UNIVERSIDAD REAL DE LA CAMARA

DE COMERCIO DE BOLIVIA

CHRISTHMAS IN
ESTADOS UNIDOS ,EUROPA, INGLATERRA AND LATINO
AMERICA

NAMES:
 Paola Andrea Herrera Yanahuaya
 America Vera Aguilar
 Michelle Quelqua Zambrana
 Genesis Quiroz

SUBJECT:
ENGLISH 6

LA PAZ - BOLIVIA
INTRODUCTION

Christmas is celebrated on December 25, Christmas is not December 24, it is ALL

on December 25. Of course: Christmas IS NOT THE CELEBRATION OF A DATE,
BUT OF A FACT, the birth of the Savior, absolutely decisive event in the history of
salvation. It is then a commemoration of the meaning of that fact. It reads in the
prophecies:

Because a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us; they put the
king's badge on his shoulder and proclaim his name: "Admirable counselor, strong
God, Father who does not die, prince of Peace That fact was of such magnitude
that the whole sky celebrated it:

Suddenly a multitude of celestial beings appeared next to the angel, and they
praised God with these words: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth
peace to men: this is the hour of his grace."
 INDEX

BACKGROUND

PLACES IN THE WORLD

TRADITIONS

EVOLUTION

CONCLUTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ANECES
BACKGROUND
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY:

The Christmas party was instituted by the Church in the fourth century and is
originally from the Latin Church and more properly from the Apostolic See of
Rome.

In the absence of exact documents on the birth of our Lord, there is no absolute
certainty about the year, which some sacred and profane writers point out between
747 and 749 of the founding of Rome (from 7 to 5 BC), and of the day, which have
swung between March 25 and December 17.

There is evidence of Greek East and Latin West where Christians tried to find out
the date of the birth of Christ long before they began to celebrate it in a liturgical
way, even in the second and third centuries. In fact, the evidence indicates that
the attribution to the date of December 25 was a consequence of attempts to
determine when his death and resurrection should be celebrated.

To delve deeper into this topic, you can read the following article: "Calculating
Christmas: the true story of December 25"

DECEMBER 25 AND CHRISTMAS:

Christmas is celebrated on December 25, (visit the link in the previous paragraph
for more information on the subject). Christmas is not December 24, it is ALL on
December 25. Of course: Christmas IS NOT THE CELEBRATION OF A DATE,
BUT OF A FACT, the birth of the Savior, absolutely decisive event in the history of
salvation. It is then a commemoration of the meaning of that fact. It reads in the
prophecies:
Because a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us; they put the
king's badge on his shoulder and proclaim his name: "Admirable counselor, strong
God, Father who does not die, prince of Peace That fact was of such magnitude
that the whole sky celebrated it:

Suddenly a multitude of celestial beings appeared next to the angel, and they
praised God with these words: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth
peace to men: this is the hour of his grace."

We, the beneficiaries of this fact, have not only motives but a real obligation to
celebrate it.

As the meaning is important, all of the above is summarized in that we must be

aware that there was a day when God incarnate came into our lives, which must be
ready to bear fruit in his light ("I am the light of the world "Jesus said in Jn 8, 12),
hence the advent season is of penance and reflection (that is the sense of the
purple color in the costumes of the priests in the masses, the same color of Lent).
As the Holy Father John Paul II said:

"Jesus is born for humanity who seeks freedom and peace; he is born for every
man oppressed by sin, in need of

CHRISTHMAS IN USA

Christmas in the United States is one of the main holidays of the year. The
Christmas season begins on the fourth Thursday of November with the celebration
of Thanksgiving and ends on January 6. Striking decorations flood streets and
homes with Christmas lights and ornaments, towering pines, mistletoe, socks for
Santa and gingerbread cookies.

Due to the multiculturalism in the United States, there are many different customs
to celebrate Christmas. But the truth is that the vast majority of citizens celebrate
it. 9 out of 10 Americans and almost all Christians (96%) celebrate this holiday,. In
addition, according to the same study, many non-believing Americans (81%) join
the celebration. In U.S.A. on the 24th there is no special celebration like in Spain.
But the stores remain open until 12 pm for all families to buy last-minute gifts. The
25 begins with the little ones opening the gifts that Santa Claus has left them.

In addition this day a family dinner is celebrated that usually includes turkey,
mashed potatoes with sauce and savory cakes. A traditional Christmas Eve drink
is liquor or eggnog, made from milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs and brandy or rum.
While it is true that Santa Claus is the main icon of Christmas in the US, we must
highlight another of the fundamental elements of American Christmas: it is stocking
or socks for Santa. They are a symbol of Christmas in the USA. since each family
member has a sock where they find the candy and gifts that Santa Claus leaves
them.

