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Christmas is a time to spend with family and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Many countries who are not predominately Christian refuse to celebrate it. Here is a list of just 10 of the countries.
1. United States:
When Puritans arrived in America in 1620 they were against Christmas. They called the holiday the “Foolstide” and banned their followers from celebrating it until 18th century. The only holiday they accepted was the Sabbath. When the governor of the Massachusetts colony, Sir Edmund Andros tried to sponsor Christian Day services, he was flanked by redcoats. The opposition continued even past 1800s.
Recently, news spread that a school in Texas banned Santa and a school in California banned Christmas Trees and poinsettias, stipulating they were too religious.
2. Albania:
In 1967, a ban on religious activity was official. The ban was not lifted until 1991 when the communist state fell. Christians were able to attend Christmas service for the first time In 23 years in December of 1990.
3. North Korea:
There are no holidays in North Korea, except for the ones which celebrate the birthdays of its leaders (e.g. the late Kim Jong-il). They even claimed that South Korea’s attempt in placing Christmas Lights on display was an act of psychological warfare.
4. Saudi Arabia:
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia or working as a teacher in the country, do not expect any holidays on Christmas. In fact Christmas cards and Christmas trees are banned from the country. The country follows strict Islamic mores, which means that the rulers consider themselves key guardians of faith.
5. Iran:
Religious freedom is curtailed in the country. This is not surprising as many women are being caught for indecent dressing and people are prosecuted for their beliefs.
A beautiful calf leather designer French Wallet by Ralph Laurent would be the ideal gift for the better half on Christmas. Made in Italy it is reasonably priced at a little over two hundred dollars. It has a perfectly matched buckle and ring on a smart belt going round the center of the wallet. The size is very handy at four inches by five and a half inches with a depth or width of one and a half inches. It looks elegant in a natural buff finish. Definitely something the wife would be pleased to get on Christmas.
This wireless reading device is the ideal gift for someone who loves reading books. It is sold under the brand name of Kindle. It has a six inch reading area with a contrast that makes reading as natural as reading from a paper book. The lightweight reading device weighs only 8.5 ounces. It has a battery life which lasts amazingly for a month which is enormous by all standards. The Kindle book reader can access a huge library of 900,000 books and magazines including the New York Times best sellers list. A majority of the classic books are free for down loading. The reading device is Wi-Fi enabled.
Your parents have lived in their home town for years. They have walked the streets, driven to the mall and parked in pleasant areas of the city. Perhaps you can give them a new perspective of their city. A helicopter ride over the city you love can be an exciting gift. Taken in the evening one can see the sparkling lights of the city on Christmas. A bird’s eye view from a helicopter.
There is always a chef in the family. This is the ideal tool for him or her. It is a whipping tool in stainless steel. It can be used for making sauces, creams, foams, batters and mixtures for beverages. It is a great flavour injector and ideal for making a delicious and tender turkey. This is completely dish washer safe. The beautiful kitchen tool has been designed and crafted by super designers of Austria. It is ideal for making whipped desserts. Espumas and Mousse are just a shake away with the gourmet whip. It comes with three decorator tips.
This is the perfect gift for Mom. A totally paid visit to a chic Spa can be the perfect Christmas gift. The visit includes relaxing massages and soothing facials. The prepaid gift package can include all the frills for the grooming of a beautiful woman. The spa certificate can include many additional features like manicures and pedicures. It would be perfect with a sauna and a lounging day at the swimming pool. Add on a Brazilian waxing for the perfect day at the spa.
Everybody is aware of the fact that Jesus received myrrh as a gift from the magi which is basically tree sap that is dried out. What people don’t know is that the first myrrh tree came into being because Myrrha was indulging in sexual activities with her father and once her father realized it, he tried to kill her. However, she escaped and was turned into a tree.
Every nativity set consist of Mary, Joseph and their baby Jesus. The family is often surrounded by animals, shepherds and other figures. In places like Italy and Spain, one figure will be that of the caganer who will be placed away from the manger and will be seen defecating.
Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, is known to have brought three children back to life. These children were staying with a butcher who murdered and pickled them. He then tried to serve the meat as pork but good old Santa came by and resuscitated the poor children. There are several paintings of Saint Nicolas wherein some children will be seen standing around in tubs- now you know why!
During 1659 to 1681, the holiday was not celebrated in Massachusetts and was banned. This is because it was believed that 25th December was not a day to be celebrated as God had not mentioned it in the Bible.
Knecht Rupercht is among the many companions of Saint Nicholas. He is known to punish those who have been bad by taking them to a forest in a sack and eating them. Another legend says that if you do not buy new clothes on Christmas, the Christmas Cat will come and eat you alive.
