圣誕節(jié)一直是個(gè)美好的節(jié)日。這是上帝之子誕生的日子，因此對(duì)世界各地的基督徒來(lái)說(shuō)，這一天是非常神圣的。圣誕季節(jié)自然少不了各種圣誕傳統(tǒng)。下面這些傳統(tǒng)，可是幾個(gè)世紀(jì)以來(lái)一直世界各地的人們一直熱鬧歡慶的習(xí)俗。

Preparation of the Christmas cake

烘烤圣誕蛋糕

This was an English tradition which started centuries ago. On Christmas eve, plum porridge was served to the people. As years passed, various other things like dry fruits, honey and spices were used. Soon this porridge got replaced with the Christmas cake. Christmas cakes are made using eggs, butter, confections, fruits, etc. Today a Christmas cake is an integral part of a Christmas menu.

這項(xiàng)英式傳統(tǒng)早在幾個(gè)世紀(jì)以前就流傳開(kāi)了，以前人們?cè)谄桨惨购让坊ㄖ?。隨著時(shí)間慢慢推移，人們還會(huì)享用果脯、蜂蜜及香料食物等，隨后圣誕蛋糕便代替梅花粥出現(xiàn)了。圣誕蛋糕由雞蛋、黃油、甜點(diǎn)、水果等烘制而成?，F(xiàn)如今，圣誕蛋糕已成為圣誕菜譜不可或缺的一部分。

Sending gifts to loved ones

給親友送禮物

This tradition comes from the story of the three wise men who got gifts for baby Jesus on Christmas. Every Christmas, gifts are exchanged among loved ones, especially children. The story of Santa Claus also comes from this tradition.

這個(gè)傳統(tǒng)源自一個(gè)傳說(shuō)：三位智者在圣誕節(jié)給嬰兒耶穌送出了禮物。每年圣誕節(jié)，親朋好友尤其是孩子們都會(huì)互贈(zèng)禮物，圣誕老人的故事也源自這個(gè)傳統(tǒng)。

Decorating the Christmas tree

裝扮圣誕樹(shù)

This refers to the tradition of decorating a pine tree using lights, tinsels, garlands, ornaments, candy canes, etc. Today, a Christmas tree is an indispensable part of Christmas celebration.

這個(gè)傳統(tǒng)指的是用彩燈、金箔、花環(huán)、飾品、糖果條等裝扮松樹(shù)?，F(xiàn)如今，圣誕樹(shù)也是歡慶節(jié)日不可或缺的一部分。

Lighting up the Christmas candle

點(diǎn)燃圣誕蠟燭

This refers to the tradition of placing a lighted candle outside houses during the Christmas season. A candle signifies hope as it brings light even to the darkest room. In the earlier times, when Christians were persecuted, they were not allowed to practice prayers. Hence, a single candle used to be placed outside the house as a sign that Christian prayers were being conducted inside.

這個(gè)傳統(tǒng)指的是人們會(huì)在圣誕期間在屋子外面放一支點(diǎn)燃的蠟燭。即便在最黑暗的屋子，蠟燭也能帶來(lái)光明，寓意希望。早些年代，也就是基督徒深受迫害的時(shí)候，他們被禁止布道禱告。因此，基督徒們?cè)谖萃夥乓恢灎T，暗示他們?nèi)栽谛睦锬\告。