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Christmas CustomsChristmas has long been thought of as the most wonderful time of the year, and with good reason. Christmas is a time for sharing love and festive holiday spirit with everyone you come across, from friends and family to neighbors and even strangers on the street. The feeling of magic and merrymaking fills the air during the holiday season almost everywhere you go. No matter where you are on Earth, from Australia to England, there are people celebrating Christmas.  The Christmas customs recognized by people vary as much as the people themselves, but one thing always remains the same during the Christmas season, a feeling of giving and hope. Christmas GiftsChristmas is regarded as the holiday for giving presents to those around you. In most places where Christmas is recognized, people give gifts to their family members, friends, co-workers, and people who help them out throughout the year such as teachers, mailmen, waiters, nannies, etc. Many people go wild during the shopping season and spend lots of money on those they love, but people also make Christmas gifts at home. Desserts like cookies, cakes and candies are also hugely popular as Christmas gifts. Gifts are synonymous with Christmastime, as it is the season of giving. Christmas cards are also hugely popular. People often send them to friends and family members, as well as people who have been a part of their lives that they do not get to see often. They are sent through the mail or by email. They can be purchased in stores, made at home by hand, or made on the computer. There are thousands of different options for Christmas cards. Christmas DecorationsDecorations for Christmas are some of the most beautiful that you will ever see. Many people adorn the outside of their homes with elaborate lights, elegant wreaths, illuminated figurines, and decorated trees. The outside of one’s home is a great opportunity to showcase their Christmas spirit and many people love to go over the top with their outdoor Christmas decorations. Inside, it is customary in many places to put up a Christmas tree. Some people prefer to put up fake trees, as they are easier to manage and do not leave needles everywhere! Some people, however, swear by real trees, as they have a rich pine smell and look incredibly beautiful. People embellish their trees with colorful ornaments, strands of lights, bows, tinsel, garlands and usually an angel or star on top. Trees are often put up in the weeks prior to Christmas; although some people like to put them up right after Thanksgiving, and department stores and malls often put them up in early November! They are usually taken down around New Year’s, but some people leave them up until well into January. Throughout the home, people also decorate their mantels, stair railings, interior doors and windows, kitchen and dining room tables and so much more! Some people like to decorate their entire home from top to bottom, while others stick to the living room. Either way, Christmas adornments are incredibly popular and help to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Christmas FoodThroughout the holiday season, one of the most beloved Christmas customs is the eating and drinking that comes with holiday parties and gatherings. People love to bake decadent desserts and pastries, as well as candies and cookies. Rich and savory appetizers are often served at holiday parties, as well as glorious turkeys and hams, heavy comfort foods like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, and warm rolls and biscuits. One thing can be said for holiday meals, including Christmas dinner, the food is heavy and certainly not calorie conscious! Christmas CraftsAnother of the most popular Christmas customs is to create Christmas crafts. People make handmade decorations, presents for friends and family, and fun little trinkets for their own homes. Crafts are done by children of all ages in school and at home during the holiday break, keeping them occupied and out of trouble! There are many Christmas craft fairs as well, where you can purchase handmade goods. Christmas Games and ActivitiesThere are thousands of games and activities that are played during the holiday season. From playing outside in the snow to Christmas centered relay races, there is something for everyone to do that pertains to the holiday season. People love to drive through town and look at holiday lights and baking and making crafts are popular activities as well. Christmas around the WorldChristmas is celebrated in most countries. It is a Christian holiday, but many other faiths celebrate the secular aspects of the holiday, such as decorating and putting up Christmas trees. Many countries focus less on the commercial aspects of the holiday, like buying gifts and spending lots of money, and more on the religious and familial aspects of the holiday.
Pretty much everywhere you go in the world during Christmas time, the pervasive feeling in the air is of love, kindness and joy. These universal themes tie the whole world together during the holiday season. For more on all of these Christmas Customs, click on the links below. Merry Christmas!
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