New Year and Christmas (the celebration)

New Year is my favorite holiday, which is one of the most solemnized days worldwide. The day was formed by different customs and traditions. Each culture celebrates this holiday in its own unique way.

People who are fond of enjoyment start to prepare for the holiday at least one month in advance. The preparation begins by purchasing gifts, decorating houses, and making new costumes. Obviously, the holiday would not be complete without the symbol of the New Year- New Year tree. the unique tree having million small needles and staying green throughout the year.

The New Year Tree, which is one of the exciting things for kids and adults, is the object that you can see in every house during the winter holidays. The whole family takes part in decorating the tree with toys, candies and different colorful lights. Children consider the tree to be mysterious, because Santa Claus hides the presents under it. Children hope that Santa Claus, an old man with white beard and red fur coat, already hid the presents there. But the old man is punctual and kids are unable to see the presents before the midnight.

Right before the New Year, the whole city gets a new life and starts looking like an ant-hill. People all around you are hurrying, carrying New Year trees, presents, groceries or just walking around and looking at the holiday craziness. The entire city is beautifully decorated with lights in a variety of different colors hanging all over buildings.

Armenians are working the whole year for earning and saving enough money to celebrate the New Year properly. Decorations of the holiday table are baked turkey and pork leg as well as dolma and barbeque. The Christmas is not less important than the New Year, but Armenians do not treat to this holiday as they should. We are Christians and the birth of our God and Savior must be celebrated better than other common holidays.

Interesting facts about the New Year

1.      The earliest known New Year celebrations were in Mesopotamia and date back to 2000 B.C.

2.      The Gregorian calendar, which marks January 1st as the New Year, is adopted by the Roman Catholic Church.

3.      Chinese New Year is celebrated the second full moon after the winter solstice.

4.      Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. Apples and honey are traditionally eaten.

In ancient Rome the New Year began on March 1st.