irmayanti/christmas day

Irmayanti
E/VII 031104136
Cross Culture Understanding

Christmas
Christmas can defined as An annual church festival (December 25) and
in some States a legal holiday , in memory of the birth of Christ,
often celebrated by a particular church service, and also by special
gifts, greetings, and hospitality. Christmas celebrations often
combine the marking of Jesus' birth with various other traditions and
customs.
According to my friend experience Agnez Kristiani who celebrates
Christmas, one day before Christmas she and her family usually went to
the church. Then they decorate their house with Christmas tree. After
that she and her whole family praying together at home then have a
dinner. Next in the morning they go to the church again, after that
she and her family go to their colleagues to celebrating a Christmas
day. Sometimes she got "Angpaw" from her parents. She never forgets to
serve chocolates, candies and cakes in her house. The important thing
they greet and asking for apologies each other. Usually, I appreciate
the Christmas with visit them at the day or just sending a card or
short message service. It could be the same when I celebrate the other
holy day our religion they come to our house greeting us and giving
some present.
Many people believe in Father Christmas, or Santa Claus. Father
Christmas is associated with St. Nicholas, the patron saint of
children. The current Father Christmas figure, silver-bearded and clad
in red and white, was introduced around the mid-eighteenth century.
One very popular tradition that is still common place is to hang
stockings out on Christmas Eve. The feast of St. Nicholas, 6 December,
is often forgotten, perhaps because it is as Santa Claus or Father
Christmas that we know St. Nicholas. In Britain and America St.
Nicholas day has merged with Christmas Day and so presents are given
on this day. It is fact that Santa Clause never exits in the real life
it is just the way for make the children happy with some present.
Christmas has no deferent with other religion holy day in Indonesia.
On this day all the family gathered, having fun, pray, new clothes and
giving the gift, but Christmas identical with Santa Claus and
Christmas tree