1.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.
這項英式傳統(tǒng)早在幾個世紀(jì)以前就流傳開了，以前人們在平安夜喝梅花粥。隨著時間慢慢推移，人們還會享用果脯、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、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。
2.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.
這個傳統(tǒng)源自一個傳說：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互贈禮物，圣誕老人的故事也源自這個傳統(tǒng)。
3.Decorating the Christmas tree 裝扮圣誕樹
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.
這個傳統(tǒng)指的是用彩燈、金箔、花環(huán)、飾品、糖果條等裝扮松樹�，F(xiàn)如今，圣誕樹也是歡慶節(jié)日不可或缺的一部分。
4.Lighting up the Christmas candle 點燃圣誕蠟燭
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.
這個傳統(tǒng)指的是人們會在圣誕期間在屋子外面放一支點燃的蠟燭。即便在最黑暗的屋子，蠟燭也能帶來光明，寓意希望。早些年代，也就是基督徒深受迫害的時候，他們被禁止布道禱告。因此，基督徒們在屋外放一支蠟燭，暗示他們?nèi)栽谛睦锬?a target="_blank" title="禱">禱告。
5.Singing Christmas carols 唱圣誕頌歌
It refers to the age-old custom of enchanting a number of traditional Christmas songs during the Christmas season. It adds to the joy and fun to the atmosphere. Different Christmas hymns or carols like The First Noel, Jingle Bells, Joy to the world, etc are sung every Christmas as a part of the Christmas celebration.
這是一個古老的習(xí)俗：圣誕期間總是回蕩著一首又一首圣誕傳統(tǒng)歌曲。歌曲給人們帶來歡樂，也增添了節(jié)日的氣氛。每年歡度圣誕之際，《第一個圣誕節(jié)》、《鈴兒響叮當(dāng)》、《普世歡騰》等各種圣誕圣歌或頌歌都會奏響旋律。
6.Making of Cribs 制作圣誕馬槽
This is yet another age-old tradition of Christmas. A crib refers to the Nativity Scene that is prepared using small statues. The first crib ever was made outside a church of St. Francis of Assisi for children to show them how the Nativity scene was like. Since then, this tradition became very popular.
這也是一個古老的圣誕習(xí)俗。人們用小雕像和馬槽營造耶穌誕生的場景。第一個馬槽建在圣法蘭西斯一所教堂外面，意在向孩子們展示耶穌誕生的場景。從那以后這個習(xí)俗便一直流傳了下來。
7.Distributing Christmas candies 分發(fā)圣誕糖果
This is one of the most wonderful traditions of all. Christmas candies are distributed to neighbors during the Yuletide season. On the day of Christmas, all misunderstandings and grudges are forgotten and the community comes together to celebrate the birth of Christ.
這是所有傳統(tǒng)中最有趣的一個。圣誕季人們向鄰居們分發(fā)圣誕糖果：圣誕節(jié)那天，所有誤會與仇恨統(tǒng)統(tǒng)化解，鄰里之間團(tuán)結(jié)一致共同慶祝耶穌的誕生。
These traditions have been carried out for decades, yet they are celebrated with more and more exuberance each year. The level of excitement has never gone down. It just keeps getting better and better with time.
這些傳統(tǒng)沿襲已有幾十年，一年比一年熱鬧，盛況可謂有增無減。相信隨著時間的推移，人們對傳統(tǒng)習(xí)俗的熱情只會越來越高。