Christmas Travel: What are the customs of Christmas and a peaceful night?

Since the custom of celebrating Christmas became popular in northern Europe, Christmas decorations and the myth of Santa Claus have appeared in winter in the northern hemisphere.

Santa Claus and his gifts:

Santa Claus has almost become a global habit to give presents at Christmas. The concept of mysterious people bringing gifts to children originated from Saint Nicholas, a kind bishop who lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century. The Dutch imitated him in giving gifts on Saint Nicholas' Day (65438+February 6th). In North America, British colonists integrated this tradition into Christmas celebrations, and Sinterklaas became Santa Claus or Saint Nick accordingly. In Anglo-American tradition, Santa Claus always comes happily on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, climbs into the house from the chimney, leaves gifts for the children and eats the food left by the children. He is busy making gifts and monitoring the children's behavior and recording it at other times of the year.

In French, Santa Claus is called Père Noel (almost exactly like Santa Claus). Its red and white clothes once inspired Coca-Cola Company to draw the image of Santa Claus all over the world in A.D. 1930. In some cultures, Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, or a guy named "Black Peter". In some versions, gnomes in toy workshops make holiday presents, and sometimes Santa Claus and his wife are husband and wife. During Christmas, there are Santas in supermarkets in North America and Britain, and their children can ask for gifts.

In many countries, children prepare empty containers so that Santa can put some small gifts, such as toys, candy or fruit. In America, children hang Christmas stockings on the fireplace on Christmas Eve, because Santa Claus said he would come down from the chimney and put presents in Christmas Eve socks. In other countries, children leave their empty shoes outdoors so that Santa can give presents on Christmas Eve (or Saint Nicholas Day 65438+February 5). Giving gifts not only means Santa Claus, but also family and friends give gifts to each other.

Gift giving time:

In many countries, Saint Nicholas' Day is still a day to exchange gifts. In many places in Germany, on the evening of February 25th, 65438, children took out their shoes and put them on the windowsill. The next morning, they will find their shoes full of sweets and small gifts. In Germany, the main gift-giving date is 65438+February 24th. Santa Claus brings gifts or puts them under the Christmas tree. The same is true in Hungary, except that the gift giver is a "young master", not Santa Claus.

In many areas, including the Netherlands, Christmas still retains its religious nature. In Spain and other countries with similar traditions, the people who gave gifts on epiphany on June 6, 65438 were priests (Magi), fortune tellers and pagan priests.

The song "Christmas 12" tells a custom of giving gifts. It describes that the British traditionally give gifts to each other every day from Christmas to Epiphany. In most parts of the world, Christmas presents are given on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Until recently, the British gave presents to their friends on Boxing Day.

Christmas card:

Christmas cards (Christmas cards) are very popular in the United States and Europe, and are also regarded as one of the ways to keep friends and relatives far away. Many families attach annual family photos or family news to their greeting cards. News generally includes the strengths and specialties of family members in the past year.

Christmas socks:

It used to be a pair of red socks, regardless of size. Christmas stockings are children's favorite things, because they are used to hold gifts. In the evening, they will hang their socks by the bed and wait for presents the next morning.

Christmas hat:

This is a red hat. It is said that wearing it at night can not only make you sleep soundly, but also keep you warm. The next day, you will find more gifts from your relatives in your hat. On the carnival night, it is the protagonist of the whole audience. Wherever you go, you will see all kinds of red hats.