Christmas

Typically the day after Thanksgiving is when the Christmas decorations go up! The elf on the shelf makes his appearance on St. Nicks Day and the friends and family celebrations take place all throughout December.

Good morning, everyone. I am thankful because we are here gathered to celebrate Christmas at our most wonderful Christmas party. We've a lot of activities planned and tons of refreshments. In a while we'll exchange gifts.

There are many opinions on this subject, and in general they can be broken down into three categories. The first group says that Santa is real, that he wears a red suit, and that he lives at the North Pole, making presents for kids and delivering them all over the world on Christmas eve in his sleigh. The second group says that he doesn't exist, and those things are impossible. The third group admits that he doesn't have a tactile presence, but that he is very real in the hearts and minds of parents and children and in the spirit of Christmas. Basically, that we as a society make him real. Whatever your opinion, there is no doubt that Santa brings a lot of joy to the world. Here are other opinions on Santa's existence: Santa Claus is as real as one wishes him to be. If you believe in Santa then he is real. If you don't believe in him, then he isn't real. He is real as long as you believe. No, sorry. He is just a character made up by adults to make their children more imaginative. Yes, Santa Claus is real because he was already declared a saint. Therefore, if he is a saint, he can perform miracles such as giving gifts to good children. I really think that Santa Claus is totally real. But I am only 6 years old so you might not believe me. Totally not, it is just a silly rumor to get children to do what they are told. Yes, he is real! Can anyone else give presents to good little girls and boys and make it home in time for dinner? He is not real. Parents are the ones who put presents in the stockings. Is Santa Claus real? Yes! Santa Claus is real! And I'm going to find him. I'm part of a growing team of "Santa Seekers" who intend to prove to the world that Santa Claus is real. We'll use science and faith respectively. Santa Claus is totally, totally real. There are about 2 billion children in the world (people under the age of 18). But Santa doesn't appear to handle Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and Buddhist children. That reduces the workload on Santa to about 15%, now with a total of 378 million children is easier. He has 31 hours of Christmas time to do so. That is 91.8 million homes. He goes East to West because of time differences. So therefore he is real. If you are more religious than most, then you would think yes, because he was actually declared as a Saint (Saint Nick) because of the miracle of delivering presents to good little boys and girls throughout the world that believe in him. But if you're a skeptic then most likely no, because as you grow older you come to realize that it is none other than your parents placing those presents under the tree (it was my mother's handwriting that did it in for me) but deep down it is a sense that it was like a childhood memory that even adults still cherish and present to their children's minds and hearts to help build their imagination and let them believe in something because as they grow older they tend to lose their sense of childlike innocence and it's a way of holding on. Yes, Santa WAS a real man. He lived in Turkey. The existence of Santa Claus is only as subjective as anybody else's. If you are ten or under, yes he is. Don't worry about what others say. Go back to what you are doing. If you're older than 10 then Santa is the giving spirit of Christmas. It's about giving to others and being selfless. The spirit of Santa is in us all and as long as we remember what Christmas is really about, then yes he is real. Santa Claus, in the United States, is real to almost every child. The story of this magical man that each year drops from the chimney with gifts, is born from a very real man named Nicholas,later called Saint Nicholas, who lived in the third century AD. He spent his life devoted to giving everything he had to those less fortunate. Santa Claus is real to some people but not to others. He is real to all those who believe. Keep believing! Santa Claus is 100% real... and no one is going to tell me otherwise! I love him! He is in the heart of every child in the world. He represents love and kindness and everyone should have respect for him. Saying that he isn't real is not only untrue it is heartbreaking for some children to hear that because when they hear it they think it's true and it IS NOT TRUE! All of you kids out there just like me this is my message for you: SANTA IS REAL AND DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT HE ISN'T BECAUSE BOTH ME AND YOU IN OUR HEARTS KNOW THAT'S HE IS REAL! Santa is real and everyone knows it! he is so real because he has brought me presents every year and he will do the same every year. I love him too! While the current idea of Santa Claus is highly stylized and fictional, Santa is based on a real person: Saint Nicholas of Myra who was Bishop of Lycia in the 4th Century. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children. Santa is real if you believe in him. But if you don't believe in him, then he is not real. I believe in Santa. I always say if you believe you receive. No, sorry person. He was derived from a person named to be St. Nicholas, who was a bishop in Asia Minor. He gave toys to children, and wore red bishop's clothing. He also is believed to have dropped things down chimneys at night, to avoid being seen. But this was a long time ago and he died. He isn't real. its your mom and dad. sorry but everybody has to learn eventually Santa Claus is a fake character, just like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Adults just make up the stories to make their children's lives more imaginative. Well, Santa Clause is sort of real and sort of not because St Nicholas is Santa Claus and he lived a long time ago and gave to the poor and the wealthy making gifts out of wood. Santa is real if you want him to be. If you believe he is real then he is real. But if you do not believe in him then