CHRISTMAS

       Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The Word Christmas comes from Christes masse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.

       People of different countries celebrate Christmas in vari­ous ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with coloured lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.

        Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what pre­sents they would like to get. Many department stores hire peo­ple to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children’s reguests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give presents to their employees.

       A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colourful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents. Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and brings presents. Some children hang up sto­ckings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruit and other small gifts.

       In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink.

       Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from Bible and singing Christmas carols.

        A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcake are favourite des­serts.

QUESTIONS:

1. What does Christmas celebrate?
2. Where does the name «Christmas» come from?
3. How do people in the US and Canada celebrate Christmas?
4. What do the children do on Christmas?
5. What is the main symbol of Christmas?
6. What does a traditional Christmas dinner consist of?

VOCABULARY:

Christmas — Рождество

Christian — христианский

exact — точный

mass — месса

Christmas tree — рождественская елка

wreath — венок

ornament — украшение

bell — колокольчик

carol — рождественский гимн

request — просьба

employee — служащий

to trim — украшать

tinsel — мишура

Christmas Eve — сочельник

sleigh — сани

reindeer — северный олень

stockings — чулки

gift — подарок

church service — церковная служба

stuffed turkey — фаршированная индейка

mashed potatoes — картофельное пюре

cranberry sauce — клюквенный соус

ham — ветчина

raust goose — жареный гусь

pumpkin pie — тыквенный пирог

plum — сливовый