圣诞和春节的庆祝方式

How to Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a time of giving, and holiday celebrations during Christmas usually reflect that notion. In many cultures around the world, gifts are exchanged. However, there are a variety of traditions to celebrate Christmas. Here are some Western celebrations and traditions of Christmas.

Christmas Trees

The Christmas Tree has long been a dominant symbol of the Christmas season. In New York City at Rockefeller Center, a large Christmas tree is magnificently decorated. In other areas of the world, Christmas trees are also decorated. Concerning Christmas trees, there are two basic options:

Artificial Christmas Trees

Many people who own pets, particularly cats, have allergies, or young children, choose to have an artificial Christmas tree because it is cleaner and environmentally friendly. In today‟s eco-friendly world, fake Christmas trees can be used every year, and do not diminish a natural entity. These trees usually are in local stores, and can be easily placed together by following a set of given instructions. Additionally, many artificial Christmas trees now come fully decorated with lights, relieving many from

untangling a string of holiday lights each season.

Real Christmas Trees

Many others prefer to buy a real Christmas tree. Often, local towns, cities, and communities have Christmas tree lots that begin sales immediately following Thanksgiving. However, real Christmas trees require a bit more work. They must be watered, and their leaves shed. If cleaning up pine needles and watering a plant are something you and your family do not have the time for, or will not do, a real Christmas tree is probably not for you. However, real Christmas trees add a sense of authenticity to holiday decorations.

Decorating the Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is often a family tradition. Many families decorate the tree in the weeks before Christmas, while others do it on Christmas Eve. Christmas tree decorations often include a set of lights, tinsel, garland, ornaments, and/or a popcorn string. Christmas ornaments can be found at local retailers, can be homemade, or can be passed down from generation to generation. Many families receive a new Christmas ornament every year, adding to their collection as the years

continue.

Religious Observations

Depending on your religious beliefs, Christmas can also be a religious-oriented holiday. Many families go to mass during the Advent season, which is the forty days leading up to Christmas. During this time, the Christian church explains the stories leading up to the Birth of Jesus. Additionally, Advent Calendars usually count down the days until Christmas, bearing a tiny piece of chocolate and/or candy for each day.

Midnight mass is another tradition for many families. Often, local churches will hold midnight ceremonies, celebrating the birth of Jesus. In some churches, the mass is said in its original Latin form, while, in others, the music is the highlight. Often, professional string quartets and/or band ensembles are hired to perform. Choruses and musicians also sing and/or play a variety of Christmas songs, such as The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful.

Gifts

Although Christmas is not entirely about gifts, it is the time of