CHRISTMAS COLOURS Red - Christ's blood shed for our sin. Green - We have eternal life in Christ. White - The purity of Christ. Gold - The Kingship and Royalty of Christ

S tars Many Christmas trees have a star on the top. Sailors and others often use stars to guide their way at night. People of ancient times thought stars were special; they often made up stories about them. The Blackfoot Indians of America thought that each star was once a human being. The Berber tribes in North Africa worship the constellations (groups of stars) of the "Great Bear" and "Little Bear". The ancient Hebrews used the six-pointed star of David as their religious symbol. The five-pointed Christmas star reminds people that when Jesus was born a special star appeared over Bethlehem, the place where he was born. In some countries the Christmas celebration begins when the first star is seen on Christmas Eve. For most people stars are signs of good luck and reaching new goals.

Christmas Trees Before the evergreen tree became a symbol of Christmas, it was a symbol of hope and joy. It was a reminder that the darkness and cold of winter would end and spring would return. The custom of decorating trees began in Germany. In 1841, German-born Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, brought Christmas trees to England by displaying one at Windsor Castle. The first report of a Christmas tree in America was in the mid-1800s, but most Americans did not have Christmas trees until the early 1900s.

Stockings Some people believe the Dutch brought the Christmas stocking to America. During the 1700s, children in Holland would leave their clog shoes by the fireplace filled with straw for the reindeer. A treat for Santa who they called „Sinterclass” was left in the house near the fire. In return "Sinterclass" would leave the children treats. Later the clogs would become stockings, and Sinterclass would become "Santa Claus." Today many people use the Christmas stocking as a holder of small gifts for children and loved ones.

Candy Canes Candy canes have been around for hundreds of years, but they did not always look the same. Candy canes used to be all white and straight, not curved. Today they are usually cane shaped and come in all colors and flavours. The most common are the red and white striped, peppermint flavoured ones. They are a special favorite treat for Christmas and are often given away at concerts, church services, visits to Santa Claus, and family gatherings. There are many stories telling why they are shaped like canes instead of straight sticks. One story tells that the bend on the top was so people could use them to decorate their Christmas trees without them falling off. Another story tells that they are shaped to look like a shepherd's staff to help people remember the shepherds that came to visit the baby Jesus. A third story tells that they are shaped like the letter J (if you hold it with the curve down) to remind people that Christmas is Jesus's birthday.

Poinsettia Poinsettias are the subject of a legend from Mexico, where villagers would leave a gift for the Baby Jesus at church on Christmas Eve. A poor boy in one village wanted very badly to give the Holy Child a gift but had no money to buy one. Very sad, he picked some weeds on his way to church to leave as his gift. He prayed to God to help him show his love, and God answered by turning the weeds into a beautiful star-shaped flower with bright red leaves. The poinsettia has been a beloved Christmas symbol ever since.

Mistletoe Mistletoe is a symbol of Christmas joy and love. Many people hang a sprig (piece) of mistletoe from the ceiling as a fun decoration. The tradition is that you can kiss the person that stands underneath it. Mistletoe is actually a plant that grows on the branch of some trees. It has dark green leaves and white berries. Long ago people believed that mistletoe protected against lightning, poisoning, and evil. It is still thought to be good luck to be kissed under the mistletoe during the Christmas holiday.

Ornaments A long time ago most of the ornaments used on American Christmas trees were homemade. The family would cut out paper stars, make paper chains, and string berries or popcorn. Oranges, apples, nuts, and popcorn balls were also used. Today most decorations are bought from a store and may have come from anywhere in the world. Each country has special decorations that can be found on most of the Christmas trees in their area. In Germany most trees have coloured glass balls and many have a glass pickle for good luck. In Poland many trees have stars, angels, and birds. In Japan trees are decorated with tiny fans and paper lanterns. In America many trees have colored balls, angels, reindeers, and coloured lights.

Wreaths Long, long ago, primitive tribes in Europe would use evergreen branches to decorate their doorway in the winter. They believed it would invite the "woodland spirits" to their house and they would have good health and good fortune. Today people often decorate their houses with evergreen and holly garlands and wreaths. Wreaths are often put on the front door as a way of welcoming friends and relatives. The circle shape of the wreath means the everlasting nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle of love and caring. Wreaths are used year round with different decorations to show the season. Christmas wreaths are frequently decorated with bows, bells, and other holiday symbols.

Santa’s Reindeer The legend of Santa's reindeer was created in a famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore ( ). Santa has eight reindeer, who magically pull his sleigh through the sky. They are named : Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen Comet Cupid Donner Blitzen.

Project by: Marcin ( Wronor ) Wrona Aleksander ( Oluś ) Palikot