he's not real. It's your imagination. YES, OF COURSE HE IS REAL HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN GET PRESENTS, WHO ELSE WOULD DO IT! SANTA IS AWESOME! No he is not real I'm sure he a legend to get kids like me more imaginative (I'm 10) although he was based on a real saint Saint Nick the patron saint of children. No there is no Santa as we know him. Straight to the point. But there are nice people out there who are like mini Santas, So yes your mom or dad were buying the presents, there's no point writing letters. I actually cried when my mom first told me. As far as reality, there was indeed a man now known as Santa Claus. The details of his charity have been somewhat skewed, but his legacy lives on in the form of Christmas tradition: donating toys to orphanages and poor children who would otherwise go without. Santa is so real. No matter what any one else says, he is real. He is, Santa is 100 percent real... I am not just saying this to make you believe he is...Don't forget to make cookies and give him milk. I also live in the North Pole, I'm a elf. Santa is real. Yes Santa is real! Who do you think gets you your presents? If any of your friends or kids from school, or even adults, say he isn't real.. They don't want people to believe because they don't believe anymore.. It's like God, some people do believe and others don't. Umm sorry kiddies but Santa is as real as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. He does not exist. SANTA IS REAL DO NOT BELIEVE PEOPLE SAYING THAT HE ISN'T CAUSE HE DEFINITELY IS REAL! Well, it is all about what you believe, the magic of Christmas is special. I think Santa is a special thing, it brings all the magic to Christmas. Keep believing! Maybe you should sit down and have a talk about that with your parents. as far as I'm concerned no there is no Santa. Santa is the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas. Santa is also a representation of the wise men who brought unto the the new born Christ gifts. It is not known when the giving of gifts became a commercial venture. We do know that Santa is now more important than the Christ child. This writer suspects that in some distant future even Santa will disappear and December 25 will just become a commercial venture I am sorry, but Santa Claus is not real! I believe that Santa Claus really DOES exist because... well let me just tell you a story. My mom was pulling in the road of our house and I was about seven so I still thought Santa was completely real. It was summer so I was out of school. I saw a red convertible pulling out of my road. he was wearing a red T shirt but white gloves, which was weird. he had glasses and he was fairly big. His long white beard covered his whole chin. I was staring at him, not believing it. then, he waved at me. I'm sorry to tell you, but Santa Claus is not real. I'm really sorry for the disappointment! Santa is not real. He is used to spread Christmas joy, a fun way to celebrate the holiday. He is not real. So the fat guy in red is a myth. Just a fun tale to believe! I know that he is real because my mum saw him and there is videos on youtube showing proof! I have letters from him and there's no other person that I know that has his handwriting! I may be only ten but please believe me because I know he's real don't listen to what anyone says the person who called you a jerk, nerd, and stupid is obviously all of those things and can't be trusted and will die alone and live a sad life. Don't listen to them. Santa is your parents but they lie and keep it a secret! Yes Santa is real how else do you think your presents get under the tree.. they don't just appear there in the middle of the night. Actually Santa comes in the middle of the night on his beautiful reindeer and even though he's fat he shrinks himself down into size so he can fit in the chimney. If you don't have a chimney he pick locks your front door and if you don't have a front door he climbs through your window and if you don't have that you don't get presents. Santa is real and I have proof. If Santa wasn't real, why is he known all around the world and who got the idea that Christmas was not about the gifts? The truth is, no matter how many of you out there don't think it's true, Santa is real. Also, if you check out video proof of Santa on youtube (it's a real camera set up with night vision), you will see nobody else in the room, a strange fading of a figure (Santa is the figure and I approved there were no actors), and cookies being eaten. I know Santa is real because one year (I swear this happened), I told my step-dad he'd get a lump of coal for Christmas (I was only joking). Then, on Christmas day, I found....a lump of coal on the table. Pure coal because when i picked it up my hands turned black. Of course if you STILL don't believe in Santa, that's alright with me. Just get a lump of coal this year, and then maybe you'll change your mind. Hi everyone. I know a lot of people say Santa Claus is not real. Please don't ever believe them. Santa is real. Santa is the most real thing I know. Why would anybody ever want to stop believing? Never stop. If you take Santa Claus out of your life you are taking the magic right with you. Yes, Santa Claus is real. The truth is sadly, Santa Claus is not real. But he is still an imaginative, jolly, fun symbol of Christmas! My parents told me the shocking truth the other day. Well of course he is REAL. Believe what you wish but he isn't actually real. No Santa Claus is not real. Sorry if you believe this. But it's your parents who put your gifts under the tree. What I think is that parents want to teach their children a lesson by putting gifts under the tree. So what they're saying is that it is better to give than receive. But... ST. Nick was real by giving Good children gifts. But there is no such thing as flying reindeer. if there were we would have superheroes by now. And your Dad maybe is eating the cookies you made for him. But who knows there may be a Santa Claus because a lot of people say ONLY the kids who believe in him get gifts. I wouldn't know because I never believed in Santa. my mom and family have always gotten me the gifts I wanted. So there is a 50-50 chance that Santa Claus is real. But my own opinion is that Santa Claus is not real. but I may be wrong. The following is part of a famous answer given by a newspaper columnist in reply to a little girl called Virginia.Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! Santa Claus is also known as "Saint Nicholas" He is known as a man with a long, white beard, a red coat with a black belt, and a red hat with a white, puffy ball at the end of it. Santa's story includes flying in a big, red sleigh on Christmas Eve, serving many presents to children all over the world. His reindeer, are magic and fly, and the lead reindeer is of course RUDOLPH!! Rudolph has a bright, red nose that leads the pack (reindeer) to where they need to go. Now the question is, " Is this possible?," "Is Santa real"? Well, lets see. Is it possible to have magic reindeer that fly in the sky? Can a man that big fit down a chimney? Can just one single man go around the whole world delivering presents in just one single night? Can a reindeer's nose glow? Are there such things as reindeer or are they just regular deer? Does Santa have elves that make his toys? Think about all these questions and then YOU decide if this is imaginable, possible, or REAL. If you believe in Santa then he is real but if you do not believe in Santa then he is not real to you, Its really up to you if Santa is alive or not, only if you believe in him he is alive to you, a lot of children like me believe in Santa but some people might tell you that Santa Claus is not real, i do not listen to people when they say that, you go with what you believe in not what other people believe in. The answer, too has to do with what do you mean by is Santa real? Are you asking is there one man who lives at the very place that the North Pole is located? Are you asking if Santa is a wee elf? Can he see everyone like God can? Some of those ideas just come from children's stories and songs and are just made up. Santa is not like God. Is Santa a real person? I know that the Santa that comes to my house is a real person, but we also have Mommy Claus, Daddy Claus, Grandma Claus and several youngsters in our Claus family. We have never lived at the North Pole, but we know about snow and being a Santa's helper. Yes because when I was 2 I slept with my mum and dad and I didn't go to sleep they didn't go anywhere so Santa delivered them. Well I'm sorry to say my parents told me he's not. I want to believe in him; I've always believed in him. That was only a month ago that I believed. Why did I have to ask that question a month before to ruin my Christmas? Anyways, they told me he WAS real but he died or something like he just couldn't go around the whole world. I also have seen on YOUTUBE that people show they caught him on tape. I'm not sure if It's fake or not. But sorry, I think that he's not real. Sorry. I believe Santa is as real as you want him to be; if you don't believe then that's ok. I think that until the age of 10 you should believe. Never stop believing! He is not real I'm afraid but anyone can just get a Santa costume so no one really plays him just random people who want to do it. Yes, he is real. If you are good, you can usually count on receiving a gift from Santa at Christmas. I would say that I believe that there really was a very nice man named Nick and he just walked up to random people to give them a nice Christmas gift. I think that when he passed away his spirit probably carries along his joy and love to all the little boys and girls of the world. He brings you one present every year and then all of the others that say, "From Santa," are really just from your parents. You will never know which is which but you will always know that Santa comes to your house and gives you your one special present every year. I believe that Santa is real. Family is going through really bad money problems and every year there is a tree filled with presents. I know my parents couldn't afford half of that stuff and it must of been Santa! This question will get answered any number of ways, some people believe with all their heart that Santa is real and other people believe there is no Santa. Just like some people believe that Jesus is real and others do not. As you grow up, you will be able to make this decision for yourself. I'm grown up and I have not stopped believing in Santa. I know he has other helpers that dress like him, I know my mom and dad would sometimes get me presents to help Santa and the elves, but I believe that the Spirit of Santa helps make all of that happen. Santa is most certainly real. Santa is ALL the love that is the real gift behind all the love and gifts you receive during the holiday season! Children can choose if they want to belive in santa or not be he always lies in your mind it blocks it down into two catagories 1: if children chose to belive in him he is real in there hearts and world 2 : if children choose not to sata is not a real person real real real answer : shhh .. santa isn't real but St nicholas is and that's who santa is ... St nicholas !! I think he is fake because of the fact that when i was 8, I left a note by my chimney saying 1 thing that I wanted. That was a small little beyblade. But then 2 years later, my friend had to give me the beyblade because he knew santa was fake. Though I still say Santa is real because I don't want to break any hearts. Though I broke my crush's heart and now I hate her because of the likes she has. St. Nicholas is SANTA~! hes not now go get a life The stupidity of this question if it could be put into size and weight would be astronomical. i don't know how many more kindergardeners are going to ask this, But no. He's most certainly not real! can you live on the North Pole where it's FRICKIN cold and The ice is melting? NO! It's too cold to sustain human life, or almost no life for that matter. This is stupid! Saint Nicholas existed, but Santa is a load of (sorry kids but it's the truth A LOAD OF CRAP. no sadly santa is not real parents get the gifts for their children not santa clause santa is real because i sent a letter to him with my class and igot the letter back! Yes. Mostly to ages 1-8. But when you get even a little bit older you start to not believe in Santa. Yes, santa is real. There is a real santa claus in Virginia.

