Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas

Christmas is the crystal notes of the midnight mass rising into the sky to spangle the silent night with stars of wonder, stars of light. It is celebrated on December 25 in all Christian churches including Eastern Rite, Roman & Protestant. December 25th was the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian god of light. This day was adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals.

With the passage of time, the nature of Christmas celebration has undergone tremendous change and every year a new tradition begins. Christmas, celebrated to remember and honor the birth of holy Jesus, has evolved from a staunch religious affair into a merry hearted event that include carnivals, cookies and off course Santa Clause. Christmas has been widely associated with snow fun activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sled riding, snow mobile riding, or hiking with snow shoes. Santa' has been around since the 4th century. Originally known as Saint Nicholas, the patron of children and sailors, the bishop was immortalized because of his generous and loving nature towards children. Christians traditionally exchange gifts as a reminder of God's gift of a savior to humankind. Gift giving also recalls an ancient Roman custom of exchanging gifts to bring good fortune for the New Year. In most cultures that celebrate Christmas, a mythical figure delivers gifts to children. Santa Claus and other mythical gift givers have become increasingly gentle, generous, and forgiving. Most of the houses set up the Christmas tree in their garden or house before the Christmas mornings. This tree is decorated by all the members of the family and the stars are fixed. Lights, buntings and other decorations brighten up the Christmas tree.

Gifts for all the family members are kept next to the Christmas tree and are to be opened up only on the Christmas Eve or the Christmas morning. It is a well known belief that children of many cultures across the world are known to hang stockings in the house and believe that Santa Claus will stuff the stocking with gifts. All young boys and girls wake up early in the morning to see the gifts that they got from their parents as well as from Santa Claus. They are excited to open up the new toys and sweets that they have received as presents. Dressed in the best clothes brought for Christmas, children also check the gifts in the stocking that they have hung near the fire place or near the Christmas tree. They also have a special sumptuous Christmas breakfast that includes puddings, cakes and special cookies that are all homemade and delicious.

The melodious carols sung by the carol singers in the vicinity make the occasion all the more special and memorable. The singers visit every house and sing melodious carols. Every member of the family come together to celebrate on Christmas mornings and have lunch or dinner together. Christmas mornings are one of the best times of the year for enjoying with your family and loved ones. The present day Santa Claus is varied different from the one that originated. With changing time and culture, there has been an immense evolution of modern day Santa clause. The celebrations usually begin with the selection of the tree, and carries on with the decorations till the day of Christ, when all the revelry takes place in front of this very tree. Gifts are placed under the tree, as family and friends gather around to celebrate the birth of Christ. Feel so fortunate, to have my family throughout the year, but especially, at Christmas time. When showing, my family just how much I love them and what exactly they mean to me. That is so very important to me. Christmas, for me is about being with family, loving each other and showing each other just exactly how we all feel.