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Decorating a Christmas tree with Christmas lights and Christmas ornaments, and the
decoration of the interior of the home with garlands and evergreen foliage, particularly holly
and mistletoe, are common traditions. In North and South America and to a lesser extent
Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outs ide of hous es with lights , and sometimes with
illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures.
The traditional Christmas flower is the poinsettia. Other popular holiday plants are
holly, red amaryllis and Christmas cactus.
Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well, hanging Christmas banners from
street lights or placing Christmas trees in the town square. In the United States, decorations
once commonly included religious themes. This practice has led to much adjudication, as
opponents insist that it amounts to the government endorsing one particular religious faith.
In many countries, businesses, schools, and communities have Christmas parties and
dances. These often take place during the several weeks before Christmas Day. Some
groups put on Christmas pageants, which may or may not include a retelling of the story of
the birth of Christ. Such enactments are especially common in Latin America. Groups also
may go out carolling, visiting neighborhood homes to sing Christmas songs. Others are
reminded by the holiday of man's fellowship with man, and do extra volunteer work, or hold
fundraising drives for charities.
On Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve, a special meal of Christmas dishes is usually
served, for which there are traditional menus in each country. In some regions, particularly
in Eastern Europe, these family feasts are preceeded by a period of fasting. Candy and treats
are also part of the Christmas celebration in many countries.
Text 2. Regional customs and celebr ations
Northern Europe
In Germany and the Netherlands, celebration of Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th
resembles the Christmas of the English-speaking world. The Dutch Sinterklaasavond (St.
Nicholas evening) is more important than Christmas, although in recent years, some Dutch
have started to celebrate Christmas Eve with Santa as well.
Sinterklaas, based on the real Saint Nicholas and from whom the English and
American Santa evolved, brings presents on the evening of December 5 to every child who
has been good. He wears a red bishop's dress with a red mitre, rides a white horse over the
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