Merry Christmas!:

→ What event does Christmas celebrate?

It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

-24thof December – Christmas Eve.

-25thof December – Christmas Day.

-26thof December – Boxing Day.

→ How does gift-giving relate to the birth of Christ and the spirit of the holiday?

-The first Christmas gifts were birthday gifts that the three Wise Men brought to the infant Jesus. It is customary to exchange gifts with family members and close friend. Both children and adults get Christmas presents, although children usually get many more.

-Where did this legend come from? Santa Claus is the American name for St. Nicholas, a generous fourth-century bishop who lived in what is now Turkey. It was custom to go out at night and bring gifts to the poor.

→ Name five other American Christmas customs.

-Hanging Stockings.

-Decorating the Home with Holiday Plants.

-Going Caroling.

-Spending Christmas Cards.

-Attending Traditional Christmas Theatrical Productions.

AFTER YOU READ:

I. Getting the Message:

Customs

Christmas

New Year's

1.exchanging gifts around a tree.

X

2. kissing under the mistletoe.

X

3. promising to improve oneself.

X

4. helping the poor.

X

5. going carolling.

X

6. attending church services.

X

7. watching the ball drop on TV.

X

8. drinking champagne at midnight.

X

9. blowing horns.

X

10. talking or writing to Santa Claus.

X

11. sending season's greeting cards.

X

X

12. watching the Bowl games on TV.

X

II. Sharpening Reading Skills:

1. Most American Christmas customs originated in other countries.

2. Christ was actually born several years before A.D 1.

3. Christmas is celebrated by Christians everywhere.

4. Which would not be a good New Year's resolution? I'll buy some groceries.

5. The year A.D. 500 was about 1500 years ago.

III. Understanding Idioms and Expressions:

1. The Christmas rush refers to shoppers.

2. Roly-poly means fat.

3. Greeting cards containing "season's greetings" are usually sent to relatives, friends, and business associates.

4. Turning over a new leaf means making a fresh and improving one's behaviour.

5. When you look forward to an event, you expect and want it to happen.