TRADITIONS

Natural christmas tree

The natural Christmas tree is a tradition that Americans cannot skip. As a kind of
family ritual, the whole family goes together to buy the tree in the known as
Christmas tree decoration party. Natural pines are usually purchased at those
known as Chsristmas Tree Farms. All family members gather to decorate the
treDecoration and lights

In the United States not only decorate the streets and shop windows, but also give
much importance to the decoration in their homes. In most of them, you can
observe the exteriors full of colored lights creating Christmas designs and figures
such as reindeer and stars.

So important is this tradition that Christmas decoration contests are organized,

families go out to tour the neighborhood with the little ones to enjoy this light show.
Mistletoe or mistletoe

Mistletoe or mistletoe is another of the most typical elements of Christmas in the

United States. Every time two people meet under the mistletoe they have to kiss
and pick a fruit.

Ginger Cookies

Christmas in the USA It is also characterized by several culinary traditions. First

is the eggnog or Eggnog. In addition, they eat the traditional gingerbread cookies
or Christmas cookies. They are ginger candy with all kinds of Christmas shapes:
stars, trees, snowmen ... Christmas parades

In U.S.A. they do not enjoy the Three Kings Parade as in Spain, however,
Christmas parades are organized in some of the big cities. In New York these
festivities begin Thanksgiving with the Macy’s parade that brings together more
than 3 million people on the street and another 50 million watching it live on
television.

New Year's Eve or New Year’s Eve

The night celebrations of December 31 continue until New Year's Day with friends
and family. Some of the traditions of this day are: see how the ball falls in Times
Square, kissing someone at midnight or great fireworks.

CHRISTHMAS IN ENGLAND

Christmas is the most popular holiday in England and is characterized by its

traditions dating back hundreds of years.
 The Christmas period begins with Advent, that is, four Sundays before Christmas
Day. "Advent" means "arrival" and is a religious time that gives Christians the
ability to prepare for the arrival of Jesus. However, nowadays advent calendars
are used in every house, whether religious or not. The advent calendar has small
windows or doors that children open every day during the 24 days before
Christmas and hide a photo or a surprise chocolate.

The houses are adorned with allusive decoration like garlands and trees. Holly,
ivy and mistletoe are associated with rituals of the High Middle Ages. The British
Druids considered that the mistletoe was sacred and contained miraculous powers.
Among the Romans, this plant was a symbol of peace because it was said that
when the enemies were under it, they put aside their weapons and declared the
truce. From this comes the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. England was
the first country to use this plant during the Christmas season.

TRADITIONS

Christmas wreaths are placed on the doors, fireplaces and tables. These are
made of plants that maintain their green color throughout the year such as pine,
holly and ivy. The green color of the leaves during winter symbolizes the eternity
of life.

The Christmas tree became a popular aspect after Queen Victoria's husband,
Alberto, included a tree in the celebrations held at Windsor Castle in 1840. Since
1947, Norway has delivered a large tree to England every year. Christmas that is
placed in Trafalgar Square to commemorate Anglo-Norwegian cooperation during
World War II.

The first Christmas card was sent in England in the 1840s. Today, more than one
billion cards are sent every year in the United Kingdom, of which many are sold as
charity aid.
SONGS

An important part of Christmas celebrations are Christmas carols. These are sung
around the Christmas tree and, in most churches, there is a special service for
singing Christmas carols by candlelight. Many people attend the midnight service
on Christmas Eve. Most of the most popular Christmas carols today were written
in the 19th century.

SOCKS

On Christmas Eve, children hang their socks in the fireplace or at the foot of their
bed so that Santa Claus (also known as the "Father of Christmas") fills them.
Many leave food and drink for Santa Claus and his reindeer (usually cake, carrot
and whiskey!). Gifts for the family are placed under the Christmas tree.

GIFTS

Gifts are usually opened during Christmas morning. This day's lunch consists of a
stuffed turkey or goose, bacon-wrapped sausages, Brussels sprouts and other
roasted vegetables and potatoes. This is followed by the Christmas pudding with
brandy that sometimes contains coins or gifts for children. In general, this pudding
is prepared well in advance and has a lot of alcohol. Then, they eat meat pies or
Christmas cake (a cake with fruits and marzipan, cover and Christmas decoration).
Fire in the fireplace adds Christmas atmosphere to the home.

CRACKERS

The opening of Christmas crackers is another essential aspect. In 1846, Thomas

Smith, a London baker, imported some French novelties to sell as Christmas gifts;
however, these were not very popular until he wrapped them in a tube and placed
a kind of firecracker. These "crackers" are a tube wrapped in colored paper with
twisted ends, which contains a hat like a crown, a riddle and a trinket. Two people
pull the tube that, when divided, explodes. Paper crowns are used later during the
meal.

