It is not known exactly when Christ was born, so most Christians celebrate it on December 25. The Christmas story in the Bible tells of shepherds watching their flocks one night. An angel appeared and told the shepherds that a Saviour had been born in Bethlehem, and that they should go to see him. Later, the Three Wise Men, or Kings, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child.
Many legends and customs surround the Christmas celebration. Among them is the favorite tale of Saint Nicholas, whose bulging bag overflows with gifts for "good Children". The original Saint Nicholas was a bishop who lived in what is now Turkey about 1,700 years ago. He spent his life doing good deeds. The Dutch people called him Sinterklaas. His fame spread to America, where his name was changed to Santa Claus. Today, Americans think of him as that plump, jolly fellow who travels in a reindeer-drawn sled. The children of Italy have the good fairy, La Belfana, in place of Santa Claus. La Belfana goes from house to house, carrying gifts for children, hoping to find the Christ Child.
An old custom in many countries is setting up a cradle scene, or cre'che(from the French word meaning "cradle" or "manger"), on Christmas Eve, showing the stable in Bethlehem, the infant Jesus, his family, the shepherds and the angels. On January 6, the figures of the Three Kings are added to the manger scene in some Spanish countries. This day is the Feast of the Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes), a day of gift giving.
The yule log, an enormous oak log that is kept burning for as long as possible, is another tradition that is hundreds of years old. Burning the yule log is a custom borrowed from the Norsemen of many hundeds of years ago. They burned a log each year to honor their war god, Thor. Durning the Christmas season, lovely old hymns, called Christmas Carols are sung. The first Christmas card was printed in 1845. Now, millions are sent each year. Decorating with fresh evergreens, holly and mistletoe has been a custom since earliest times, but the first Christmas tree was decorated only about 300 years ago, in Germany.
Christians all over the world celebrate the Christmas season. It is a joyous time, a time for families and friends, a time when the whole world seems to become kind and gentle, and everyone feels " good will towards men ".
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