[originaltext] Christmas is America’s most popular holiday. Some people atte

Christmas is America’s most popular holiday. Some people attend church and observe Christmas as the birthday of Christ. For others Christmas is just a day of fun and celebration, a time for family and friends to get together, exchange gifts and enjoy a huge holiday dinner. During the last days of November American homes and stores begin to be decorated with Christmas trees and bright lights. Schools and churches prepare special holiday concerts. People go to parties, buy fine gifts and prepare special Christmas food.
    Some people criticize Christmas. They say it is not religious enough. They say the holiday has become such big business that Americans forget it was created to honor the birth of Christ. It is true that people spend a lot of money during the holiday season. Store owners expect to get from 60 to 70 percent of their yearly earnings during the month before Christmas.
    Defenders of Christmas, however, point out that Americans also do many special things to help each other at Christmas time. One international organization assists more than two and one half million people in the United States each Christmas. The organization gives out toys, warm clothing, food and many other kinds of aid.