The Greek letter 'X' is the first letter (chi) for the greek word for Christ, Xristos ( Χριστός). Xmas therefore means "Christ's Mass." The letter chi is written the same as the Roman letter X. So, as a form of shorthand, some people replace "Christ" with the first letter of his Greek name, X. The term Xmas, while sometimes controversial among Christians, has become a common short English abbreviation for Christmas.

Santa Claus is thought to have originated from the real St. Nicholas, with the "flying Santa" having it's origins in a mix of Norse mythology and the Christmas story. What is known for sure is that the modern, red-suited Santa Claus developed out of a 1931 advertising campaign put on by the Coca Cola company, in which the jolly old gentleman was dressed in red and white, the colors of Coca Cola. This image has continued to the present day. Saint Nicholas The story of Santa Claus is believed to have originated from the real St Nicholas, who was born in Lycia, Greece (now part of southern Turkey) during the third century. St Nicholas/Nicolas was brought up in a devout Christian family. His parents taught him to be generous and to serve others. He had a reputation for secretly giving to the poor, and he was also known for his love for children, and his concern for sailors who often worked under some difficult conditions. Nicholas was persecuted for his faith under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and died on 6 December 343. After his death, a legend began which said that manna, the nutritious substance God miraculously provided to keep the Israelites alive during their 40 years in the desert, formed on his grave. It was said that this manna could heal ailments and illness. During the years that followed, many people followed the teachings of St Nicholas, and stories of his incredible generosity and love for children gradually developed into the Santa Claus legend of today. 6 December is celebrated as the festival of St Nicholas. The name Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch form of "Saint Nicholas". The Dutch in particular are credited with reviving St. Nicholas as the 'gift bringer'. The Dutch form of St Nicholas is Sinterklaas. When the Dutch settled New York, the tradition came with them. By 1773, the name had appeared in the American newspapers as "St A. Claus". Once the New York Historical Society was founded in 1804 with Nicholas as its patron saint, the legend was embellished with additions such as flying reindeer and a sleigh laden with gifts. Later, more details were added, particularly with the work of illustrator Thomas Nast whose work on the Christmas editions of Harper's Magazine, between the 1860s and 1880s, really help developed the current image of Santa Claus. Drawn by Nast as round and jolly, Santa Claus was also depicted in his workshop at the North Pole, with a list of all the good and bad children. At this stage, Santa was dressed in a dark green coat. Norse Mythology and Santa in a Flying Sleigh The 'Father Christmas' figure in a flying sleigh is the result of a mixture of Norse mythology and the Christmas story. However, Santa Claus, as any child knows, really exists - or at least existed a long time ago and his spirit still lives on. 'Santa' actually means 'Saint' (where we get 'sanctify and Santa Maria from) and Claus (pronounced Klowss) is the shortened form of the name Nicholas. So Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was born in Turkey, was a devout Christian and became Bishop of Myra (hence his red robes as 'Father Christmas'). He inherited a large fortune from his parents which he gave, in secret, to the poor. Legend has it that he once left three bags of gold in secret for a father who had three daughters but who would be forced to sell them into slavery as he was too poor to marry them off. He did this by dropping the bags down the chimney where they ended up in the fireplace in shoes (or socks?) drying there. This is where we get our custom of 'hanging up the stockings' from on Christmas Eve. As a result of his good life Nicholas was made a saint and became the patron saint of poor people and of pawnbrokers - hence the pawnbroker sign of three golden balls (representing the three bags of gold). Many miracles were attributed to Nicholas including stilling a storm at sea, and bringing back to life three boys murdered by a cruel innkeeper. As a result Nicholas was made patron saint of sailors and children. So at Christmas, when we give and receive presents as a reminder of the gifts given to the Christ Child by the Wise Men, let's not forget that St Nicholas's spirit of freely giving - in secret - lives on in the traditional Santa Claus. The story behind Santa Claus is to do with St. Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. He was had a Christian upbringing and had wealthy parents. His mother and father died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. There was one story that tell of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value (money etc.) The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver. Hope that helps... we had an assembly on it yesterday at school. I'm sure if you Google story behind Santa you will find out more :) x

The moment on the Grinchs' clock that indicates it's time to steal Christmas, and time to get mean. The answer above is almost certainly the right one, but it is just possible that the questioner was asking about Greenwich mean time. Many who don't speak the Queen's English believe that Greenwich is pronounced "green witch." Almost all Brits say it 'grennitch', but a few (including Her Majesty), opt for "grinnitch." New Zealanders, who long ago abandoned "maj-speak", go for 'grinnertch'. The 'er' in this is a very short schwa, and the result sounds amazingly like Grinch.

