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Christmas is the largest birthday
celebration in the world. It is the celebration of the birth of
Jesus Christ to Mary of Nazareth. This is a celebration that has
been going on each year by Christians for over two thousand years.
The celebration over most of these two millennium were religious in
nature, with varying traditions evolving throughout the various Christian
sects around the world. The legend of Santa Clause was created and even
the tradition of giving gifts has evolved in recent years. Through the
years, the years, the holiday has lost some of its religious fervor, and
has in many ways become secularized. If you are a Christian,
celebrate this holiday remembering the birth of Christ, but also remember
to spread this to your children and family. The exchanging of gifts
has become a tradition for this holiday. Purchase gifts for your
loved ones, but also bring them the love of Christ as well.
Christmas Eve should be about family - have a family dinner and go to
Church together. Save the gifts and the commercialism of the holiday for
Christmas morning and then spend the rest of the day visiting friend and
family, and maybe even a little praying.
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Christmas History and Fact
Christmas
(HistoryChannel): Information on the "Real Story of
Christmas," "World Traditions," Evolution of Santa,"
and "Christmas Tree."
Christmas
on the Net (Holidays.net): Informatoin, history and links relating to
Christmas.
Northpole.com
(official): A fun and informational site with stories and activities
for Christmas.
Christmas
Traditions Around the World (Santas.net): Learn how people from around
the world celebrate this holiday.
Christmas Stuff
Santa's
Origins and FAQs (Instar): Everything you wanted to know about the
origins of Santa Claus from all over the world.
The
Legend of Rudolf (David Soubly): Information and origins of this
fictional sidekick of Santa.
Arctic
Theme Page (NOAA): Information and live pictures of the North Pole.
Urban
Legends and Folklore-Christmas (About.com): Information and links to
articles about Christmas and the stories behind its origin and history.
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Beginning with the first day after Thanksgiving the
commercial blitz begins. TV and Radio commercials for toys, magazine
and newspaper ads. Christmas has become a month long holidays based
on profit. Yes, religion has really been taken out of the holiday,
or at least put aside. No, you should not stop buying gifts, but
should include religion or some faith into purchasing your gifts.
Try to purchase gifts that have some religious significance. If you
are purchasing three or more gifts, we suggest the rule of Three.
Three gifts should be purchases (1) Practical, (2) Impractical and (3)
Religious.
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Practical
Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Socks & Underwear; Scarf,
Gloves & Hat; School supplies; Books |
| Not Too Expensive
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Coat/Jacket; Clothing; Boots,
Shoes, Sneakers; Donation in a person's name |
| Expensive
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Computer; Furniture; Kitchen
Appliances |
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Impractical Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Comic books; Cheap Make-up Kit; Video Games;
Cheap toy/doll |
| Not Too Expensive
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Better Make-up Kit; Bicycle/Tricycle;
Fancy/Fashion
Clothing; Toys & Dolls |
| Expensive
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Video Game System; Leather/Mink Jacket;
Automobile |
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Religious
Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Small charm; Religious token; Religious books |
| Not Too Expensive
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Religious charm; Set of Religious books;
Religious Articles |
| Expensive
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Airline tickets to holy cities; Large solid
gold religious charms/jewelry |
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