Christmas is a magical time of year, celebrated in unique ways across the globe. From the twinkling lights and festive decorations to the heartwarming traditions and delicious food, there’s something special about this holiday. This week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’ll take a journey to discover the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated around the world and how you can use this festive season to enhance your English language skills.
How Christmas is Celebrated Worldwide
- United Kingdom and the United States: Christmas is a time for family gatherings, gift- giving, and decorating Christmas trees. Popular traditions include caroling, watching Christmas movies, and enjoying festive feasts.
- Spain: In Spain, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and religious celebrations. People attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and enjoy traditional dishes like roasted lamb and turrón (a type of nougat made with honey and almonds).
- Germany: German Christmas markets are famous for their festive atmosphere, mulled wine, and traditional crafts. People decorate their homes with Advent calendars and enjoy Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses.
- Greece: In Greece, Christmas is celebrated with a focus on family and religion. People decorate boats with lights and visit church services.
- Philippines: Christmas in the Philippines is a vibrant celebration with colorful decorations, festive songs, and delicious food. Filipinos often attend midnight mass and participate in fireworks displays.
- Colombia: Christmas in Colombia is a month-long celebration filled with music, dance, and religious processions. People decorate their homes with colorful lights and participate in traditional festivals, such as the Festival of Lights.
The Origins of Christmas Traditions
While Christmas is a Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, its origins are intertwined with ancient pagan traditions. The date of December 25th likely coincides with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice.
The early Christian church sought to incorporate existing pagan traditions into Christian celebrations. For example, the evergreen tree, a symbol of life in the winter, was adopted as the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is believed to have originated in Germany and was originally decorated with apples and candles. The tradition of exchanging gifts may have evolved from the Roman custom of exchanging gifts during Saturnalia. This might have led to the tradition of hanging stockings which is said to have come from the legend of Saint Nicholas, who is believed to have left gifts for children in their stockings.
Festive English Vocabulary
To fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, it’s helpful to learn some festive English vocabulary. Here are a few key words and phrases:
- Mistletoe: A plant with white berries, often used for kissing under at Christmas.
- Carol: A festive song, often sung at Christmas.
- Holly: A plant with prickly leaves and red berries, often used as a Christmas decoration.
- Yuletide: The Christmas season.
- Christmas spirit: A feeling of joy and goodwill associated with Christmas.
- Deck the halls: To decorate a house or room for Christmas.
- The more, the merrier: A saying that means the more people there are, the more fun it will be.
Christmas Activities to Improve Your English
- Write Holiday Cards: Practice your writing skills by writing Christmas cards to friends and family.
- Sing Christmas Carols: Join a choir or sing along to Christmas carols to improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.
- Watch Christmas Movies: Watch classic Christmas movies like «Home Alone» or «A Christmas Carol» to improve your listening comprehension.
- Bake Christmas Treats: Follow recipes in English to practice your reading and vocabulary skills.
How do you celebrate Christmas in your country? Share your favourite traditions in the comments below!
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The London Eye - English Consultant 