Christmas cheer
by Husna Inayathullah
Christmas is a compound word meaning “Christ's Mass.” It commemorates
the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 and is a religious and cultural
celebration among billions of people around the world. Christmas is an
integral part of the holiday season. The celebration includes presents
and gifts, Christmas music, carolling, sending Christmas cards, a hearty
meal, decorations such as trees, lights, Nativity plays, garlands and
holly.
Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas are associated with presenting gifts
to children during Christmas. Christmas is a significant event with
year-end sales for retailers and business. The business impact on
Christmas has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many parts
of the world.
Here a cross section of Christians explain what Christmas means to
them.
Manjith
“Christians around the world attend mass on Christmas Day to say
Happy Birthday to Jesus. Christmas is a lovely festival for children
because it comes at the end of the year. After Christmas we go to a new
class, buy new books, new clothes and celebrate the new year. Christmas
is a time to extend love and help the less fortunate. Happy Christmas
and a Bright New Year to all.”
Judith
"Christmas is all about Christ giving eternal life to mankind. We can
make this Christmas fruitful by sharing what we have with our neighbour,
helping someone in need instead of spending what we have. No matter how
hard it is, we can share the peace which Jesus brought to this world.
The shepherds were not very rich to celebrate the birth of Jesus yet
they did it in a manger. It was all because of the love of Christ. Let
us celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way. “Merry Christmas to all."
Thisara
"I celebrate Christmas at home with my family. We stage dramas and
sing carols on this day. I look forward to celebrate Christmas. My mom
makes Christmas cakes and we decorate our house with lights. We help to
decorate our church for Christmas too. We make cribs in our church. I
enjoy Christmas."
Ashen
"I help my parents to make a Christmas tree, a crib to show how Jesus
was born and to make sweets. I love to go shopping during Christmas to
purchase clothes, It is a time of sharing and caring. We sing carols at
home and I celebrate Christmas with the family and friends. I am getting
ready to celebrate Christmas this time."
Theekshana
"Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated by Christians
all over the world. Jesus was born on a cold night on December 25 in a
stable in Bethlehem. I made a Christmas tree this year with my brother.
I made some Christmas cards and sent it to my friends and relatives. My
mother made cakes and sweets and will share it with the poor and the
needy. I am ready for Christmas. I bought new clothes and a pair of
shoes." |