Form 8 «V»

It is certain that Christmas is celebrated all over the world.Perhaps no other holiday has developed a set of customs and symbols. Thisis the day when many people are travelling home to be with their famillieson Christmas Day, 25th December.

The Christmas story comes from bible. An angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Three Wise Men from the East followed a wondrous star which led them to the baby Jesus to whom theу paid homage and presented gifts of gold, frankicense and myrrh.

Most families decorate their houses with brightly-coloured paper or holly, and they usually have a Christmas tree in the corner of the front room, glittering with coloured lights and decorations. The Christmas tree is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas tree is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

There are a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but perhaps the most important one is the giving of present. Family members wrap up their gifts and leave them bottom of the Christmas tree to be found on Christmas morning.

Children leave sock or stocking at the end of their beds on Christmas Eve, 24th of December, hoping that Father Christmas will comedown the chimney during the night and bring them small presents, fruit and nuts. They are usually not disappointed!

At some time on Christmas Day the family will sit down to a big turkey dinner followed by Christmas pudding. Christmas dinner consists traditionally of a roast turkey, goose or chicken with stuffing and roast potatoes and watch the Queen's speech.

. The pulling of Christmas crackers often accompanies food on Christmas Day. Invented by a London baker in 1846, a cracker is a brightly colored paper tube, twisted at both ends, which contains a party hat, а riddle and а toy or other trinket.