why's for Christmas

THE CHRISTMAS TREE The evergreen tree was an ancient symbol of life in the midst of winter. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and ancient inhabitants of northern Europe cut evergreen trees and planted them in boxes inside their houses in wintertime.

THE MINCE PIE Mince Pies, like Christmas Pudding, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than a dried fruit mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes.

CAROL SINGING Although all of us know that carols are sung on Christmas, not many know the tradition behind caroling. Caroling is one of the oldest Christmas customs. The word 'carol' comes from the French word 'carole' which means a song that accompanies a dance. In medieval times, carolers would form a circle and dance, singing songs, which is why the term 'carole' was adopted. Every Christmas, in homes across the world, families get together and sing Christmas carols, which are songs about the birth of Christ, the Christmas season and the associated celebrations. We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

FATHER CHRISTMAS / SANTA CLAUS Did you know that Father Christmas is sometimes known as Saint Nicholas? Well, that’s because he was named after a real saint. And here’s why … Saint Nicholas was a priest who lived the 4th century in Myra, which is in the country we now call Turkey. Nicholas’ parents died when he was young and left him lots of money. He wanted to give this money to poor people, but he didn’t want anybody to know how kind he had been. There’s a well known story that one night he climbed onto the roof of a poor family’s house and dropped small bags of gold down the chimney. They fell into stockings that were hanging by the fireplace. So this is why lots of people hang up their stockings for Father Christmas? When he got a bit older, Nicholas became a bishop. After he died he was made a Saint, as he had become famous for being so kind and generous, especially to children. In some European countries, people give presents on 6th December, as this is St Nicholas’ Day.