Christmas Spirit Essay

544 Words3 Pages
Christmas Spirit The Christmas season is celebrated in different ways around the world, varying by country and region. Elements common to many areas of the world include the lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The sending of Christmas cards, the exchange of Christmastime greetings, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents. On Christmas Eve, traditional meals are prepared according to the traditions. After the families from far away have come from their towns, cities, and even overseas, they are given time to settle in. Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations. Many buildings will be decked out in Christmas lights. Christmas trees are found in major malls and other public buildings, and in many homes as well. On December 31, New Year's Eve, In spite of the campaign against firecrackers, many Filipinos still see these as the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are also supposed to drive away bad spirits. Safer methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at the stroke of midnight in the belief that they will grow up tall, displaying circular fruit and wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs to symbolize money, eating twelve grapes at 12 midnight for good luck in the twelve months of the year, and opening windows and doors during the first day of the New Year to

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