Merry Christmas

In many countries of the world, the celebration of Christmas on December 25th is a high point of the year. Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus.



Today in the West, not many people consider the religious meaning to Christmas. It has become a busy race to spend money on presents, and get ready for the Day. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television. Well I do this too….well except the drinking part….In fact I passed the day by seeing all the Christmas cheers serials on star world….they were awesome….especially “According to Jim”.

Many people do hope for more than presents at Christmas. We want to somehow return to a time in our childhood (or some other good time in the past), when life was simpler and made more sense, before the troubles of adult life arrived. We feel sure that behind all the fun and decorations, there must somehow be a message, something more, some key to life, hope and happiness.

Colored lights decorate many town centers and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.

In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees' (real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments. Shopping centers become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late. Shopping centre speaker systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas.



'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas, and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree. In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.

As Christmas is here….so New year can’t be far behind…whew….I can’t believe 2008 is about to come to an end.