The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany, where they decorated fir trees with biscuits and candles. This tradition spread to Britain after Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert and became a staple of the royal family's Christmas celebrations. Today, Christmas trees are decorated with lights, tinsel, and topped with an angel or star. Towns also decorate trees in public parks and squares with lights. Famous Christmas trees include the large tree in Trafalgar Square, London given by Norway, and the Rockefeller Center tree in New York decorated with over 5 miles of lights. Charity organizations collect money and gifts for poor and homeless people during the Christmas season. Popular Christmas activities include sending greeting cards, singing carols, and attending

1. CHRISTMAS

2. Christmas TreeThe tradition of the Christmas tree comes from Germany. Germans had a fir tree in their homes and they decorated it with biscuits and candles.

3. Christmas treeIn Great Britain the Christmas tree became popular after 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, a German. He brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to the Royal Family.

4. Christmas treePeople decorate the tree with colored lights and at the top of the tree they usually put an angel or a star.

5. Christmas decorationThey usually decorate their homes and gardens with other Christmas symbols such as holly, mistletoe and paper decorations.

6. Towns decorationTowns and cities, usually decorate the trees in the parks with colored lights.

7. LondonEvery year there is a very big Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square London. It is a present from people of Norway.This tradition started in 1947, when the Norwegians wanted to thank the British for their help during World War IIThis tree is about 25 meters tall and it is decorated with white lights.

8. New YorkAmerica’s most famous Christmas tree is at the Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City.This spectacular Christmas tree has about five miles of lights! Every Christmas millions of people go ice skating near the Rockefeller tree.

9. Toy shopsIf you want to buy toys, in London there is a great toy shop called Hamleys. There are six floors full of toys and interesting games for all ages.

10. Charity organizationsChristmas is a happy time, but it is also a time to help and remember others: no one wants to be alone at Christmas.During the Christmas season charity organizations ask for money for the poor people and the homeless in their town.They organize free meals and often give toys to the poor children

11. CHRISTMAS CARDSIn Great Britain and America people send Christmas cards to their friends and relatives; they usually buy boxes of Christmas cards, often from charity organizations.Christmas CardsUsuallySay:Merry ChristmasHappyHolidaysSeason´s Greetings

12. Christmas CarolsChristmas carols and Christmas music are very popular. People sing Christmas carols in church, in town centers and sometime in front of their neighbors' houses.

13. PantomimesIn Great Britain pantomimes are very popular.Pantomime is a comic theatre with songs.A man usually acts the part of an old woman. This is a funny part.The audience sometimes participates in the performance.