"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human exerience."

This saying speaks to the eternal nature of the soul and that thought is at the very center of Christmas.

In countries around the world Christmas is observed with diverse tradition. There are family gatherings, parades, secret gift giving, church services, prayers, parties and sometimes even tokens of shame for the naughty. There are as many ways to say Merry Christmas as there are ways to actually observe it.

There are several elements of the season that mislead us in defining the day.

Born nearly 2000 years ago, not too long after the days that Jesus Christ walked the earth, Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in a tiny village in the country we today call Turkey.

Though Nicholas was a child of privilege, he was raised a Christian and at a very young age was devoted to the faith.

Nicholas' parents died while he was yet a boy. And not knowing what to do with himself or the fortune he inherited, he turned to his Bible and read the words of admonishment that Christ gave to a wealthy man: "Sell all thou hath and give it to the poor and follow me".

Nicholas went to his village priest, confessed his sins and expressed the desires of his heart. He wished to become a priest.

Because he was an orphan, the priest took him in. And soon he found that Nicholas was no ordinary boy. Legend tells the story of a young Nicholas visiting the Holy Land with his village priest. On the return voyage, over stormy waters, their ship was cast about and all aboard feared for their lives. Nicholas steadfastly prayed for the safety of the passengers and crew. His faith astonished those with him as the storm passed and the waters calmed.

The Elves were complaining about not getting paid for the overtime they had put in while making toys and were threatening to go on strike. Four of the elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Mrs. Claus had burned all the Christmas cookies. Then she told Santa that her mother was coming to visit....

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Thus, although customs differ from state to state, there are certain essentials of the Christmas celebration that are quite similar to all the Scandinavian countries. In these countries, Christmas is just the beginning of a time of celebration - a season of hospitality and visiting. During these many days of celebration, to dispel the gloom of the never-ending twilight of winter, the Scandinavians light thousands of candles.

Here are some handy hints to celebrate Christmas the way the Scandinavians do.

The cold windy days at the end of the year let us know that winter is upon us. The excitement of the whole world's joyful wishes fills the air as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Noel9 has a special message and gift that we wish to send you on this most beautiful day. We wish everyone comfort and joy while you celebrate amongst your loved ones.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS