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Christmas (UK)

Its not possible to cover what Christmas is all about in a single page, However this is an attempt to sum it all up. Christmas is one calibration that still means a lot to many people, and even today the true meaning of Christmas is just as strong as it was many years ago. From November onwards, people start to get ready for Christmas. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.

Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed One' - the title given to Jesus and 'Mass' was a religious festival. The real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. It is told in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2.

The story of the wise men
After Jesus was born, wise men came to look for Him, They followed the direction of a star to the east and eventually found the place where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying, History tells us that Jesus was born in a manger (Barn), apparently there was no room at the Inn. The wise men brought with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.
Gold
Most of us know what gold is, and a fitting gift for a king
Frankincense
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees, used for worship and for embalming and fumigation.
Myrrh
Aromatic resin used in perfume and incense, The oil is made from the resin of a thorny shrub that grows in very dry desert conditions.
Father Christmas
Well this is where the story of Christ ends and a new chapter begins in the story of Christmas. Santa Claus, is well know by us all and has become the human face of Christmas, along with his elves at the North Poll, they spend their time making presents for all.. This is a story of an old man with a long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas, and many children really believe this is true.
North Poll
It is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge 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 Christmas tree.
Reindeer
Traditionally Santa has Reindeer pulling his sledge, flying over the rooftops he delivers his presents to all the good boys and girls. Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! and not forgetting Rudolph the red nose reindeer.
Christmas Carols
Christmas would not be the same without people signing songs. The songs sang at Christmas are linked to this religious event, and are called carols. Away in a Manger, The First Noel, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, to name a few.
Food
Traditionally a Turkey is served for Christmas dinner, along with sprouts, roast potatoes, with other vegetables, and sometimes served with cranberry sauce. In the Past in Medieval England, peacocks and swans were eaten only by the rich at Christmas but boar's head was the main course.
Christmas Pudding
The traditional Christmas dinner might include a Christmas pudding  The Christmas pudding known today began life as Christmas porridge called frumenty, a dish made of wheat or corn boiled up in milk. Today, a Christmas pudding is a brown pudding with raisins, nuts and cherries. It is served with custard or brandy butter. Often brandy is poured over the pudding, and set a light as it is carried to the table.
Boxing Day
The day following Christmas Day is called Boxing Day. This word comes from the custom which started in the Middle Ages, churches would open their 'alms boxes' (boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the contents to poor people on the day after Christmas.
Presents
Yep today Christmas to some people is all about giving and getting presents. They are packaged up in colourful Christmas wrapping paper and placed under the tree not to be opened until 25th December, Christmas day.
Christmas Trees
Made popular in the UK by Queen Victoria's husband, Albert, the notion of spicing up a spruce originates from pre-Christian days. The Norway Spruce is the tree to have, selecting and caring for a real Christmas tree is pretty simple. Whilst not everyone favours having a real tree, whether it's for environmental or practical reasons, artificial trees serve just as well, and can also be recycled. A miniature artificial tree can also be made bigger too.

Christmas decorations
There's also lighting to consider when decorating up your home, whether you're sparking up candles on an advent wreath or opting for flickering fairy lights. Tree protection spray to stop the needles falling out, can's of spray snow, Tinsel and garlands that crisscross your room.
Advent calendar
These are very popular, with some available with sweets, these have 25 little windows that can be opened to reveal a treat, the 25th opened on Christmas day.
Snowman
Another traditional character is the snowman, I guess he became popular is it normally snows at Christmas, however with global warming, there has not been much snow fall in the UK in the last 10 years, and very rare to see it now at Christmas.
 

Well that about some up Christmas briefly, there is as you might know a lot more too it than this, and to you it might even be something different. What ever it is for you, have a happy Christmas.