by María Pérez 1º Bachillerato EFL I.E. “V. Cañada Blanch” London 2010-2011

1. THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS by María Pérez González 1º Bachillerato (EFL) I.E. V. Cañada Blanch London 2010-2011

2. Puerta del Sol (Madrid)

3. We know he was born in Asia Minor in the third century A.D. and later became one of the most important figures in Italy.He came from a wealthy family. Whenhis parents died he divided his fortune among the needy.After that, Santa Claus arrived in Europe. He used to be represented with a white horse-drawn sleigh. The horses later were replaced by reindeer. SANTA CLAUS:

5. The Christmas tree spread through Europe and America then.

6. Christmas cards had not been used until 1870, although the first one was printed in London in 1846.

7. The custom of decorating the Christmas tree in houses was invented by a woman of Russian origin.

9. CHRISTMAS IN OTHER COUNTRIES Brazil: In this country, a family member dresses up as Santa Claus or hires someone to do it. So the days before Christmas there are often large groups of “Santas" sitting in the streets waiting for someone to take the contract. Chile:Before you get the presents, a “Father Christmas” is brought to the kids to walk to where the gifts are.

10. China Wall (China) Trafalgar Square (London) Coliseo (Rome) Puerta del Sol (Madrid)

11. Sources: http://navidad.suite101.net/article.cfm/costumbres_de_navidad http://www.suite101.net/content/la-navidad-los-ninos-y-el-origen-de-pap-noel-a29059 http://www.navidadlatina.com/historia/ googleimages