How we celebrate Christmas today in the UK. Although Christmas is historically a Christian celebration recognizing the birth of Jesus over 2000 years ago, many people celebrate the event whatever their religious beliefs. People often complain that the countdown to Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year, this is largely due to the retail companies displaying Christmas goods early in the shops, sometimes you even see it in September!
A few weeks before Christmas Day people often send out cards to their friends and family. This shows that they are thinking of others and want to wish them a happier time or seasons greetings as it is often called. Some people buy presents for their work colleagues or friends at school or sometimes people take part in a Secret Santa.
This is also a time when people start writing letters to Santa to make sure they reach him in time. Food is sometimes ordered in advance and people begin to invite others to their house, ready for the big day! Many children are involved in rehearsing and Performing Nativity plays which retell the story of Jesus' birth.
At this time of year, there are often dance shows, concerts, and theatre Productions, so the rehearsals need to begin in good time to make sure that they are practised well in advance so the performances are perfect. People begin to clamber into their lofts and drag down last year's Christmas decorations. Fur trees are bought and put into their living rooms where their beautiful Baubles and ornaments light up the room.
An angel or a star might appear on top representing Angel Gabriel, this is also when people often put light in other decorations up outside their houses. Some people give money to Charities at Christmas we find ourselves thinking of others in the world who are not able to celebrate like we do or be with their friends and family. Carol singers sometimes visit homes to sing traditional songs and collect money for charity.
Most people associate celebrating Christmas with their friends and family, they gather together at some point during the day and eat a special meal with one another. Some families develop their own Christmas celebrations, a popular one is watching Christmas films. Many people like to snuggle up on the sofa and watch an old Christmas film which makes them feel all Christmasy inside.
A traditional Christmas meal usually consists of turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and sprouts. Sprouts are often the integral part of a Christmas dinner, though the humble Sprout is not often appreciated very much. Not to forget the Christmas cracker that's on the table as well.
Crackers were first invented around 1845 by someone called Tom Smith who started selling his Bonbon sweets in twists of paper. The giving and receiving of presents traditionally recognizes that Christmas day was Jesus's birth. But now it is often seen as a good opportunity to share with others, be kind, and appreciate what we have.
An important part of the celebrations for many Christians is going to church on Christmas Day to give thanks and worship God. This is done through singing carols and joining together in prayer. How do you celebrate Christmas?
Do you do anything different different to what we've mentioned? What's your favourite part of Christmas? Let us know in the comments below!