RADIO
A traditional aspect of Christmas afternoon is the message that the Queen sends
to the nation on radio and television. The tradition began in 1932 with a radio
broadcast of King George V.

In the British armed forces, officers tend to serve others during Christmas dinner.
This custom dates from the Middle Ages.

Among the children, pantomimes are very popular, that is, the sung or danced
dramatizations of familiar fairy tales that encourage the public to participate
shouting responses or singing along with the actors.

And finally, on the twelfth night after Christmas, all the decoration, cards and the
tree disappear until next year.

CHRISTHMAS IN EUROPE

Italy

Italians like to spend Christmas holidays surrounded by family and friends,

enjoying the best of its cuisine, especially Cotechino or marinated eel. At
Christmas Eve dinner, they usually eat fish dishes in the south and meat dishes in
the north. After the typical Christmas sweets, such as Pandoro, Panettone,
Struffoli, Pan forte and Torrone dolce, the whole family gathers to play tombola or
cards. The Italian Santa Claus, Babbo Natale, arrives the night of the 24th,
although in areas like Verona, Brescia and Bergamo, it is Santa Lucia who takes
care of that. This woman arrives on December 13 riding a donkey and leaves gifts
and sweets for children who have been good and charcoal for those who have not
been so good.

Denmark
In this country, the big day is December 24 at night. They like to dance around the
Christmas tree, and even the house, asking for "the Christmas spirit to last until
Easter." As if it were a roscón de Reyes, they have their typical dessert, called
Risalamande, and whoever finds a whole almond takes a gift. Among its traditional
dishes are caramelized potatoes, goose, duck or roast pork. And they, instead of
putting milk and polvorones for the kings, leave pudding of hot rice with cinnamon
in the attic for the elves of Santa Claus, although this depends on each family.

France

Did you know that the first Christmas tree was put in Alsace in 1521? The French
enjoy Christmas just like we do, and that is, in the celebration of Christmas, they
basically spend from morning to afternoon eating. In your Christmas feast you can
find foods such as foie gras, snails, oysters and, of course, champagne. They also
have their traditional cake, called yule log or bûche de Noël, which comes from an
ancient tradition and used to be a log of wood that was placed in the fireplace until
the beginning of January, and was a symbol of good luck. In the northeast of
France, Santa Claus is not celebrated, but they have their Saint Nicholas, who
carries candy on December 5, although it is accompanied by the «père fouettard»,
with a whip to punish children who have misbehaved.

Germany

In Germany, Advent is a milestone. Many families have an advent wreath, called

«Adventskranz» that marks the countdown to Christmas. They are crowns made
of fir branches and have four candles; On each of the four Sundays before
Christmas, a candle is lit. As in other European countries, they celebrate Nikolaus
on December 6, and it is tradition to leave shoes away from home to receive gifts.
Christmas Markets are probably the most famous tradition of their parties, and
there are not only in cities, but also in smaller towns. Of course, they also have
typical sweets, such as Stollen, Lebkuchen and Spekulatius.
CHRISTHMAS IN LATIN AMERICA

Mexico

In Mexico, for example, the Christmas period begins nine days earlier than in the
rest of the region with the Posadas. On December 16, Mexicans represent the
pilgrimage of Saint Mary looking for an inn where she can light her son, Jesus
(peace be upon him).

The country is filled with joyful processions, full of songs and candles during a day
in which traditional dishes such as bean tamales with sausage can not be lacking
either. Central America

Meanwhile, Christmas contests are organized in Panama to reward the best

decorations in the streets and neighborhoods, since ornaments play an important
role in the Christmas spirit of this country, as in Costa Rica.

In the case of the latter, its capital, San José, receives Christmas with rockets and
fireworks, in addition to an amusement park dedicated to this era.

On the island of Puerto Rico, the celebrations extend until January 15, with the
Octavites. This holiday of a religious nature begins on January 7 and lasts eight
days during which the Magi and the baby Jesus are glorified, dedicating couplets to
the former.

South America

In the south of the American continent, the celebrations are concentrated on

December 24, Christmas Eve, and December 25, Christmas.

December 24 is celebrated with a family dinner. A feast that, on many occasions,

ends with the traditional Mass of the Rooster, a night vigil that takes place at
midnight
Family events last until the next day, when families receive their Christmas gifts,
while the streets and homes are filled with popular Christmas carols.

