Christmas is rich in traditions which make this holiday very special for everyone. One of the most favourite traditions among children is decorating their houses, gardens and Christmas trees with colourful garlands, mistletoe wreaths, ornaments, gingerbread men, dazzling stars and artificial snow. Evergreen trees are symbols of eternal life, and mistletoe traditionally symbolizes love. The next tradition is writing a letter to Santa Claus and waiting for him and his reindeer with a bag full of presents in a sleigh. Children hang up stockings near their beds or by the fire-place hoping that Santa Claus will come at night and fill them with sweets, fruits and nuts.
Every country has its own customs and traditions. And one of the strongest traditions for Christians is Christmas. The Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January and Catholics celebrate it on the 25th of December. English-speaking people love the tradition of celebrating Christmas. The word "Christmas" comes from the words "Christ's Mass" that is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday means the beginning of the New Year and the new life. Everywhere you can see slogans "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Christmas Day is the greatest holiday. There are a lot of nice Christmas cards and presents there. People like this holiday very much and prepare for it beforehand. They buy presents for each other, try to send Christmas cards for their relatives and friends. In early days Romans gave good luck presents to their friends such as fruit, pastry or gold on New Year's Day. So the tradition of giving presents comes from those times.
Christmas Day is the greatest holiday. There are a lot of nice Christmas cards and presents there. People like this holiday very much and prepare for it beforehand. They buy presents for each other, try to send Christmas cards for their relatives and friends. In early days Romans gave good luck presents to their friends such as fruit, pastry or gold on New Year's Day. So the tradition of giving presents comes from those times.