英語資料：圣誕節的習俗雙語版

　　圣誕節一直是個美好的節日。這是上帝之子誕生的日子，因此對世界各地的基督徒來說，這一天是非常神圣的。圣誕季節自然少不了各種圣誕傳統。下面這些傳統，可是幾個世紀以來一直世界各地的人們一直熱鬧歡慶的習俗。

　　Christmas is one of the most beautiful holidays of all time. It is the day when God’s 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.

　　圣誕節當天，許多人會去教堂，在圣誕節，他們還會交換禮物，及用冬青、榭寄生和圣誕樹來裝飾自己的家。

　　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.

　　1. 烘烤圣誕蛋糕

　　Christmas cake

　　這項英式傳統早在幾個世紀以前就流傳開了，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了。圣誕蛋糕由雞蛋、黃油、甜點、水果等烘制而成�，F如今，圣誕蛋糕已成為圣誕菜譜不可或缺的一部分。

　　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.

　　2. 裝扮圣誕樹

　　Decorating the Christmas tree

　　這個傳統指的是用彩燈、金箔、花環、飾品、糖果條等裝扮松樹。現如今，圣誕樹也是歡慶節日不可或缺的一部分。

　　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.

　　3. 點燃圣誕蠟燭

　　Lighting up the Christmas candle

　　這個傳統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，暗示他們仍在心里默默禱告。

　　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.

　　4. 給親友送禮物

　　Sending gifts to loved ones

　　這個傳統源自一個傳說：三位智者在圣誕節給嬰兒耶穌送出了禮物。每年圣誕節，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。

　　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.

　　5. 唱圣誕頌歌

　　Singing Christmas carols

　　這是一個古老的習俗：圣誕期間總是回蕩著一首又一首圣誕傳統歌曲。歌曲給人們帶來歡樂，也增添了節日的氣氛。每年歡度圣誕之際，《第一個圣誕節》、《鈴兒響叮當》、《普世歡騰》等各種圣誕圣歌或頌歌都會奏響旋律。

　　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.

　　6. 分發圣誕糖果

　　Distributing Christmas candies

　　這是所有傳統中最有趣的一個。圣誕季人們向鄰居們分發圣誕糖果;圣誕節那天，所有誤會與仇恨統統化解，鄰里之間團結一致共同慶祝耶穌的誕生。

　　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.

　　這些傳統沿襲已有幾十年，一年比一年熱鬧，盛況可謂有增無減。相信隨著時間的推移，人們對傳統習俗的熱情只會越來越高。

　　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.