Christmas is a popular festival celebrated in about 160 countries across the globe. The celebration time varies: in some places, it starts at the beginning of December, while in others, it lasts until January. It’s a special time when people gather with families and friends to share joy.
Colourful decorations are an important part of Christmas. Many families put up Christmas trees at home, which can be real or artificial. People decorate the trees with lights and ornaments(装饰品), and usually place a star on the top. Besides, streets in many towns and cities are also decorated with beautiful lights, making the whole area full of festive cheer.
Presents are another exciting part of Christmas. Many children around the world look forward to Santa Claus, who brings them gifts. Some children put a large stocking by their beds on Christmas Eve, and they will find the stocking full of presents the next morning. In other places, children get small gifts in their shoes.
Christmas food and weather are different everywhere. Families often share delicious meals together: some eat roast meat and potatoes, some have fish, and others enjoy soup or vegetable dishes. Many countries also have their own traditional puddings, biscuits and cakes. As for weather, northern hemisphere(半球) countries usually have cold, snowy winters at Christmas, but in southern hemisphere countries, Christmas is in summer, so people can celebrate it on the beach under the sun. Some even have barbecues or outdoor parties.
Although Christmas traditions vary from country to country, it is always a warm and special time of the year for people who celebrate it. Merry Christmas!
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1.1. How long can Christmas last in some places?
A Only on December 25th.
B It may last until January.
C Through February sometimes.
D For several winter months.
解析：选B。1.B细节理解题。根据第一段第二句“while in others, it lasts until January”，可知在某些地方圣诞节可能持续到一月。A、C、D均与原文时间描述不符。故选B。
2.2. What is usually placed on top of a Christmas tree?
A A shining star.
B A colorful flower.
C A small bell.
D A filled stocking.
解析：选A。2.A细节理解题。根据第二段第三句“usually place a star on the top”，可知星星是圣诞树顶的典型装饰。B、C、D均为其他装饰或物品，不符合原文。故选A。
3.3. How do children feel about Christmas presents?
A They are bored.
B They are scared.
C They are excited.
D They are angry.
解析：选C。3.C推理判断题。根据第三段第一句“Presents are another exciting part of Christmas”及第二句“Many children...look forward to Santa Claus”，可推断孩子们对礼物感到兴奋（excited）。A、B、D均为负面情绪，与原文基调不符。故选C。
4.4. What is Christmas weather like in the southern hemisphere?
A Cold and snowy.
B Warm and sunny.
C Windy and rainy.
D Cloudy and cool.
解析：选B。4.B细节理解题。根据第四段最后一句“in southern hemisphere countries, Christmas is in summer, so people can celebrate it on the beach under the sun”（在南半球国家，圣诞节时正值夏季，人们可以在阳光下于海滩庆祝），可推知天气温暖晴朗（warm and sunny）。A为北半球天气，C、D未在原文提及。故选B。
5.5. What does Christmas mainly mean to celebrators?
A A time for busy work.
B A lonely holiday period.
C A noisy public festival.
D A warm time with family.
解析：选D。5.D推理判断题。综合第一段末句“It’s a special time when people gather with families and friends to share joy”及最后一段“it is always a warm and special time...”，可推断圣诞节的核心意义是“与家人共度温暖时光”。A、B、C均与原文情感基调相反。故选D。