Words from many contributors that can be made from the letters in Merry Christmas: a ace, aces ache, aches acid, acids acme, acmes acre, acres act, acts actress aim, aims air, airs, airy am arc, arcs arch, arches archer, archers are ares arm, arms arm, arms armrest, armrests army, armies arrest, arrests art, arts artery as ash, ashes ass asset asymmetric asymmetry at ate aye cam, cams came car, cars care, cares carer, carers caret, carets carrier, carriers carry, carries cart, carts case, cases cash cashier cast, casts caste, castes caster, casters cat, cats catch, catches cater, caters ceramist, ceramists chair, chairs chamise chammy char, chars, chariest charm, charms charmer, charmers chart, charts charter, charters chary chasm, chasms chat, chats cheat, cheats cherry chert, cherts chess chest, chests chi chime, chimes chimer, chimers chit, chits chrism Christ cite, cites cram, crams crash, crashes crass, crasser crate, crates crater, craters cream, creams cress crest, crests crier, criers crime, crimes crises cry, cries cyst each ear, ears east easy eat, eats em, ems emir, emirs emit, emits era, eras err, errs erratic erst erythrism eta, etas hair, hairy ham, hams hammer, hammers hamster, hamsters hare harem, harems harm, harms Harry has hast haste, hastes hat, hats hatch, hatches hate, hates hay he hear, hears heart, hearts heat, heats heir, heirs heist hem, hems her, hers hermits hey him hire his hiss hit, hits hmm hysteria I ice, ices is it, its itch, itchy, itches item, items ma mace, maces mach maim, maims mar, mars march, marches marcher, marchers mare, mares marmite marry, marries Mars marsh, marshes, marshy mart, marts, martyr, martyrs maser, masers mash masher, mashers mass mast, masts master, masters mastery mastic mat, mats match, matches mate, mates math matrices may, mayst me meant meat, meats mercy merit, merits merry mesh mess met meter or metre mica micra mire, mires mirth miry miscarry miscast miser, misers misery mismatches miss, misses mist, mists, misty mister, misters mite, mites miter, miters, mitre my myrrh mystic, mystics myth, myths, mythic race, races racer, racers racism, racist racy raise ram, rams rare, rarer, rarest rash rat, rats rate, rates rater, raters rather ray, rays reach react, reacts ream, reams rear, rears rearm, rearms recast, recasts remiss remit, remits resist rest, rests retch retry rhyme, rhymes rhyme, rhymes rhymer, rhymers rice, rices ricer, ricers rich, riches, richer rim, rims rime, rimes rise, rises rise, rises riser, risers rite, rites rye sac, sacs same samite sash sat sate satire satyric say, says scam, scams scar, scars scare, scares scare, scares scary scary, scarier scat, scats schematism schism schist scram scream, screams scrim, scrims sea, seas seam, seams search seat, seats sec, secs sect, sects semi, semis set, sets sham, shams share she sherry shim, shims shimmer, shimmers shimmy shirr, shirrs shirt, shirts shy, shyer shyster sic simmer, simmers sir, sirs sire sister sit, sits site, sites smarmy smart, smarter smarts smarty smash, smasher smear, smears smirch, smirches smite, smites smith, smithy, smiths stammer star, stars starry starch, starchy stare, stares, starer stay, stays steam, steamy stem, stems stir, stirs stirrer, stirrers stray stream sty, sties symmetric tam, tams tame, tames tamer, tamers tar, tars, tare, tares tarry taste tea, teas teach team, teams, tear, tears techs term, terms terry test, tests the their them there therm, therms they this thy thyme tic, tics tie, ties tier, tiers time, times timer, timers tire, tires trace, traces tracer, tracery tram, trams trash, trashes trashy tray, trays, tress trey, treys trice trim, trims trimmer, trimmers try, tries, triers tryst tyre, tyres yacht yam, yams yea year, years yeast yes yet Here are words that you could use... act, acts ah aim, aims air, airs am arch, arches arm, arms art, arts as ash, ashes at cam, cams car, cars cart, carts cash, cashes cast, casts cat, cats chair, chairs cha charm, charms chart, charts chat, chats cram, crams crash, crashes ha hair, hairs ham, hams harm, harms has hat, hats hi him his hiss hist hit, hits is it itch its ma mar, mars march, marches Mars marsh, marshes mart, marts mash, mashes mass mast, masts mastic mat, mats match, matches math miscast miss mist, mists ram, rams rash, rashes rat, rats rich, riches rim, rims sac, sacs saith sari, saris sash sat scam, scams scar, scars scat, scats schism schist scram, scrams scrim, scrims sh sham, shams shat shit shim, shims shirt, shirts sic MERRY CHRISTMAS a, as, at, am, air(s), aery, ass, assert, are, arm(s), art(s), arch(es), arc(s), aye(s), ate, ache(s), asthma, Christ, Christmas, cherry, chair(s), char(s), cart(s), chart(s), car(s), cram(s), crass, care(s), carry, carries, charm(s), chase(s), chasm(s), cry, cries, crime(s), chrism, cream(s), ear(s), era(s), err(s), earth(s), each, eat(s), etch, east, heart(s), hear(s), harm(s), hair(s), harry, harries, harsh, hast, haste, hasty, hate(s), hat(s), heat(s), her, his, him, hit(s), has, ham(s), hire(s), hare(s), hie(s), hearty, i, is, it, ire, itch, itches, itchy, mass, mast(s), mist(s), miss, mire(s), match(es), meat(s), mat(s), mess, mart(s), march(es), marcher, mirth, me, ma, mar(s), my, merry, marry, marries, maim(s), mash(es), math(s), myth(s), rise(s), raise(s), ray(s), rare, race(s), ram(s), rim(s), rime(s), rhyme(s), rye, rice, rear(s), reach, rich(es), steam, stem(s), stay(s), sir(s), shame(s), sham(s), share(s), scare(s), scar(s), starch(es), sir(s), sire(s), stir(s), shirt(s), smirch(es), shim(s), smash, sty, sties, stymies, scary, starchy, stray, she, shirr(s), sherry, shy, shies, scry, scries, tarry, tarries, them, they, their, theirs, the, this, thy, try, tries, trim(s), tram(s), trace(s), teach, tam(s), tame(s), tire(s), time(s), term(s), tie(s), team(s), ye, yet, yes, yam(s), year(s)

According to popular culture, Santa Claus has 9 reindeer: Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen Comet Cupid Donner Blitzen Rudolph 8

December 4, 1997, was, a Thursday.

