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Christmas is a religious holiday. It is the day on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a happy holiday. Families come together to share their happiness, go to church, and exchange gifts. During the days before Christmas, parties are held in schools, offices, factories, and clubs; homes and stores are
crowded with shoppers.
Cities and towns in the United States sparkle with bright lights and decorations. Churches, homes,
schools, shops, and streets are decorated with Christmas trees, colored lights, Santa Claus and his
reindeer, and nativity scenes showing the stable where Jesus Christ was born. Store windows display gifts and Christmas scenes. The traditional colors for this holiday are red and green, and red poinsettia is
considered as the Christmas flower. On Christmas Eve, President of the United States turns on the lights of the Christmas tree near the White House and sends his greetings to the nation.
Families prepare for this holiday a few weeks before. They make special foods. They make and buy
gifts. They wrap them with ornaments and lights. Houses are decorated with wreaths of holly, evergreens, and mistletoe. Many families share memories by following special ethnic Christmas traditions from their
country of origin. On Christmas Eve, many read the famous prom A Visit from Saint Nicholas by Clement Moore. Children hang up stockings to receive gifts from Santa Claus. Schools usually have two weeks of
vacation, and some families take vacations together.
People wish each other "Merry Christmas" during this holiday season. In many states, people look
forward to snow (White Christmas). Christmas carols are sung on the radio and in public places during this season. Some of the most famous carols are Silent Night, The First Noel, Joy to the World, and Jingle
Bells. There are many shows on television called "Christmas Specials". Films like A Christmas Carol (by
Charles Dickens) and Miracle on 34th Street are family favorites. Churches, organizations, and
newspapers ask for donations of money and food for the needy. Volunteers from the Salvation Army stand outside stores collecting money for the same purpose. Meals are prepared and served to the poor and
homeless.
1.People celebrate Christmas Day because .
A.they want to share their happiness together
B.they want to get Christmas gifts from Santa Claus
C.they want to express their thanks to Jesus Christ
D.they want to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
2. Which of the following is NOT right?
A. People exchange gifts at Christmas.
B. Homes and stores are very crowded at Christmas.
C. People celebrate Christmas only on Christmas Eve.
D. Students usually have a two-week vacation at Christmas.
3. Which of the following is NOT a Christmas carol?
A. Miracle on 34th Street.
B. The First Noel.
C. Joy to the World.
D. Silent Night.
4. Who can get free meals on Christmas Day?
A. All the people.
B. The poor and homeless.
C. Children.
D. Santa Claus.