【明報專訊】■Mission 1

Santa wants to go through the chimney to deliver gifts, but part of the route is missing. Which of the following fit into the hole? (see the picture)

Christmas is coming in two weeks! The Smarties are busy, not fighting Eason, but setting up a Christmas tree and decorating their base with lights.

Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world, but customs vary from place to place. Christmas Day falls on December 25, but celebrations and religious rituals usually begin on the evening of December 24, or Christmas Eve. That night children hang stockings on the fireplace or near the bed for Santa Claus to put presents in when he visits.

In Western countries, people tend to celebrate Christmas at home with their family. Shops are closed and streets are deserted on Christmas Day. In contrast, shops and restaurants in Hong Kong are busy and transport services continue till very late and even throughout the night. People have fun together and enjoy the festive atmosphere both at home and in the street.

December 26 is known as Boxing Day. In the past, collection boxes in churches were opened and donations were given to the poor that day.

◆Do you know?

In the Netherlands (荷蘭), children leave Christmas shoes instead of stockings by the fireplace or windowsill!

■Mission 2

The Smarties haven't got much tinsel or many ornaments left for their Christmas tree! Be creative and help them with the decoration!

■Mission 3

Santa Claus is not a myth. He lives in Finland! To know more about him, fill in the following blanks with the words provided! (Each word can be used only once.)

to / within / from / in / with

Santa Claus Village, which is near Rovaniemi (羅凡尼米), is Santa Claus' official home. It is in northern Finland, 1. ______ the Arctic Circle. In the village Santa Claus has an office, where he meets and chats 2. ______ visitors from around the world. Like other people working in the village, Santa Claus has fixed working hours. 3. ______ December, he works 4. ______ 9 am 5. ______ 7 pm. Santa Claus stays there every day throughout the year, not just in Christmas. You may write Santa a letter and send it to the following address.

TO:

Santa Claus

Santa Claus Main Post Office

FI-96930 Arctic Circle, FINLAND

(answers on next text)

■Key words

Christmas Eve 聖誕節前夕/ 平安夜

stockings 聖誕襪

Boxing Day 節禮日

■Glossary

chimney (n) 煙囪

fireplace (n) 壁爐

windowsill (n) 窗台

decorate (v) 裝飾

deserted (adj) 空無一人的

tinsel (n) 金屬箔裝飾條

ornament (n) 飾物

myth (n) 神話