In most English speaking countries, the decorations are traditionally taken down on 12th night (6th January). In Italy, they continue until Candlemas (2nd February). However in our ever commercial world, decorations in shopping centres go up around October and come down before the January sales.

The Target store hours are Monday-Saturday 8AM to 10PM then Sunday 8AM to 9PM

: Christmas comes from the words Christ and mass. "Christ" refers to Jesus Christ, the Christian messiah; and mass is a religious ceremony or celebration.

January 7

sam the snowman,rudolph,yukon cornelius,santa claus,donner,clarice,charlie-in-the-box,head elf,the doll,mrs.donner,abominable snowman

The words Christmas and Xmas are both shortened versions of the phrase Christ's Mass. Christmas is a simple contraction of the two words and it is easy to see how Christ's Mass became Christmas. The first letter of the word Xmas was not originally an X as we use it in the English language; what looks like an X is actually the English representation of the Greek letter Chi, χ, the first letter of the word Χριστός, meaning Christ. The letter Chi "χ" can also stand alone to represent the word Christ, so Xmas therefore literally translates as Christ-mas and that is how it should be pronounced, never as ex-mass. A more detailed explanation. The word Xmas was used long before cell-phone text messaging although texting may have greatly increased the usage of that particular word over Christmas. Centuries ago, Greek was the language of Christianity. The New Testament was written in Greek and we can still see traces of this in symbols and phrases that we still use today, such as calling God 'the alpha and the omega', meaning 'the beginning and the end', because alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last. It is like calling Him the A to Z. Similarly, the 'Chi-Rho' symbol that looks like an 'X' superimposed over a 'P' is actually the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P) which are the first letters in Christ's name. This symbol, like the fish, is almost as old as the Cross symbol of Christianity and can be found even in the early Christian Church catacombs in Rome, scratched on the walls. The co-incidence that the 'X' Chi letter also looks like a cross helped it being adopted to replace 'Christ'. So, from very early times Christians have used the Greek letter that looks like an X as an abbreviation of Christ. More recently, people have used an actual X instead, particularly if they don't know Greek. Some people object to the use of Xmas because they see it as 'crossing Christ out of Christmas' as though this is a modern practice attempting to appease other religious groups, but the use of Xmas seems to have became more widesrpead long ago, in the Middle Ages, when European religious clerics used it as a form of shorthand in their writings.

Christmas was on Saturday in 1999, 2004 and will be again this year 2010.

Yes, Shoppers Drug Mart is open on Family Day because there is only one holiday that Shoppers has off and it is Labor Day.

If by rebirth you mean reincarnation, then Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism.. most of these do not believe in reincarnation. However if by rebirth you mean something more spiritual, then I would say that most religions in some sense believe in rebirth. However I would say most likely Islam and Judism do not believe in it.

Almost all stores! Supper markets, Mall, all last minute shopping stores. Not open small little stores, self-owned.

First defeate Perry the Platpus

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know," There. TWO lines for ya! :P

