The Express Tribune T2 - December 24

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, DECEMBER 24, 2011

Ho ho ho! Maze

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Kids, it’s that time of the year when many children all over the world are waiting in anticipation… waiting for Santa Claus, waiting for their presents, and waiting to decorate the Christmas tree! So, what exactly are the legends associated with Christmas? Keep reading!

Santa Claus

SOURCE: PRINTACTIVITIES.COM

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What do monkeys sing at Christmas ?

Christmas is incomplete without the mention of Santa Claus. There has hardly been a Christmas when children have not waited for their beloved Santa. The stories related to Santa Claus have managed to gain much popularity amongst people all over the world. Santa Claus, the noble saint with his big belly and red outfit, wanders around homes spreading the message of love and prosperity. He is depicted with a long white beard which is a sign of his worldly wisdom. All over the world, Santa Claus is known by different names. In Germany, he is known as ‘Christindl’ or the ‘Christ Child’; ‘Father Of Christmas’ in England, ‘Shengdan Laoren’ in China and ‘Pere Noel’ in France. Children are Santa’s favourites and he ensures that he gets gifts for them every Christmas. As per American legend, Santa lives in the North Pole while other legends also suggest that he stays in Finland. Children, from all over the world, often write a lot of letters to him depending on what they believe Santa’s permanent abode is.

Rudolph So how does Santa transport gifts? He has a sledge drawn by reindeer! And without doubt, his favourite reindeer is Rudolph. It might be because he has a red nose! His glowing nose helps to light the way for Santa during his trips and therefore, he was made the lead reindeer.

Christmas tree The tradition of bringing and decorating a Christmas tree is timeless. On Christmas eve, the whole family decorates the tree with ornaments and tinsel and candy canes.

Jungle Bells, Jungle bells.. !

Did you know?

What is the most special part of your body at Christmas?

— Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and dyed green. — The word Christmas is Old English, a contraction of Christ’s Mass. — In Greek, X means Christ; that is where the word “Xmas” comes from! — The world’s largest Christmas present was the Statue of Liberty. The French gave it to the US in 1886. It is 46.5 meters high and weights 225 tons! — The world’s tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950. — The Greeks celebrate Christmas on January 7, according to the old Julian calendar, while Xmas presents are opened on New Year’s Day. — Krampus is a mythical creature recognised in Alpine countries. According to legend, Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children, in contrast to St. Nicholas, who gives gifts to good children.

Mistle-toe What’s a child’s favourite king at Christmas? A stocking! Which of Santas reindeer has bad manners? Rude-alph! What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas? Sandy claws. It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner,”What are you charged with?” It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner,”What are you charged with?” “Doing my Christmas shopping early”, replied the defendant. “That’s no offence”, said the judge. “ It is if you do it before the shop opened”, countered the prisoner.

PHOTO: FILE


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