It’s December already, and Christmas is on the way! Come and see our Christmas decorations here at Hario. We’ve put up lights around our school to spread the Christmas cheer. We’ve also put up our tree and hung up our stockings, that’s where Santa leaves his presents for us.
Who is Santa Claus? He has had different names throughout history and around the World. He is also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy and Sinterklass in The Netherlands. There was a 4th century Greek bishop called Saint Nicholas who was famous for giving gifts to the poor. During the Middle Ages, often on the evening before his name day of 6 December, children were given gifts in his honour. This day eventually changed to December 25th, and the name Saint Nicholas changed to Santa Claus. His image of a big, jolly man in a red suit with a white beard came much later, and developed over the 19th and 20th century through media and advertising. This gift giving day coincides with the birthday of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated in many Christian cultures. And that’s how we have the modern culture of Christmas.
We want to spread the Christmas cheer here at Hario, which is why we have our big Christmas Party every year. It’s in the middle of December and promises to be a fun packed day. You might even get to meet Santa! We have asked him to take time out from his busy schedule and come visit us. But sign up soon, because the deadline is tomorrow! See you at the party.
Alan