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。

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。現如今，圣誕蛋糕已成為圣誕菜譜不可或缺的一部分。

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。

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。

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。