In addition, in recent years, Christmas decoration is gaining importance in South

America. Especially in countries like Argentina and Brazil, where the lighting of the
Christmas Tree in the big cities, which adds to the traditional nativity scenes, is an
event Among them, the floating tree of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, stands out. For
years it has been the largest in the world, but on this occasion, a week before its
inauguration, it broke in two by a strong gust of wind. Therefore, although it was
going to be 85 meters high, it finally measures 53 meters and shines as few thanks
to its two million light bulbs

EVOLUTION

December 25 is one of the most symbolically powerful parties of the entire

calendar, Christian and non-Christian. There are two hypotheses that attempt to
explain the adoption of this date: if Jesus Christ was born on December 25, he
must have been conceived by the Holy Spirit at the end of March, that is,
coinciding with the beginning of spring and the associated renewal cycle to her; It
is also possible that it was a mere influence of pagan solemnities, as we have
already explained. "In the third and fourth centuries, the Church is in full
competition with paganism," Gallar recalls. It was, therefore, much easier to adapt
than to eliminate.

It is also very likely that Jesus Christ was not born in year zero. This calculation
was estimated by Dionysius the Meager, but subsequent studies that took into
account the Gospel of Luke have indicated that it was most likely born on 749
since the founding of Rome, four years earlier than calculated. In other words, in
year 3 after Christ, he was probably not born.
The Middle Ages, a key era

Most religious traditions that come to this day were born or developed in this very
long period that extended between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476
and the fifteenth century, with the discovery of America and the fall of the
Byzantine Empire. "Among the contributions of the Middle Ages to the Christmas
liturgy highlights its serene grandiosity," explains the authorThe turkey tradition
dates back to much before the birth of Christ, as it is a Greco-Roman tradition:
geese, for example, were an animal related to the announcement of spring due to
their migrations. Over the centuries, the favorite animal in these banquets was
changing, from the sixth-century capon to the rooster that consumed the nobility
during the thirteenth century.

Flour from another sack - the redundancy is valid - are the sweets: Europeans
have taken any excuse to extend the limits of our pastries. The first reference that
exists of nougat is found in a letter from the year 1453 of María de Trastámara to
the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara in Barcelona, but as Gallar recalls, there is
already a reference to a similar sweet in 'The thousand and one nights' . Marzipan
is probably of Arab origin and came to us through naval commerce, but there is
another hypothesis that suggests that it could originate in San Clemente el Real, in
Toledo, during a siege that caused the imagination to illuminate this food to take
advantage of the great amount of almonds stored.

CONCLUTION

Las tradiciones navideñas varían de un país a otro. Algunos de los elementos

comunes a varios países son el árbol de Navidad, las coronas de adviento, los
calcetines colgados en la chimenea, los bastones de caramelo y los belenes que
representan el nacimiento de Jesús. Se cantan villancicos y se cuentan historias
sobre figuras como el niño Jesús, San Nicolás, Papá Noel, Kris Kringle o el Abuelo
Frío. Se envían Tarjetas navideñas, se intercambian felicitaciones, se
observanayunos y otras reglas religiosas como la Misa de Gallo o las vísperas de
Nochebuena, se enciende el tronco de Navidad y se ofrecen y reciben regalos.
Junto con la Pascua, la Navidad es uno de los periodos más importantes del
calendario cristiano, y está muy relacionada con otras festividades de esa época
del año, como el Adviento, la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción, el día de San
Nicolás, el de San Esteban, Año Nuevo y la Epifanía

ANECES

The debt that is owed is Bs. 549,429 since the gifts have already been bought by
the supplier that for seven years has provided the campaign with toys that are
already in the deposits and that only need to be paid to be able to take them to the
hands of the Children who need it most, for a child's smile.

This year it is intended to give away 56,000 toys, 5,000 units less than last year,
due to statistics in the last 3 years that showed a drop in the presence of children,
which makes some joy because this shows that other campaigns seek The same,
the smile of a child.

As every year, children will be expected at the Hernando Siles Stadium, the Don
Bosco Coliseum, the Julio Borelli Viterito Closed Coliseum and the Viacha Railway
Complex.

Every day, 100 amphibites take to the streets with two or three volunteers and tour
the busiest places in La Paz asking for collaboration for this project that takes 10
years. The work of volunteers of the Carros de Fuego is carried out in two shifts
and in two modalities the young people, who leave in a duo or trio and the
operation to go to specific places like markets with a radio announcer, to transmit
the work live hat is done Part of the objectives of the campaign focuses on the
training of young people during the 30 days of the campaign teaching the
elementary values of life. This extracurricular activity helps young people share
and learn from each other

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 BOOK OF DREAMS IN CHRISTHMAS

 ABC WORLD