CHRISTMAS

    On 25 December Great Britain and the United states (and many other countries) celebrate Christmas. The word Christmas comes from the Old English "Cristes maesse", Christ's mass. On this days Christians celebrate the birth of Christ.

    Kindness and giving are the spirit of Chritmas but... Why is Christmas celebrated on 25 December?. Christmas comes from two pagans festivals: the celebration of the winter solstice (time of year when the day is shortest) and the birthday of the sun.

    Christmas is the biggest holiday on the American and British calendar. However, in Scotland, New Year is more important. In Great Britain and the United states people prepare for Christmas weeks before 25 December.

    Cities and towns are beautifully decorated with Christmas symbols: the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, colourful lights and much more. Shop windows are full of presents for everyone. People are busy buying presents. There are Santa Claus everywhere. On streets corners people sing Cristmas carols. In Britain many children go carol singing with an adult. They go from house to house and sing. They usually receive money for their singing. They use this money to buy presents.

    Today almost every Christian family has a decorated Christmas tree at home or in the garden. Some families put up the tree on Christmas Eve and others put it at the begininnig of December. Many families put a Nativity scene under the Christmas tree. Many Americans wear "Christmas clothes" during the Christmas season. These are clothes with Christmas colours and symbols.

    Christmas crackers are an old tradition. They were invented in London. Two people put the cracker until it "bangs" and opens. Inside there's usually a small present, a paper hat and a joke.

    In the United States there are "Christmas shops" in many cities. They sell all types of Christmas trees, ornaments and other decorations for the home. It is usual to send Christmas cards to relatives and friends.

    Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, is an important part of the Christmas tradition. Children write letters to him and ask for special presents. Today we see him like an old man with a white beard, dressed in a red suit. He drives a sleigh pulled by reindeer and comes down the chimney with toys for the children. Children put out a stocking on Chritmsas Eve because they hope to receive presents from Santa Claus. Then they go to bed early because they want Santa Claus to come. Many Christians go to church services at midnight and others go on Christmas morning. Presents are usually opened on Christmas  morning. After Christmas dinner many families listen to the traditional Queen's speech in Britain and watch special Chritmas television programmes. Children play with their new toys.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                          
    EXERCISE 1  (TRUE OR FALSE)    
                                                                         
   

    EXERCISE 2 (PRESENT SIMPLE)                                                                                              


    MORE EXERCISES FROM THE WEB: 3, 
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