聖誕節（Christmas）聖誕節是歐美國家一年中最重要的節日。它原本是耶穌基督（Jesus christ）誕辰紀念日，如今已成為西方國家全民性的節日，頗似中國的春節。聖誕節定於每年12月25日，而聖誕節節期（Christmas Season）往往持續二周。這段時期里，雪片般的賀卡飛往世界各地，電話線、通訊網頻繁地傳遞人們的祝福和問候；大街小巷粉飾一新，商店櫥窗前大減價、大拍賣的廣告格外醒目；到處可見人們拎着大包小包的節日用品匆匆而過，到處可聽見歡快的歌聲和笑聲。車站、機場里此時擠滿了盼望回家的人群，因為聖誕節也是家人團聚的日子。無論外出多遠，人們都會想方設法趕回家與親人團聚。新年（New Year's Day）在西方國家，儘管聖誕節才是最大的節日，新年在人們心目中仍佔有不可替代的重要地位。除夕之夜（New Year's Day）晚會是慶祝新年到來必不可少的活動。西方各國的人們都喜歡在歡快的樂曲和絢麗的光彩中喜氣洋洋地度過一年的最後一個夜晚。此時，化裝晚會特別受歡迎。來賓們把尊嚴和謹慎藏在面具之後，打扮得稀奇古怪。大家無拘無束，盡情玩樂，與平日的行為大相徑庭。在英美兩國，午夜鐘聲一響，參加晚會的人們還要手拉手高唱"友誼地久天長"這首著名的蘇格蘭民歌。萬聖節前夕（Halloween）假如你在10月的某一天徜徉在美國、英國或愛爾蘭等國的街頭，忽然發現到處掛滿了面目猙獰鬼臉。商店門外的音箱不時發出鬼怪凄厲的叫聲，你應該立刻意識到一年一度的萬聖節（All Saints's Day or All Holy Ones' Day ）再次來臨了。聖誕節ChristmasAn Ancient HolidayThe middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.感恩節The History of Thanksgiving and its CelebrationsCelebrationsThanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November.Thanksgiving Day in America is a time to offer thanks, of family gatherings and holiday meals. A time of turkeys, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. A time for Indian corn, holiday parades and giant balloons .Throughout history mankind has celebrated the bountiful harvest with thanksgiving ceremonies.Before the establishment of formal religions many ancient farmers believed that their crops contained spirits which caused the crops to grow and die. Many believed that these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested and they had to be destroyed or they would take revenge on the farmers who harvested them. Some of the harvest festivals celebrated the defeat of these spirits.Harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations were held by the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Hebrews, the Chinese, and the Egyptians.萬聖節Halloween OctoberSpooky, kooky, creepy, and fun! Halloween is the time of Ghosts, Goblins, Gravestones and Graveyards. Of Spooks and Spirits and silly-fun tricks. Of Witches and Warlocks and Scary Black Cats. And Candy Corn, Jelly Apples, Pumpkins and Bats.Halloween is one of the oldest holidays with origins going back thousands of years. The holiday we know as Halloween has had many influences from many cultures over the centuries. From the Roman's Pomona Day, to the Celtic festival of Samhain, to the Christian holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.是英漢對意.