There a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but perhaps the most important one is giving of presents. Family members wrap up their gifts and leave them at the bottom of the Christmas tree to be found on Christmas morning.

Before Christmas, groups of singers go from house to house. They collect money for charity and sing carols, traditional Christmas songs.

Children wrie letters to Santa and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's reguests. Ma ny companies give presents to their employments.

Going home for Christmas is a most cherished tradition of the holiday season. No matter where you may be the rest of the year, being at "home" with your family and friends for Christmas is a "must". The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are the busiest times of the year at airports, train stations, and bus depots.

Another important custom of Christmas is ti send and receive Christmas cards, which are meant to help express the sentiment of the seaon.Americans begin sendind these cards early in December to friends, acquaintances and co-workers. The post-office advises customers to mail early in the season and avoid the Christmas rush.