Christmas

1. Christmas By: Kristin Anderson 2010-2011 Christmas By : Kristin Anderson Illustrations by: The internet

2. Previous next Dedication Page I dedicate this book tomy best friend cause she’s a big part of my Life.

3. Table of contents • Dedication page • My family traditions • Christmas in Mexico • Christmas in France • Holiday! • Snow (poem 1) • Red Activity 1 • Red activity 2 • Green Activity 1 • Green activity 2 • Green activity 3 Previous Next

4. My family Traditions What we normally do to celebrate Christmas is: Get a tree decorate the house inside and out and have our family on my dad’s side come over. During Christmas we normally eat turkey, stuffing, candy canes and Milk and cookies. My parent used to always tell me during Christmas is that if I’m not good then “Santa” won’t come. They said if you stay up really late you can hear Santa’s reindeer on the roof. My Dad and I would go on the roof and put what he’d call reindeer food on the roof. Just so happens it was just cinnamon oatmeal. I Found out Santa wasn’t real when I was thirsty I got some milk went to go sit in the living room couch and fell asleep later that night and thought I heard Santa in the middle of the night but it was just my dad putting presents under the tree that said “from Santa” I didn’t say anything and pretended to be sleeping still and then “Santa” walked over to the table to drink the milk and cookies and it was over for me. My dad still thinks I believe in Santa. I just say I do cause then I still get more presents that say “From Santa”. It keeps me happy to see the effort they put in to make believe it’s true. My family traditions mean the world to me. When I found out that we were not going to have a Christmas tree this year I was pretty disappointed. Then my dads told me we’re going to our cousins. Since my aunt is one of the managers for Mary Kay Makeup Company this is going to be a good Christmas  Back Table of contents Next

5. Mexico Christmas traditions • Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. • After dark, each night of the "Posada," a parade begins led by two children. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to ask lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company pleads for admittance. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer. • La Posadas," the remarkable buildup to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, it commemorates the events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Back Table of contents Next

6. French Christmas traditions • In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and “le Réveillon”. • The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. Most provinces celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, which is a bank holiday. However, in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on 6 December, “la fête de Saint Nicolas” (St.Nick’s birthday), and in some provinces la fête des Rois* is one the most important holidays of the Christmas season. In Lyon, 8 December is la fete des lumieres when Lyonnais pays hommage to the Virgin Mary by putting candles in their windows to light up the city. • French Christmas traditions: • During Christmas French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace in hope of le pere noel (aka papa noel) will find them presents Candy, fruit, nuts, and small toys will also be hung on the tree overnight. In some regions there's also Père Fouettard who gives out spankings to bad children. (Very similar to Santa giving us coal if were bad). In 1962, a law was passed decreasing that all letters written to Santa would be responded with a postcard. Once a class has written a letter to Santa each student would get a response. Back Table of contents Next

7. Having fun spending time with family Old holiday still celebrated today Lots of old friends sending cards and the creativity of writing even more. I’ve always loved spending time with family on Christmas. Days to play in the snow. Build a snowman name it frosty Always together and never alone You are always loved on a Christmas day and all year long, Back Table of contents Next

8. Snow Cold Fun Around for a month During Christmas snowman's Build snow forts A beautiful white blanket Snowflakes Tobogganing Snowboarding Skiing Mt. Seymour Frosty windows Outdoor skating Slippery Happy Joyful Family Back Table of contents Next

9. If I could spend christmas anywere Where would i choose no counting Canada If I could go anywhere in the world for Christmas not including Canada, I’d probably go to Hawaii. Why? Because its ALWAYS warm there, the beach’s are beautiful! And everyone is always so nice! I would love to go there and go to the beach jump some waves and go body surfing maybe even scuba diving ! It would be amazing to go for 3 weeks!

