Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated throughout the world. In 2010, Christmas was observed on Saturday, December 25th. Since 1870, it has been a federally recognized holiday. Christmas is both a religious holiday and a commercial celebration. For Christians, the celebration of Christmas is intended to mark the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. Non - religious celebration includes the arrival of Santa, time spent with family and friends and exchanging gifts.http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
Santa Claus is among some of the most iconic figures of the holiday. Since the 19th century, Santa Claus has been a standing figure in the Christmas celebration. The current tradition tells a story of a jolly old man who lives at the North Pole and delivers presents to children across the world in one magical night. While this legend is a large part of Christmas tradition, the inspiration of this tale is said to be inspired by bishop, Saint Nicholas of Myra, who provided poor, young children of his village with gifts. http://www.christmasfacts.net/history-of-christmas
Christmas Traditions
Traditions are common practices that are observed to celebrate a holiday or special event. Christmas traditions have evolved and may vary depending upon the individual practices of a family or culture. Examples of common Christmas traditions are:
- Decorating a Christmas tree http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Hanging stockingshttp://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Exchanging giftshttp://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Singing carolshttp://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Cooking and meals with family and friendshttp://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Mistletoe http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
- Sending cards and well wishes to friends and familyhttp://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html
Capitol Christmas Tree Tradition
In the United States, the Capitol Christmas tree is a long standing Christmas tradition. In 2010, the tree was lit by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.http://www.capitolchristmastree2010.org/capitol_ceremony.cfm It will remain available for viewing until January 1, 2011. Every year the tree comes from a different part of the country. The 2010 capitol Christmas tree was provided by the state of Wyoming. http://www.capitolchristmastree2010.org/index.cfmPrior to the lighting ceremony, the tree must be decorated. Acquiring the ornaments is another essential part of this tradition. Each year the ornaments will represent a theme. In 2010, schoolchildren from across Wyoming created ornaments that adorned the tree.http://www.capitolchristmastree2010.org/ornaments.cfm
Charlie Brown Christmas
This Charlie Brown holiday episode is commonly aired sometime throughout the Christmas season. Charlie Brown and fiends are the featured characters. The famed "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" is known as the most pitiful tree that could be found. This episode can often be viewed a few weeks before the holiday.
How to Make a Christmas Wreath
Learn how to make fun and easy arts & crafts for Christmas. Keltie Colleen guides you through the steps of making a Christmas wreath. This video is part of a wider series of Christmas related videos available for free at the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Gift Wrap a Christmas Present
Keltie Colleen provides all the support and guidance you will need to learn how to gift wrap a Christmas present. Full step by step instructions are provided by Colleen in this 6:47 video. This is part of a much wider range of craft and Christmas related instructional videos available for free on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Make Christmas Tree Ornaments
Learn how to make Christmas ornaments in this Mahalo tutorial led by Keltie Colleen. Ms Colleen demonstrates making globe ornaments for the Christmas tree using styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners, stickers, and rhinestones. To secure the stickers on the ornament, use a glue gun. The pipe cleaners form the ornament hanger. This is part of a wider series of Christmas related videos, which are published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Play We Wish You A Merry Christmas on Guitar
Guitarist, Thomas Gilbert returns on Mahalo.com to play another Christmas classic on guitar. This time the focus is how to play we wish you a merry Christmas on guitar. Thomas guides viewers through all the required chords as well as providing an assortment of tips and advice on how to master playing this song. This video is part of a much wider series of learn how to play Christmas songs on the guitar, which are published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Make a Christmas Bow
Learn how to make fun and easy Christmas arts & crafts. This video will guide you through the steps of making a Christmas bow. This is part of a wider series of Christmas related videos published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
Cheap Christmas Flights
Christmas is an expensive time of year, so wouldn't it be good to find cheap Christmas flights. This video provides a range of tips and advice on how to find that special Christmas flight deal. More Christmas related videos can be found on the Mahalo.com YouTube video.
How to Make a Christmas Card
Crafter Keltie Colleen presents a tutorial on how to make a Christmas card. She discusses the supplies needed and the simple steps needed to create a homemade card. This crafting guide is part of a larger series of Christmas tutorials offered on the Mahalo.com YouTube channel.
Christmas Gifts Under $25
If you are struggling to afford to pay for all your Christmas presents this year then why not shop for some Christmas gifts under $25. This video shows that with careful research and planning you can buy affordable gifts, which look a lot more expensive than they actually cost.
How to Play Frosty The Snowman on Guitar
Frosty the Snowman is a well known Christmas song and in this Mahalo.com video, guitarist and vocalist Jen Trani teachers viewers how to play the song. This video is part of a series of learn how to play Christmas songs on guitar published on the Mahalo channel of YouTube.
References
Fast Facts
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Date
Saturday December, 25, 2010
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Celebrates
Honors the birth of Jesus
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Symbols
Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, candy canes,
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Name origin
From Old English of the phrase Cristes Maesse meaning "the Mass of Christ."
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Related holidays
Christmas Eve celebrated on December 24th