Answer: Only shepherds celebrated with his parents the day Jesus Christ was born over 2000 years ago. Record of this celebration and the related details, but not an exact date, can be found in the Bible (Luke chapter 2). It is thought that the early Christians did not widely celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is most likely true, since the primary focus was on His life, crucifixion, and particularly His resurrection. There certainly were some early Christian celebrations. Early writings, including a "feast calendar" written in 243AD, indicate that there were some celebrations in the third century and perhaps even in the second century. Christmas celebrations did not gain widespread prominence, however, until the Middle Ages or starting from around 400AD. Christmas day, December 25, is not necessarily the actual date of Christ's birth. The true date is not known because we lack enough information to pinpoint it precisely. (Beware that there are many who claim to have calculated the actual date; they are no more likely than December 25.) Other dates beside December 25 were used for this feast. December 25 finally was settled on by the church for reasons that are not absolutely clear, though there are some logical reasons for choosing that date. There were pagan celebrations on and about December 25th, celebrating the solstice, or the return of the solar light. Christians may have simply chosen to celebrate the advent of the "Light of the World" at such an appropriate time of year. Answer: Some historians and scholars studying the history of Christianity have proposed that it is precisely because 25 December is so close to the pagan solstice celebration, that the church chose this date, in order to placate the (then) numerous pagans and not to initiate violent protests or uprisings that might have been caused had they been stripped of all their sacred days immediately following the acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This was probably in the hope that gradually paganism would die out or that pagans would assimilate into Christianity for fear of persecution and/or lack of freedom. The SIMILARITIES between pagan midwinter celebrations and Christmas are amazing. There was a centuries old, ongoing pagan and secular mid-winter celebration, which was wildly poplular, that the church could not stop. Many scholars agree that apparently, the church figured, "If you can't stop them, join them!" and placed the celebration of Jesus's birth on December 25th, and, over time, the origins of the original midwinter party were forgotten. According to the new Encyclopædia Britannica later Christians likely "wished the date to coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking the 'birthday of the unconquered sun'." The festival was celebrated with similar customs (gift giving, feasting) that are done to celebrate Christmas today. Many pagan customs on Dec 21st to Dec 25th were eventually stopped under missionary influence/pressure. In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time. Saturnalia gift-giving midwinter celebrations predate Jesus by 100s of years, as do many other popular midwinter celebrations. These celebrations are EVEN MENTIONED in the bible, since they were so popular. And biblegod forbids christians from joining in on these pagan/secular celebrations, in Jeremiah 10: 1-5, and spcifically demands HIS followers do NOT decorate trees, but, apparently, they did not listen, as christians today DO join in the decorating of the trees in midwinter. The pagan celebration of the birth of the Sun, or any number of December born gods, on December 21st, or Brumalia, on Dec 25th, does indeed contain almost all the customs you will recognize as 'Christmas' celebrations---the red and green decor, the yule logs, the 12 days of feasting, <i>gift giving</i>, mistletoe, holly wreaths, decorating trees, an elf, singing, gathering with friends and family, etc etc. The sun, was incredibly important to ancient people, as Stonehenge and other constructions of the times attest. Celebrating the shortest day of the year, the midwinter solstice, <b>(which HAS changed dates through the milennia, 'leap years' were not invented yet) was a huge event, long before Jesus was ever born. It was Constantine, the first christian emporer, who posted Jesus's birthday as December 25th, in the midst of the ongoing pagan celebrations* that the bible ordered christians to avoid as pagan. (Jeremiah 10: 1-5, best read in an older version of bible) *(with all the red and green decor, decorated trees, gift-giving, feasting, yule logs, 12 days of feasting, focusing on children, mistletoe, elves, holly wreaths, fancy dinners with families, etc etc). Answer: The idea that Christmas was designed to placate or gradually displace pagan winter celebrations is overstated and not historically correct. Many scholars, including early church fathers, calculated the date of Christ's birth to December 25th. The December 25th date goes back to as early as Hippolytus (A..D. 165-235). In the Eastern church January 6th was the date used for Christ's birth, a close winter date. Even though the exact date is not definitively known, there are logical reasons for the December 25th date including calculations made from other known dates. Early Christmas celebrations were on various dates. The final, commonly accepted date of December 25th was the result of a confluence of factors and not a plan to preempt pagan celebrations. Due to the fact that pagan celebrations were seasonal, year round, and often not limited to a particular day, any date chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ could be seen as supplanting a pagan practice. December 25th is close to the period of some pagan celebrations, but there were no specific celebrations for that particular day. Mithras' birth was not celebrated on that day and in fact had no public celebrations. Sol did not specifically coincide with that date either. Solstice was close to December 25th, but the differences between solstice celebrations and Christmas are stark. Christmas is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. Although many scientist out not sure of the exact date of this. Many believe it took place sometime in the summer due to vital information that is given in the Bible. Well Christmas started when Jesus Christ was born. The word Christmas has a meaning, just think about it.... Christ/mas Christ's Mas took part when he was born so you are celebrating Christ's Mas. Thankyou for questioning

