All about Christmas

Candy Canes,Nativity scene and Gift Giving

St. Francis of Assisi introduced Carols into Christmas celebration then. It is said that St.Francis borrowed some animals from farmers, decorated a cave near Grecchio, Northeast of Rome, to resemble a stable. He then placed a statue of the infant Jesus in the manger full of hay. On Christmas Eve, St.Francis held a midnight mass at the cave. It is believed to be the first recreation of the Nativity scene. The friars wrote and sang joyful songs in commemoration of the song the angels sang when to the shepherds at Bethlehem. It was also the first recital of carols with sacred theme.

Outdoor Carol singing seems to have started in the Middle Ages when groups of people went house to house to sing by torch-light. Through the centuries musicians wrote new carols; some sacred and others to celebrate feasting and drinking. Some of the best loved carols are "Silent Night, Holy Night', 'The First No Well', 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen' and 'We Three Kings of Orient Are".

Giving presents is also part of Christmas. The custom start in ancient Romans, who distributed gift during their midwinter festival. In the Bible story, The Wise Men, or Magi brought gift to the child Christ the twelfth day after his birth. In some countries, such as Italy and Spain, children do not get their presents on Christmas-- they receive them on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. In several northern European countries they get them December 6, which is the feast of St.Nicholas.

Lots of mouth watering sweets during Christmas season ; like candies,chocolates and candy canes or Santa's cane. A candy cane or peppermint stick is a cane-shaped stick candy often associated with Christmastide, as well as saint Nicholas day. It is traditionally white with red stripes and flavored with peppermint, but is also made in a variety of other flavors and colors.