Christmas

                                                                     CHRISTMAS 

Christmas is the greatest festivals of Christians. It is an annual festival of nativity that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ that occurred about 20 centuries ago in Bethlehem, near the present day Jerusalem in Israel. The celebration started in about 350 AD when pop Julius I declared December 25 as the date of the nativity. Until then the date had been celebrated by the PAGANS as the birth of the unconquered sun. At Christmas they show great division and gratitude to their lord Jesus Christ whose birth in the world, for them, was the dawn of human freedom from sin .midnight mass is celebrated in churches and cathedrals. In Rome, Christians join the function with pope Benedict, who also delivers Christmas message to all.christmas is also abbreviated to xmas.in the modern time, it is celebrated with festivities. Worldwide there are different methods of celebration. . Christmas tree or Xmas tree is also unique component of the celebration. In English speaking countries, a conventional Christmas meal of turkey or goose, Christmas pudding, and mince pies are served joyfully The tree which is often a conifer and that originally comes from Germany is highly decorated and illuminated with multi-colored lights and ornaments. Joyful hymns known as carols are sung in groups around the xmas tree.christmas crackers are exploded and Christmas card are widely distributed with wishes and greetings .children are given gifts of various kinds. Santa Claus, a legendary jolly old man with white beared and red suit, is supposed to bring presents to children. Although Christmas is a religious festival, in the modern time it is developing as a secular one as well. In many countries the custom of lighting the tree, singing carols over it, and opening presents is celebrated on December 24, the Christmas Eve. Even non-Christians celebrate the time by sharing greetings and presents among themselves. In secular Nepal, December 25 is now a government holiday. It is a time of great commercial activity. There is a lot of shopping. Christmas is also a time of present-giving and family reunions. As in Hindu festival dashain, Christians away from their home get back and celebrate the festival together with their families. Many organize Christmas parties.