Category Archives: christmas

christmas

My Christmas Greetings To All

       As everyone knows, I do not play my piano as often as I would like. However, when the festive season rolls around, there’s an irresistible pull to bring out the keys and indulge in the joyous melodies of Christmas. To spread some holiday cheer, I’ve compiled a list of my four favorite Christmas songs that are perfect for the season’s greetings.

First on the list is the timeless classic, “Jingle Bells.” This merry tune never fails to get everyone in the holiday spirit with its upbeat rhythm and cheerful lyrics. Next up, we have the iconic “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” Its catchy tune and lively vibe make it an absolute must-play during gatherings and celebrations.

Another favorite of mine is “Feliz Navidad,” a joyous song that brings a delightful mix of English and Spanish lyrics, spreading happiness across cultures. And of course, “Silent Night” holds a special place in my heart for its serene and peaceful melody, capturing the true essence of the season.

As I sit by the piano keys, ready to bring these cherished tunes to life, I hope these songs resonate with you and bring warmth, joy, and harmony to your homes this Christmas. Here’s to a festive season filled with music, laughter, and love!

christmas

Norway provides the tree in Trafalgar Square

christmas facts  christmas tree in trafalger square at dusk

Norway provides the tree in Trafalgar Square

    Londoners and visitors alike probably know the iconic spruce that stretches to the sky in Trafalgar Square each year, but few realize it’s an equally iconic holiday gift. Since 1947, the city of Oslo in Norway has given the tree to London as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.

christmas

Christmas in China

Christmas in China

In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about Christmas. Because of this, Christmas is only often celebrated in major cities. In these big cities there are Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Santa Claus is called ‘Shengdan Laoren’ (old Christmas Man) and has grottos in shops like in Europe and America. The post men might dress up as Santa when delivering letters before Christmas!

More young people are celebrating Christmas in cities where Christmas parties are becoming popular and it’s also a time where young couples will be gifts for each other, a bit like Valentine’s day.

In Chinese Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Sheng Dan Kuai Le or 圣诞快乐’ in Mandarin and ‘Seng Dan Fai Lok or 聖誕快樂’ in Cantonese. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

In China, Santa is known as ‘Sheng dan lao ren’ (Traditional: 聖誕老人, Simplified: 圣诞老人; means Old Christmas Man).

Only a few people have a Christmas Tree. If people do have a tree it is normally a plastic one and might be decorated with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns (they might also call it a tree of light). The Christmas Trees that most people would see would be in shopping malls.

The strange thing is that most of the world’s plastic Christmas Trees and Christmas decorations are made in China, but the people making them might not have decorations like them in their own homes at Christmas!

A tradition that’s becoming popular, on Christmas Eve, is giving apples. Many stores have apples wrapped up in colored paper for sale. People give apples on Christmas Eve because in Chinese Christmas Eve is called “Ping’an Ye” (平安夜), meaning peaceful or quiet evening, which has been translated from the carol ‘Silent Night‘. The word for apple in Mandarin is “píngguǒ” (苹果) which sounds like the word for peace.

Some people go Carol singing, although not many people understand them or know about the Christmas Story. Jingle Bells is a popular Christmas song in China!

People who are Christians in China go to special services. Going to Midnight Mass services has become very popular.

 

christmas

The Rockefeller Christmas tree started small

a white man in a blue puffer jacket taking selfie in front of the rockefeller center christmas tree

The Rockefeller Christmas tree started small

   The first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center looked more like Charlie Brown’s than the resplendent one today. The iconic tree dates back to the Depression era. Construction workers first placed a small, undecorated tree while working there in 1931. Two years later, another tree appeared in its place, this time draped in lights. It just kept getting bigger every year. Today, the majestic tree bears more than 25,000 twinkling lights and sees millions of selfie-takers each season.