The history of Christmas The exact day of the Christ child's birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as the observance of Christmas.

The meaning of Christmas Christmas falls on 25th Dec. It is a day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christ Jesus was born to produce very great influence to the whole personal history: A.D. that we use at present takes Jesus Christ's birth as a beginning

The most important is that The Christ was born to bring hope, peace and eternal life for the whole world, because the Jesus will living for want to rescue mankind. He is the whole mankind's The Savior Messiah

As Britain is a mainly Christian nation, Christmas is a biggest and best loved British holiday. School close for the holiday period,so do shops and offices,so people can spend time at home with their family. Nowadays,Christmas is celebrated by most Britons by exchanging gifts and Christmas cards,preparing holiday food,decorating homes and workplace with coloured lights,Christmas trees and ornaments

There are three Christmas traditions,which are particularly British

One is the Christmas Pantomime ( 圣诞节期 间演出的童话剧）， a comical musical play.

Another British Christmas tradition is to hear the Queen give her Christmas message to her realm over the television and radio. She usually talks about the year that has passed and express her hopes for the future.

A third tradition,which is also celebrated by in countries with British heritages, is Boxing Day,which falls on the day after Christmas. Traditionaly,it was on Boxing Day that people gave Chrisrmas gifts or money to their staff or servants.Now it is for shopping,however, for most people,it is a day for visiting, eating and relaxing.

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