Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Origin of Navidad



The origin of Navidad or Christmas in Mexico can be traced back to the early 1500’s. That was when the Spanish landed on this land of the Mayans and Aztecs. Mexico’s ancient customs and rituals have over the years been cloaked with Spanish customs and ways.Christmas in Navidad as it is celebrated today can be traced back to the introduction of Christianity by the Spanish priest Fray Pedro De Grante.



In the olden days it was only Spanish colonial population who settlers who celebrated Christmas. Gradually the local Mexican people began to adopt the rituals as part of their annual celebrations. Today Mexican traditions are a pot pourri of Spanish, English and even American customs.

The local markets, posadas, and pastorelas are typically Mexican ways of celebrating the fest. The custom of using Poinsettias as offerings to baby jesus originated here. As legend goes Maria and Pablo were two poor children who wanted to gift something to baby Jesus. They just picked a few wild twigs as they had no money. Other children apparently laughed at them. But the moment they placed the offerings at the feet of Jesus, they turned into these lovely bright red flowers. Ever since Poinsettias have become an important part of X Mas celebrations not just in Mexico but all over the world.

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Christmas Acrostic Poem

Christmas acrostic poem

Christmas Poems are a long standing yuletide tradition and the most popular among st these are the acrostic kind. Yuletide acrostic poems feature on all kinds of Christmas greeting cards and yuletide literature and are commonly loved by children and adults alike. These poems are simplistic in nature, easy to compose and generally depict the joy and exuberance of the festival.

Common words and phrases used to compose a Christmas acrostic poem are Merry Christmas, Yuletide Greetings etc. written below is a short example of a yuletide acrostic poem using the words Merry Christmas. 

M- May the holidays bring joy and cheer to you.
E- Enough to last till next Christmas.
R- Relish each memory of this happy time.
R- Reach out to all you love.
Y-You deserve better than the best.
C- Celebrate the birth of the king.
H-Happiness he brings to all.
R- Rise and shine this happy morning.
I- In each custom take joy.
S- Santa has lovely gifts for you.
T- Take time out for those less fortunate.
M- Make a positive difference around you.
A- Accept the happiness this season brings.

S- Spread good Cheer. 

Monday, 8 September 2014

3 Free Christmas Play Scripts

It is hard to do away with traditions that have been around for almost forever and many traditions simply can’t be done away with and instead need to be preserved. One such tradition is the practice of performing Christmas plays during the yuletide season. These plays are generally performed in schools and churches at around Christmas time. Whilst these plays are amateur efforts, they do prove to be all round family entertainers in every way. Apart from entertainment value these plays also teach children and adults alike to work as a team to put up a good show and for the audience these plays often have a social message. Read further to know more.

free Christmas play scripts

Amongst the best free Christmas play scripts is the nativity story. It tells the story of the birth of Christ who is the leader of Christianity and also a cultural icon of sorts. Second to none are plays that are loosely based on the book A Christmas Carol which is classic novel by Charles Dickens that has Christmas as it central theme. This play is known for its social message that emphasizes on generosity and charity. The last but not the least is the play “Little Match Girl” which is the theatrical interpretation of the short story written by Hans Christian Anderson. 


Monday, 1 September 2014

Christmas Pageant Scripts

Pageants and plays are common during Christmas. They are organised in churches and schools cross the United States, and other countries. Some Christmas pageants are widely performed across the country:

Christmas pageants


The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

This play is packed with funny scenes. The director of an annual pageant conducted by a church has broken her leg. A new director takes over to put up the performance. She has the daunting tasks of directing Herds mans, unruly kids who have taken up all type of bad habits like lying, stealing, smoking etc. The story is sheer fun with a message.

The Living Nativity


The play opens with Christmas Eve scene but things are not usual as seen on a Christmas Eve. Members of Fairlawn Church of the Good Shepherd are appearing for their trial in the town jail. The good natured members are charged with animal cruelty (for converting a mule into a camel)and arson. They are pleading their innocence before the Justice of the Peace and trying to justify that they meant no harm to anyone while organising the Living Nativity. The trial has a number of comical scenes that can be understood by people of all ages. It can be made as simple as you wish.

Monday, 25 August 2014

Christmas in Paraguay

When we think about Christmas, we form a picture of a snow covered landscape and Santa Claus sleighing through it!. But if you are in Paraguay your imagination about the festival will change. It is summer and quite hot in the country in the month of December. But that doesn’t mean people here don’t have fun on Christmas Day.

Nature of celebration

Paraguay primarily being a Christian country, the festival is celebrated with a lot of stress on its religious aspect. Christian symbols can be seen at almost everywhere. Nativity scenes may not only be seen in churches but also at many homes. People educate their children about Jesus and his teachings.

Decoration

Churches, houses, parks, squares are decorated with stars, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, lights and other decorative items. Since it is summer during Christmas carnival in Paraguay, color fulflowers are also available for decorating homes and churches.


Eating and partying

On Christmas Eve people gather at churches for La Misa Del Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). After they return home they enjoy Christmas with a grand feast with friends and family members. Apart from feasting on delicacies, people also love to party and enjoy the moment.

In Paraguay Christmas lasts till January 6, the feast of Epiphany. 

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

The Christmas Village in Alaska


Christmas around the world is not only observed as a religious festival, it has also become a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. It is a wonderful occasion to buy gifts for loved ones. Special events are organized in cities across the world. Christmas is lot of fun here. An annual holiday show named as Christmas Village is organized at Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, 600 W Seventh Ave. , Anchorage, AK 99501-3433. People can buy a and sell sell gifts and items here. So whether you are a seller or a buyer you will to be here on December 20, 2014. The show is in its 7th year of existence.


 Kinds of items sold here

Items made in Alaska or imported from other places are sold here. Therefore there is no restriction on people on selling wide rage often. Buyers can also get to buy from a wide range of options. There is no admission fee for entering into the convention center.

Venue

Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center
600 W Seventh Ave. , Anchorage, AK 99501-3433

Date time and facilities

The show will be organized on December 20, 2014 from 10 AM to 6 PM. You can avail bus and motor coach parking facility.

Make the most out of the event and make your Christmas in Alaska more enjoyable.

Thursday, 10 July 2014

Theme Christmas Tree Décor

Christmas tree decorations

Modern Christmas tree decorations have taken on an altogether new meaning. Groups, communities and households compete with each other to put on spectacular displays that eventually turn into public treats!

A stray discussion with a colleague, a visit to the market place, a road trip, a conversation with your children, your lawn, or anything for that matter! You can draw inspiration from anywhere, after all creativity knows no barriers.

The concept of theme Christmas tree décor is becoming increasingly popular, both with those who decorate public plazas, buildings and market places; and with those who decorate their homes for parties on Xmas.  The idea is to do something unique, different and innovative. People look forward to brightly lit malls, plazas and streets; and in fact take time out to go sightseeing, just to have a look at the fantabulous public decoration displays on Yule.  Cities like Amsterdam turn into a sea of glittering lights!

For those who take time out to decorate trees at home for X mas can try any one of these interesting themes this winter:

Go back to the ancient German customs

Do something very different this year. Take fresh apples and wrap them in glittering gold and silver foils. Tie them with gold and silver threads and hang them around your evergreen. Add a few baubles. Keep it simple. You could string a few LED lights to add to the gold and silver effect!

The other thing you could try this season is bake candy canes, cookies and Santa theme biscuits. Tie them with strings and hang them on the tree. Intersperse them with glittering silver bells and glass balls. You can even tie cupcakes to the tree on Christmas Eve. So if you have children coming over, there’ll be a real treat waiting to greet them!