Whenever the cold winter wind sweeps along with fluttering snowflakes, the whole world seems to be enchanted and immersed in a joyful and warm Christmas atmosphere. Christmas, a festival with profound historical heritage and rich customs, is like the warm sun in winter, warming people's hearts and illuminating the end of the year.
I. The Origin of Christmas
Christmas originated from Christianity and is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, the Virgin Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. It was a quiet and sacred night. The humble manger was bathed in the light of angels. Shepherds in the wilderness heard the angels announcing the good news of Jesus' birth and came to worship with awe and piety. Since then, this sacred event has opened the long history of Christmas. With the passage of time, it has gradually evolved from a simple religious commemoration into a grand global celebration.
In the early days, the celebration of Christmas mainly took place inside churches. Believers remembered the birth of Jesus through religious rituals such as praying and singing hymns. However, by the Middle Ages, Christmas began to step out of churches and integrate into secular life. It was like a cultural melting pot, absorbing the characteristic customs of different regions and ethnic groups, constantly enriching its own connotations and becoming a festival that transcends religious boundaries and unites human emotions.
II. Colorful Christmas Customs
(A) Decorating the Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is undoubtedly the iconic symbol of Christmas. Evergreen trees such as pine trees and spruce trees are usually chosen. These evergreen trees remain green in the cold winter, symbolizing the tenacity and immortality of life. People will carefully decorate the Christmas tree, hanging glittering colored lights like twinkling stars; colorful balls, delicate snowflake ornaments, small angels and Santa Claus dolls are scattered and hung among them, creating a dreamy fairy-tale atmosphere. The whole family gathers around the decorated Christmas tree, sharing gifts and telling stories, and the warm feeling overflows.
(B) Exchanging Gifts
Exchanging gifts is an indispensable custom of Christmas. Legend has it that this originated from the Three Wise Men presenting gifts to the newborn Jesus to express their reverence and blessings. Nowadays, on Christmas Eve, relatives and friends will carefully select gifts, wrap them exquisitely, and quietly place them at the other person's bedside, under the Christmas tree or send them by mail. Children are even more looking forward to "Santa Claus" driving a reindeer sleigh at night and secretly sending their favorite toys through the chimney. This surprise and anticipation make the Christmas night full of mystery.
(C) Singing Christmas Carols
Christmas carols are like warm currents in winter, flowing through the streets and alleys. From the solemn and sacred "Silent Night" to the lively "Jingle Bells", people use their voices to praise God, sing about peace and love, and also convey the joy of the festival. In churches, believers sing in chorus, and the melodious singing shakes the soul; on the street corners, singers hold guitars and sing while playing, attracting passers-by to stop and listen, and jointly immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere created by the music.
(D) Family Reunion
Christmas is an important moment for family reunions. No matter how far apart they are, family members will try their best to return home and sit around a table filled with sumptuous food. On the table, the roasted turkey is golden brown and fragrant, paired with sweet and sour cranberry sauce, making people's mouths water; there are also sweet and glutinous mashed potatoes, fresh and green broccoli and other side dishes, as well as various desserts such as gingerbread and fruit pudding. The whole family laughs and talks, sharing the joys and sorrows of the past year, and spending this warm and beautiful time together.
(E) Decorating Houses
Besides the Christmas tree, people are also enthusiastic about decorating their own houses. Colorful lights are hung under the eaves, outlining the outline of the house and twinkling in the dark like a dream castle; exquisite snowflake paper-cuts and Santa Claus stickers are pasted on the windows, and Christmas-themed throw pillows and carpets are placed indoors, showing the festive atmosphere everywhere. Neighbors appreciate each other's decorations and exchange decoration ideas, making the whole community immersed in a thick Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas, with its unique origin and colorful customs, has become one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. It carries people's beliefs, love and hope, making the cold winter no longer cold and giving the soul a place to belong. In this special festival, no matter where people are, they can feel the warmth and joy and jointly welcome the arrival of the new year.
