August 11, 2010, 4:08 pm
i need help , i need someone to read over my research paper that isnt that long only four pages . and make sure it is good because i have to make a good grade on it. And whoever does the best i will give you extra points !!!!!!
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Alexis Rafeedie
Mrs. Aucoin
English 1
15 November 2008
All about Christmas
What come around once a year and involves a big jolly fellow who dresses in a red suit and goes down chimneys? The answer is Santa Claus. Christmas comes around once a year and brings joy to children all over the world. The best way to understand Christmas is to learn about the biblical reason how it began, the legends surrounding this holiday and myths and how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem from Mary and Joseph. Everyone was ordered back to Bethlehem so Mary and Joseph had to pack their things and head back to their hometown. With every “hotel” full, Mary was about to have her baby. A nice man let them stay in his stable with the animals. There in the stable the greatest gift of all was born baby Jesus Christ (Flanagan 10).
On December 25 Christians believe Jesus was born and he is the son of God (Flanagan 10). Christians were the first people to call December 25 Christmas. They held a mass called Christ’s Maesse, which means Christ’s Mass. There were many dates for Jesus’ birthday but they decided on December 25 because it was close to a festival called Saturnalia (Flanagan 6).
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The whole Christmas story took place about 2,000 years ago in a small town called Bethlehem. Many Christians believed God sent his son Jesus to earth. Joseph and Mary Jesus’ parents lived in a town called Nazareth (Flanagan 10). Soon after his birth a bright star lead the three wise men whom all brought gifts for the new baby. The angels told them to come to the stable and follow the star to the stable and there will baby Jesus. The three wise men brought with them gifts which were gold, frankincense, and myrrh used as offerings.
December 25 the legend behind Santa Claus began with Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas was born during the third century in the southern coast of turkey. His parents were very wealthy and passed away. The young boy was obeying Jesus’ word which was “Sell what you own and give the money to the poor.” St. Nicholas did all that he could to help the needy .St. Nicholas became known through out the town for his kind generosity toward kids, the poor, anyone who needed help (Myers, Rosenthal 1). He became known as the Boy Bishop of Myra. St Nicholas passed away on December 6 343 A.D.
If Saint Nicholas passed away than who was this man who comes down chimneys and gives gifts? Thomas Nast illustrated Santa Claus in 1863 as a big, jolly, old fellow who wears a red suit and has a white beard. Nast chose the North Pole for the home of Santa Claus and his little elves who helps him makes his presents. Nast chose the North Pole because it was different then most countries. Nast believed in the Northern Hemisphere Santa could not be interrupted or disturbed (Flanagan 18).
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The children in Mexico have a different tradition than most kids; they do not expect fun or gifts until January 6 (World Book 39). Christmas begins on December 16
and it is till December 24. December 16, the villagers and citizens retrace the steps of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Every house holds a posada but not all on the same night. They knock on doors but only the third house lets them in, just as the Holy Family did. It is also carried on after by a piñata for the children. Citizens have a tradition to attend the midnight mass and then all homes for a feast. The door of a Mexican home of this night is always open so not one person is left alone on Christmas Eve (Sass 1)
When it comes to Christmas in Germany it is not just a holiday, but one of the biggest holidays. It takes more than a month with a wide variety of celebrations. The gingerbread man, wreaths, Christmas trees and more were all traditions that came from Germany. The children from Germany leave their shoes by the chimney hoping they would get filled with fruit, nuts, and candy. Today it is more advanced and children wish for better goodies like clothes, toys, and books (World Book 24). During World War II the Norwegian king lived in England. On every Christmas a boat would be sent to bring back a Norwegian tree for the king (Goldman 1).
In the Philippines Christmas eve is a night without sleep. They celebrate all the way until the next day which is Christmas. As December 24 is ending they have their final mass of Sambaing Gabi. Noeche Buena is the family feast that happens at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. In the Philippines Christmas is held December 16 through January 6. Traditionally a candle is placed inside a lantern and carefully lit each of night
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of the season. A few Philippines families hang their stockings on the bottom branch of the tree or nea
