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CHRISTMAS, in the Christian church, annual festival, held on December 25, to celebrate the Nativity, or birth of Christ. The origin of the festival is unknown. Scholars believe that it is derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. Christmas festivals, generally observed by Christians since the 4th century, incorporate pagan customs, such as the use of holly, mistletoe, Yule logs, and wassail bowls. The Christmas tree, an evergreen trimmed with lights and other decorations, is derived from the so-called paradise tree, symbolizing Eden, of German mystery plays. The use of a Christmas tree began early in the 17th century, in Strasbourg, France, spreading from there through Germany and then into northern Europe. In 1841 Albert, prince consort of Queen Victoria, introduced the Christmas tree custom to Great Britain; from there it accompanied immigrants to the U.S. Meanwhile, Dutch settlers had brought to the New World the custom of celebrating St. Nicholas' Day on December 6, and especially St. Nicholas' Eve, when gifts were given to children, of whom the saint was patron. Brit ish settlers took over the tradition as part of their Christmas eve celebration. The English name of the legendary jolly, red-garbed man who delivers presents to good children at Christmas, Santa Claus, is derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a modification of Saint Nikolaas.
ADVENT (Lat. adventus, "coming"), in the Christian ecclesiastical calendar, a season observed in preparation for Christmas. The earliest authentic record of Advent (AD 581) states that the season starts on the feast of St. Martin, November 11; this period is still observed in the Orthodox church. About 600, Pope Gregory I decreed that the season should start on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, but the longer period was observed in England for some years. The shorter period is now observed in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopal churches, and the first Sunday of Advent is regarded as the commencement of the Christian ecclesiastical year. The season is also a preparation for the second coming of Christ at the end of the world. Source INFOPEDIA - The Ultimate Multimedia Reference Tool.
Christmas Experience, The - sights, sounds and the true meaning of Christmas, from Advent through Christmas morning; sections on cutting and decorating trees, caroling, Christmas stories, and more. Christmas Songs Lyrics, Midi's, Christmas Cards
'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came - a takeoff on the classic poem reveals the true significance of Christmas. What is Christmas Really About? - uses the lyrics to Christmas carols as a jumping off point for stories about the meanings of Christmas.
Christmas In CyberSpace - directory of Christ-centered Christmas and Advent sites. No Santas and no Frosty. Search for the Meaning of Christmas - join in sharing Christmas tradition. Remember, whether you are young or old, it is never too late to start a family tradition.
Welcome to a Christmas Celebration Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
Santa Live from the North Pole
Links checked on June 22, 2003.
12-14-98
11-8-99
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CHRISTMAS 
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Christmas Greeting Card Sites 
