Christmas: A Traditional Festival Embodying Warmth

December 25th marks the arrival of Christmas, a festival that carries warmth and anticipation, as scheduled. As a widely celebrated holiday across the globe, its origin is closely tied to Christianity, initially established to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Early Christians observed this occasion on January 6th, known as "Epiphany"; it was not until the 4th century that the Roman Catholic Church officially designated December 25th as "Christmas Day". With the global spread of Christianity and the promotion of Anglo-American culture, Christmas has gradually transcended religious boundaries, evolving into a national festival that combines both religious connotations and secular joy.

Among Christmas' classic traditions, three elements stand out as particularly beloved. The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, when people would place evergreen trees during the Christmas season to symbolize the permanence of life. Today, families worldwide carefully select fir or spruce trees, adorning them with colored lights, star ornaments, and gift boxes. Piles of surprise gifts for relatives and friends are placed under the tree, making it the most eye-catching scene of the festival. The legend of the "Christmas stocking" stems from Saint Nicholas: it is said that this kind-hearted bishop once secretly put gold coins into the long stockings of poor girls who had hung them out to dry. Since then, children have always hung embroidered long stockings at the foot of their beds on Christmas Eve, looking forward to gifts from "Santa Claus". The image of "Santa Claus" shaped by 19th-century American cartoonists—dressed in a red robe, driving a reindeer-pulled sleigh, and delivering gifts through chimneys—has added a strong fairy-tale charm to the festival, making him the "Winter Magic Messenger" in children's hearts. In terms of food, European roast turkey, German glühwein (mulled wine), and Italian panettone bread also add rich regional flavors to the festival.

Today, Christmas has transcended geographical and religious boundaries to become a bond for conveying kindness. People gather with their families and exchange blessings during the festival. Charitable organizations also launch public welfare activities, allowing warmth to spread in the cold winter and keeping this centuries-old festival sentiment alive and thriving.