores are decorated with the traditional Christmas colors of green and red. Goods associated with Christmas become best sellers at this time. Many Americans take advantage of the time to earn extra money by selling Christmas cards, small gifts and ornaments, etc. The decorating of homes for Christmas is also very common. Most Americans who observe Christmas have a Christmas tree in their homes. People like evergreens and they think that branches of fir will bring good luck and symbolize spring. The Christmas tree is usually covered with strings of colored lights, and a star on top representing the star in the East which guided the three Wise Men to where Jesus was born. Christmas food is special: bright colored hard sweets, chocolates, clusters of chocolate-covered raisins, walnuts, etc. As for the Christmas dinner, Americans traditionally have turkey or ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and Christmas pudding. Although Christmas is religious in origin, many of the customs and celebrations are no longer religious. Among them, the most popular ones are as follows: Exchange Gifts This custom originated from the ancient religion of believing that the first Christmas gifts were given by the three Wise Men to the infant Jesus Christ. It has been passed down and become very popular among friends and families in the United States. Sending Christmas Cards. This custom first started in London in the 19th century. Today, most Americans send greeting cards to their friends and families at Christmas time. Some people wh