C HRISTMAS L AND Made by: Julia Ruleva Teacher: Tatiana Lepeshkina Lyceum Dubna, 2009

Snowman Although snow is an integral part of the season of winter in some parts of the world. One winter activity for which snow is crucial is the creation of snow figures.

Colors of Christmas The colors most closely associated with the Christmas season are: red, white and green

Christmas Symbols Christmas Symbols Christmas is associated with lots of legends and symbols.

Coffee Pot – symbol of hospitality Baskets – symbol of plentiful good wishes Birds – universal symbol of happiness Cottages – represent heritage and culture of the glassblowers Ear of Corn – reminder of the bounty and blessings nature bestows Grapes – symbol of friendship Acorn – good luck Fish – symbolic Christian image Star – guidance and faith Pinecones – motherhood and fertility Rose – expression of love and affection St. Nicholas – kind and generous man

Stockings Legend says that Saint Nicholas loved to give gifts. To prevent people from learning where these gifts came from, he would leave them at night.

AmericaEgyptRussiaDate The Americans celebrate Christmas on the 25 th of December People in Egypt celebrate Christmas on the 7 th of December The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7 th Special Traditions The president of the USA turns on the lights of the Christmas tree near the White House. On Christmas morning people visit friends and neighbours and give them kaik, a type of shortbread. Fortunetelling. Kolyadovanie. Swimming in the river on Epiphany. General Celebration Families come together to share their happiness, attend church, and exchange gifts. Everyone goes to church wearing a completely new outfit. True belivers spend this Christmas Eve in church, attending special church service. All people laugh, dance and have a lot of fun. Food The Christmas table looks much like a Thanksgiving Feast of turkey, Potatoes and pie. Special Christmas meal is known as fata, which consists of bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat. People eat potatoes, Russia salad, meat or chicken, tangerines and drink champagne.