What the Christmas star is

The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star,is believed to be the star that revealed the birth of Jesus to the Magi, or the three "wise men", and later led them to Bethlehem.

The Magi were men "from the East" who were inspired by the appearance of the star to travel to Jerusalem.

Following the star, which stopped above the manger where Jesus was born, the Magi found Jesus with His mother Mary. They paid Him homage, worshipped Him and gave gifts.

Many Christians see the star as a miraculous sign to mark the birth of the Christ (or Messiah). Some theologians claimed that the star fulfilled a prophecy, known as the Star Prophecy.

The visit of the Magi is traditionally celebrated on Epiphany which falls on January 6.

What Christmas flowers are

Christmas flowers are the popular flowers used during the festive season of Christmas as decorations. In many countries the poinsettias which come in vibrant shades of red and also white are flowers used widely. Apart from these there are flowers such as the Christmas cactus, holly, Christmas rose, ivy and mistletoe that add colour to the festive decoration. Some of them bloom during December or Christmas.

The ancient Aztecs (ruling tribe in central Mexico at the time of contact with Europe) considered the poinsettia as a symbol of purity. Centuries later, Mexico's early Christians adopted the poinsettia as their prized Christmas Eve flower. The Mexican poinsettia,is known as the Christmas Flower in North America.

Christmas cactus, also known as orchid cactus, often blooms around Christmas time.

The Christmas rose is regarded as a true Christmas flower in certain parts of the world. The Christmas rose (Serissa) is also known as the "snow rose" or "winter rose." Originally from tropical regions of Asia, cultivated Serissa often blooms during the winter.

In New Zealand, the hutukawa tree is often associated with Christmas, as its bright red flowers usually appear in December.

Like most of the other Christmas flowers, ivy leaves symbolise eternity and resurrection.

Mistletoe is a Christmas plant whose origin is said to date back to the Pagans. Druid priests used this Christmas plant two hundred years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations.

How Frosty the Snowman came to be

Most of you must be familiar with this character by now because he is very much a part of the season, especially in countries where there is snow. Children love to make snowmen just like Frosty, when Christmas comes around.

This character became part of the festivites following a Christmas song titled Frosty the Snowman written by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson which was recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys way back in 1950. Like Jingle Bells and several other songs about winter, Frosty the Snowman is considered to be a Christmas song even though it does not refer to Christmas in any part of its lyrics.It was written after Gene Autry recorded Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the single sold two million copies.

The song Frosty was not only a cute children's poem, it also had a feel-good spirit that makes for a holiday favourite.

Why red and green are Christmas colours

Red and green are colours commonly associated with Christmas. But how or why did these two colours become synonymous with Christmas? These primary shades are selected for a reason.

Green signifies life. With respect to Christmas, green symbolises the hope for eternal life that Jesus offers.

The colour red also has deep origins. Red is intended to symbolise the blood of Jesus. Holly, which consists of green leaves and red berries, is meant to incorporate both red and green to symbolise life and blood.