Christmas or Christ's Mass was started in the second or third century AD as a feast and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. These early celebrations were on various dates and not widespread until the Middle Ages or starting around 400AD. Today, Christmas is one of the most important Christian celebrations. Easter, Christ's resurrection, still has its rightful prominence as the most important day in Christendom, but Christians celebrate His birth too. Christmas is the day to remember that the Messiah was born into our world and changed so many lives. It is also a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate a time of joy and love. And that for just one day there should be peace around the world. It is suppose to be a wonderful time and a time to remember forever. Although lots of people think about Christmas trees and Santa Claus, the primary reason why we celebrate this date is because Jesus Christ was born into this world. One answer is that the idea, purpose and date for Christmas (December 25th) was to provide continuity with the winter solstice traditions of many cultures. By doing this converts could continue to have a traditional midwinter celebration even if they had to celebrate in the "new" Christian church. Some scholars indicate that an actual Christmas day celebration would be between May and July. Interestingly the celebration of birthdays -- even including that of Christ -- was rejected as a pagan tradition by most Christians during the first three hundred years of Christianity. In reaction to the claims by Gnostics that Jesus had not been mortal, and to "humanize" Christ Christians began to emphasize the Nativity. As this reworking continued many third century Christians supported observance of Christ's birthday, but condemned customs such as exchanging of gifts and decorating homes with evergreens citing Book of Jeremiah:10 which condemns the heathen practice of cutting a tree from the forest to "deck it with silver and gold". Rebuttal to above answer: While the actual date of Christ's birth is not definitively known there are just as many reasons to agree on a winter date, if not more, than a Spring or Summer date. December 25 is the traditional date determined by the early church fathers and widely accepted. The idea that Christmas was merely a creation to transition pagan winter celebrations toward Christianity is overstated and not historically correct. Celebrating birthdays was indeed rejected by many Christians, even beyond the first three centuries. However, this was the exception and not the rule. Celebrating "birthdays" was at times considered odd and unchristian. The primary focus was on Christ's life, crucifixion, and particularly His resurrection, but there certainly were some early birthday celebrations. Early writings including a "feast calendar" written in 243AD indicate that there were some celebrations in the third century and perhaps in the second century. Christmas celebrations did not gain widespread prominence however until the Middle Ages or starting from around 400AD. December 25 was settled on by the early church for reasons that are not absolutely clear (but there are some logical reasons for that date including calculations made from other known dates). There were pagan celebrations in December. There were pagan celebrations year round. Christmas didn't simply replace a pagan celebration; it changed much more. The use of Christmas Trees and other decorations has caused some understandable confusion. Worshiping a tree or cutting down a tree and creating an idol is pagan and has never been Christian. However, using evergreen trees as a symbol for Christ who is the "Tree of Life" is not the same and has been done traditionally to celebrate and worship God, not the tree or the idol. Challenge to above Answer: It was not until some 300 years after the birth of Christ that the idea of celebrating Christmas became a reality. In fact, the notion of celebrating anyone's birthday was far from the minds of Jews and Christians before the Fourth Century. (While it is true that Christ's birthday was not widely celebrated until around 400AD, it was celebrated before that.) During the Fourth Century the Roman Catholic Church was established as the state religion of Rome and as such, many of the pagan festivals were absorbed into the Church. Since the Romans had already been steeped in the worship of the sungod, whose birthday was said to be in December, it was a simple matter for Pope Gregory to command that the adoration of this god, and indeed of a host of other gods, (including the god Saturn) be changed to the worship of the Son of Righteousness. (Emperor Theodosius I decreed that Christianity was the official religion of the empire in 379. There was no "Roman Catholic Church" in the fourth century. The church was known as the Catholic Church. The "Roman" designation began in the Sixteenth Century. Gregory, the Bishop of Rome ("Pope" had not come into widespread usage at that time), served from 590 to 604AD long after Christmas was widely established.) Thus the pagan celebration of Saturnalia, in honor of Saturn, the god of Agriculture, became the Mass of Christ, later Christmas. The worship of trees in Mithra gave rise to the Christmas tree. The hanging of lanterns to represent the sun predated our Christmas lights. Santa Claus is the modern equivalent of the god Thor who would descend the chimney and bless the fireplace in every home. (Many people have imagined that early Christians established Christmas to absorb pagan rituals. Beyond a rough coincidence of dates there is simply no evidence for it. Saturnalia has no connection to Christmas other than a close date (between the 17th and the 23rd). The birth of Mithras and the birth of Sol never occurred on the 25th. There were no public ceremonies for Mithras ever. The winter solstice, an astronomical event, always happens close to December 25th and was on the Roman calendar, but not connected to Christmas. There is no evidence that any celebration of Sol occurred before Christmas was already happening. Sol feasts definitely occurred in August and also possibly on December 11th, never on December 25th.) The celebration of Christmas therefore has nothing to do with Christ. It is celebrated because of the command of a Pope; because the ambiance created inspires celebrants with the idea that it is "the season to be jolly"; because it helps the commercial sector and because it is fashionable to do so. Even in Japan where Christ is not very popular, it is very much celebrated. Indeed, the geography of the region does not permit that the birth of Christ be in the dead of winter. Shepherds were attending their flock at the time of Jesus' birth. In this region shepherds carry their flock under shelter from the middle of October when the rainy season sets in. (The lambs in question were sacrificial lambs for the Temple. There is no historical evidence that these lambs were watched only during spring. It is possible, and even quite likely, that these lambs were watched year round. One of the best times of the year for the shepherds of Bethlehem is the winter when heavy rains bring up a luscious crop of new grass. Before these rains, the area is a barren, brown desert. To this day, shepherds in that area can be seen out with their flocks in December and January.) It may be added that when Jesus died at the age of thirty-three and a half years, it was during the spring (March or April) - the approximate time that Easter is celebrated. His next birthday would therefore have been 6 months hence - September or October, certainly not December. Christmas is short for Christ's Mass so it certainly has something to do with Christ. The "pagan holiday" connection is weak and has been totally overstated. It simply isn't a pagan holiday at its core. The best answer to this question remains the simplest one: people celebrate Christmas because they either desire to celebrate Christ's birthday or if they are not Christians because they enjoy the trappings that have been attached to it.

Which story: The original Saint Nicholas story was not made up, it is true, he was a bishop in the Greek church in what is now Turkey. He lived from 270AD to 343AD. He did much to help the poor and often arranged for toys, etc. to be given to children on church festivals like Christmas in the churches he was responsible for. But that is about as far as it goes. As these stories spread to other countries over the centuries other features got made up and added. The biggest additions and fabrications were added in the 19th and early 20th centuries by writers of children's stories and poems, as well as by advertising men. Well, Mr.Henry Patrick Created him... No one cares anymore though

Use it as most other nouns. Examples: "The scent of frankincense is rich and pleasant, but very strong." "Frankincense is heavily associated with Christmas, because one of the noted gifts for the child Jesus was frankincense." "I like the smell of burning frankincense." OR As Rachel walked into her living room, she noticed how her mother had sprayed the room with the rich and pleasant scent of FRANKINCENSE.