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11. The history of Christmas Christmas is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus normally on December 25th. The date is not known to be the actual birthday of Jesus, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after some early Christians believed Jesus had been convinced, the date of the winter solstice on the ancient roman calendars or one of the various winter festivals. Christmas is the central to the Christmas and holiday season. and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide which lasts twelve days. Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also widely celebrated by many non-Christians, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christians or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas tree, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, several similar mythological figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. Back Table of contents Next

12. Seals • What I’m going to do: • I’m going to design a christmas seal that I would like to see being used. Merry Christmas This is the flag (seal) I made and would like to see when I’m walking on the streets. It signifies Christmas.

13. Holidays • What were doing: • Going to the Okanogan ---A • Skating on a lake---- B • Slumber party----C • New years party with friends----D • Christmas shopping-----E • Christmas movies/popcorn----F • Christmas party with friends----G C E A F B G

14. Christmas song: All I want for christmas is you~ Mariah Carey • My favorite christmas song is “all I want for christmas is you” By Mariah Carey. Its my favorite because I like the way it starts and the end a lot. And also I like Mariah Carey quite a bit too. Here are the lyrics: • I don't want a lot for Christmas There's just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is... You I don't want a lot for Christmas There's just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you You baby I won't ask for much this Christmas I don't even wish for snow I'm just gonna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeers click 'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do Baby all I want for Christmas is you Ooh baby All the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa won't you bring me the one I really need Won't you please bring my baby to me... Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas This is all I'm asking for I just want to see my baby Standing right outside my door Oh I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby all I want for Christmas is... You All I want for Christmas is you... baby (repeat and fade)

15. giving And receiving • I’m buying a gift for 4 people this year. Including my family. So that’s going to be 9 people this year… • 1. Alicia Singh----------------For Alicia I'm getting her a “best friends bracelet. I want to make her one and buy her one so its special. • 2.Samantha Mcomb------------ For Sam I don’t really know yet so for now I’m just going to make her shortbread cookies. • 3.Kendall Laygne------ Same as Sam cause I’m not very sure… • 4. Sydnie Browen------ For Sydnie ill get her a teddy bear and a necklace. • 5. For my mom a spa gettaway. (obviously) • 6. For my dad a giftcard to golf land. • 7. For Tara I’ll get her a twilight comic book, school set a poster and a moving canvas (of twilight)

16. The twelve days of a Canadian christmas. Shop Canadian buy Canadian • On the first day of christmas my true love gave to me a necklace with my name on it. On the second day of christmas my true love gave to me a pony with a saddle on it. On the third day of christmas my true love gave to me a present wrapped in green. On the fourth day of christmas my true love gave to me a random pair of socks On the fifth day of christmas my true love gave to me my snowboard he found in the garage On the sixthday of christmas my true love gave to me 24 million bucks On the seventh day of christmas my true love gave to me… On the eighthday of christmas my true love gave to me petal on a pair tree On the ninth day of christmas my true love gave to me a beagle puppy from a pare tree On the tenth day of christmas my true love gave to me the greatest holiday On the eleventh day of christmas my true love gave to me a heart necklace from the bay On the twelfth day of christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pare tree…. ( I WAS IMPROVISING)

17. Purple activity 3 • You met Santa Claus face to face? Nothing. And assume he was fake. • You lost all your Christmas shopping money? Freak out and make all my gifts. • A small child asks you if there really is a Santa Claus and he/she wants proof. • I’d tell that her that he was real and show her oatmeal cause my parents always used to tell me that oatmeal was reindeer food. • Someone you hardly know buys you a Christmas gift? Say thank you and ask them they’re name… • You’re invited to a Christmas party but your best friend isn’t? Not go, and stay with her watch a movie with popcorn or something. • You are given one million dollar to do something for needy people at Christmas? Make them houses and give them food and a school. • You are given the same Christmas gift from two of your best friends? Keep both of them. I can use them in the future.

18. About the author • My name is Kristin Michaela Anderson. I’m 12 years old I live in Coquitlam and my best friends include Sydnie Brown, Alicia Singh, Sydnie Thomas and Alexandra Naudi. My birthday is March 3oth 1998 I’m in Gr.7 and play basketball for TCYBA on the thunderbirds team.

19. The end Have a Merry Christmas