Christmas is one of the most beautiful holidays of all time. It is the day when Gods son was born on earth. Hence, this day is sacred for all Christians around the world. The Christmas season gives rise to a number of Christmas traditions that come along. Here are a few of them that are celebrated with zest and enthusiasm worldwide for centuries.

　　圣诞节一直是个美好的节日。这是上帝之子诞生的日子，因此对世界各地的基督徒来说，这一天是非常神圣的。圣诞季节自然少不了各种圣诞传统。下面这些传统，可是几个世纪以来一直世界各地的人们一直热闹欢庆的习俗。

　　On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services. During the Christmas season, they also exchange gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees.

　　圣诞节当天，许多人会去教堂，在圣诞节，他们还会交换礼物，及用冬青、榭寄生和圣诞树来装饰自己的家。

　　Preparation of the Christmas cake

　　烘烤圣诞蛋糕

　　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.

　　这项英式传统早在几个世纪以前就流传开了，以前人们在平安夜喝梅花粥。随着时间慢慢推移，人们还会享用果脯、蜂蜜及香料食物等，随后圣诞蛋糕便代替梅花粥出现了。圣诞蛋糕由鸡蛋、黄油、甜点、水果等烘制而成。现如今，圣诞蛋糕已成为圣诞菜谱不可或缺的一部分。

　　Decorating the Christmas tree

　　装扮圣诞树

　　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.

　　这个传统指的是用彩灯、金箔、花环、饰品、糖果条等装扮松树。现如今，圣诞树也是欢庆节日不可或缺的一部分。

　　Lighting up the Christmas candle

　　点燃圣诞蜡烛

　　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.

　　这个传统指的是人们会在圣诞期间在屋子外面放一支点燃的蜡烛。即便在最黑暗的屋子，蜡烛也能带来光明，寓意希望。早些年代，也就是基督徒深受迫害的时候，他们被禁止布道祷告。因此，基督徒们在屋外放一支蜡烛，暗示他们仍在心里默默祷告。

　　Sending gifts to loved ones