2. 24th OF DECEMBER
(CHRISTMAS EVE)
O Christmas Eve, which is annually on December 24, is the
day before Christmas Day. It falls within the Christmas
season, which is a time for people to buy presents and visit
friends or relatives.
O Since Christmas Eve is not an official federal holiday, most
people have to work. People who work in the retail or
catering sectors often have to work very hard to meet
consumer demands on December 24.
O Many people decorate their homes and driveways with
seasonal decorations, although some do this much earlier.
O Christmas Eve marks the start of the holiday season at the
end of the year. For many Christians, it is a day to
remember the events around the birth of Jesus. Some
people, especially Roman Catholics, attend a midnight
mass at church. Traditionally, the midnight mass started at
midnight, just as Christmas Eve ended and Christmas Day
started.
3. 25th OF DECEMBER
(CHRISTMAS DAY)
O Christmas Day is one of the most festive holidays in many
countries around the world. It is a Christian holiday in
memory of Jesus Christ’s birth and most people celebrate
the day on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.
O There are many ways to celebrate Christmas and people in
different countries blend their cultural traditions with more
universal Christmas celebrations. It is common for many
households to have decorated Christmas trees, either real
or fake. Many people have a day off work and spend time
with their families and loved ones on Christmas Day.
O Christmas Day is a special day for children who receive
gifts that they have been longing for. Many children believe
in Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, a figure who is
believed to provide Christmas presents to children. Some
children write “letters to Santa” a few weeks before
Christmas Day, asking for a gift that they desire most.
4. 6th OF JANUARY (THREE
WISE MEN DAY)
O On 5 January Spain celebrates the end of
Christmas with a great party where everybody
gives and receives presents. It is to celebrate the
arrival of the Three Wise Men - Melchior Caspar
and Balthazar - to the city where Jesus was born.
O There are lots of processions of the Three Wise
Men in each city, the children go along with their
parents to see the kings and receive sweets from
them.
O Before going to sleep, children put some milk and
biscuits next to the Christmas tree for the Three
Kings and some water for their camels. They also
leave out their best pair of shoes to be filled with
presents.