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The concept of exchanging gifts on the day of Christmas is a custom and tradition adopted from the west. Gifts are exchanged between family members, friends and other loved ones. Certain gifts are also given to us by a person called the Father Christmas. He has many other names as well like Saint Nicholas, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, Saint Basil, Weihnachtsmann, Father Frost, Joulupukki, Kris Kringle, and Sinterklaas. But we best know him as Santa Claus. The person behind the creation of the image of Santa Claus was Thomas Nast. He was a american – german cartoonist.
Nast used to draw a new image every year. Every year he used to make certain changes and finally in the beginning of the year 1880, the Santa had taken a look of the way we know him at present. In the 1920’s this image of Santa was confirmed, standardised and adopted by various advertisers. Santa’s wife is often thought of and is given the name Mrs. Claus. In the 15th century the Father Christmas who comes before Santa Claus was thought to be associated with drunkenness and merry making. Later in the Victorian Britain, his image was changed so much so that it could match the image of Santa. Later even Pere Noel also followed the same steps and started adopting the image of Santa eventually. Babbo Natale is the one who acts as Santa Claus in Italy. And it is thought that the person who comes on the eve of the festival epiphany and gives gifts is La Befana. La Befana brings gifts for all children and it is said that she was supposed to get the gifts given by Jesus, but she lost them on her way. It is also believed that in some cultures Black Peter or Knecht Ruprecht accompany Santa Claus. In some cultures, it is said that the toys are made by elves.
The one who brings gifts that is Sinterklaas and the Dutch holyman are considered as the basis for the image of Santa Claus in North America. In many American Latin countries like Colombia and Venezuela, the tradition at present is that Baby Jesus delivers the gifts to all the children in their homes. But actually the toys are made by none other than Santa Claus. The issue is that this story is torn between the globalisation that exista today and the traditional, old religious thoughts and beliefs. In the 19th century a native plant in Mexico called the poinsettia is said to be very much associated with Christmas. Other plants that are very popular and famous and are used during the christms festive season are mistletoe, holly, Christmas cactus, red amaryllis.
People decorate a christmas tree on Christmas which is the trademark for Christmas. Apart from that people also decorate their homes from insides with evergreen foliage and garlands along with the above mentioned plants. In many countries in North and South America and Australia, it is a custom to illuminate houses with lighting and also have Christmas figures like snowmen and sleighs.
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