2008.12.19 - Where are you Christmas

MISTLETOE
There's a fun tradition that North Americans follow during Christmas. Mistletoe is often hung from a doorway between two rooms. If someone stands under the mistletoe, it is customary for someone else (usually a member of the opposite sex) to kiss him/her. It can be quite a surprise to be suddenly kissed, but the person who is kissed usually quickly realizes they must be standing under mistletoe.

CHRISTMAS TREE
This is a decorated tree. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas morning, families and friends open their presents together.
TRIMMING THE TREE
Decorating the tree is called ‘trimming the tree'. We generally decorate the tree with Christmas ornaments, and Christmas lights.

MANGER
Historically, a small wooden trough that animals ate hay from. Jesus was put in a manger after he was born, so some people set up a manger with a plastic baby in it and animals around.

STOCKINGS
Also called socks. Nowadays, they are quite big-you would have to be about 10 feet tall to fit into the stockings most children hang. People hang stockings in front of a fireplace. Small presents are placed in stockings and usually opened on Christmas morning.

REINDEER
Santa rides in a sleigh that is pulled by reindeers. The most famous reindeer is Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.
SLEIGH
A carriage that rides on snow. Santa's sleigh is pulled by reindeers.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Songs that we sing at Christmas. Christmas carolers are groups of people that walk down the street going from house to house singing Christmas carols. It's a tradition to give each caroler something after thy sing - usually a small snack such as chocolate, or some other treat.