Learn by Listening Level 2

[00:00.10]Christmas|[00:02.31] In most Western countries,|[00:03.74] Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year.|[00:07.17] People gather with their families to celebrate this day,|[00:10.53] which occurs on December 25th each year.|[00:14.51] The holiday of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.|[00:19.42] In the Christian religion, Jesus Christ|[00:22.65] is recognized as the Son of God.|[00:25.64] During the Christmas season,|[00:27.69] many people celebrate the events|[00:29.68] of the birth of Jesus Christ.|[00:31.86] For example, they recall the three wise men|[00:35.47] who visited Jesus Christ shortly after his birth.|[00:38.89] Also, they recall that Jesus Christ was born in a manger|[00:43.74] (a place where horses are kept),|[00:46.42] because his parents could not find a place to stay.|[00:49.96] In Western countries,|[00:51.33] Christmas is also celebrated by many people|[00:54.51] who are not religious.|[00:56.12] People view Christmas as a time|[00:58.55] for being together with one's relatives.|[01:01.35] Children, parents, and grandparents|[01:03.77] gather to exchange presents and to eat special foods.|[01:07.63] The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas|[01:11.11] is unusual in one way.|[01:13.17] When children go to bed on the evening before Christmas,|[01:16.59] they hang large socks (called stockings) in their house.|[01:20.69] When they wake up on Christmas morning,|[01:22.93] the stockings have been filled with toys and candy.|[01:26.67] According to tradition,|[01:28.59] the presents have been given by a fat man|[01:31.27] who wears a white beard and a red suit.|[01:34.57] This man, called Santa Claus, flies around the world|[01:38.80] in a sled that is pulled by reindeer.|[01:41.66] He stops at each house and flies down the chimney|[01:45.27] to deliver his presents.|[01:46.88] In the weeks before Christmas,|[01:48.69] children are usually very well behaved.|[01:52.17] Their parents tell them|[01:53.73] that Santa Claus will only give presents to children|[01:56.77] who are good!|[01:57.95] Another Christmas tradition is the Christmas tree.|[02:01.50] People put a small tree inside their house|[02:04.68] and decorate it with various pretty objects.|[02:07.72] Nowadays, most people use an artificial tree|[02:11.08] instead of a real tree.|[02:12.57] The tradition of the Christmas tree is actually older|[02:16.06] than Christmas itself - the people of Europe|[02:18.98] celebrated the beginning of the winter season|[02:21.47] in this way even before Christianity reached Europe.|[02:25.20] Christmas is certainly one of the most important|[02:28.44] and most enjoyed holidays in Western countries.