The entire world celebrates Christmas, the streets and pathways, and houses are beautifully decorated with lights and designs. Few celebrate throughout the month while some do only for a week. It is a day in winter when the birthday of Jesus is a festivity of joy. No one can think of December without Christ if they celebrate or not. It may seem unbelievable as it is less mentioned or known that Christmas was illegal in the USA till 1836 from the 1600s.

Why does the USA mention Christmas is illegal?

To know about the reasons, it is essential to learn about the Puritans. They were basically from England but fled to The USA. They were the minority group of pilgrims living in America who brought a revolution in the country. During their revolution, they had changed the meaning of holidays, traditions, and festivals.

According to them, holidays are not productive, it is a waste of time. They believed that these holidays and celebrations distract from the core of religions and rituals. They believed that any practices that are not mentioned in the Bible should be removed. The holiness of Christ should be celebrated every day. It cannot be accomplished in one day.

Puritans’ revolution had brought a change and banned the celebration of Christ in The USA. This did not last long till ages which came to end after the 1800s. There was no Christmas till the 19th century but after which there was a removal of the ban.

Victorians Christmas celebrations

Until the 19th century, there was no birthday cake for Jesus but with the Victorians, there was a restart. It was during the Victorian age the popularity was rising. The making of cards, gifting to family and friends was a part of their tradition.

By the end of the century, it was celebrated with decorations, foods, and drinks with family and friends. Slowly, not only in the USA and England it was popular throughout the world.

The concept of wishing to be loved on this specific day was introduced in 1843. A business of printing cards wishing “Merry Christmas” not only boomed but also made this day popular. About 1000 designed cards were printed and sold in the market during the Victorian Era. No feasts, no holidays, just a wish card was enough.

Sir Henry Cole introduced the conception of card making and the first design was set by JC Hosley. Slowly the market was no longer bound to the beautiful cards but small toys, decorations were sold.

During the Victorian age, families were important which made them celebrate Christmas at home. It was a great inspiration to the entire world. Though in The USA it was officially illegal, people celebrate Christmas at home with family. Even in modern times, the Christmas trees are decorated, homes are beautified with decorations and lights. It is celebrated at home with relatives and family.

The main aim to ban Christmas in The USA is to redefine the meaning of holiness. The Revolution of the Puritans existed for a century which slowly ended by the Victorian Age.

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Christmas Island is one of the exciting places in Australia located in the Indian Ocean. Wondering about the strange name of the island? It was discovered on 25th December but in the year 1643 by a Sea Captain. This interesting fact develops a curiosity about the strange name of the island when seen from the bird’s eye view, it looks like a dog.
The beauty of the island is incomparable with mountains covered with blue visuals of the sea. Including greenery of the floras and faunas. Apart from it, the fascinating section which makes if popular are as follows:

Red and blue crabs
Red crabs roam around the island, millions of crabs are alive that are visible around the years. But at the beginning of the monsoon, the crabs are found to move not only on the beaches; but along the side of the roads and rocks near the sea. Red crabs make the population makes a beautiful red layer on the beach; it is not all about the red. Blue crabs are also seen around the beaches, so if exploring something and exceptional is reviving. Then the blue crabs are not only the specific ones. As the robber crabs, the largest surviving anthro-pod is present on Christmas Island.

Eco-Lodges
Though Christmas is all about being with friends and families but Christmas Island has always kept the place attractive for the traveler. So, spending a wonderful time within the paradise of the Jungles in the eco-friendly lodges are rejuvenating. The retreats present within the forest can provide the best feelings about the wildlife of the jungle. Also, experience the ambiance of the sea and its wild animals.
As well as refreshing positive vibes from the Indian Ocean seas altogether is an unbeatable treat even during December.

Asia is not far
It is just because of the Indian Ocean that Asia, as a continent, seems so far from Australian territory. The island is comparatively nearer to Asia than Australia, so if someone from Jakarta wants to travel to the other continent, it will take only a few hours to travel. Approximately 2 -3 hours taken in the flight traveling from the capital Jakarta, Asia and step down in the Territory of Australia.
So, the Indian Ocean brings Christmas Island more nearer to Asia!

Remote
As it is nearer to Asia, the island is a remote place in Australia. The area, being a remote place, many beaches remain unexplored. And people here are least connected to the main parts of Australia. Merrill Beach, it is difficult to reach the island unless there is low tide. These remote places are also not updated or lately receive information about the world. Media is least connected to this part of the country.
Christmas Island has a beauty community, as people from different parts of the neighboring continents stay as one cultural community. People from China, Malaysia, and also from Australia that is Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim stay together.

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This short film ‘The Stolen Christmas Affair’ by The Short Kuts showcases a story of working woman who feels caged in cramped walls of chawl.

She deeply want her Christmas to be memorable one. As she dabbles in her chores, she constantly think of her escape in a bid to get best Christmas eve for she cannot have it with her family.

Like her many people struggle every day to find happiness and they end up finding ways which sends them on guilt trip later.

So , will she take an extreme step to get what she desires ?

Do not forget to check out the end which may make you think that her decision was a legit one.

The post You Will Be Shocked To Know How She Had To Steal Her Christmas Present appeared first on Youngisthan.in.

Did you know? From 1659 to 1681, in Boston Christmas and merry making was once illegal?

As you are busy wrapping gifts and prepping for Christmas, we have listed out some interesting factoids that you may do not know about this festive season.

Scroll through the gallery to check out these mind blowing facts:

1. Nobody knows Christ’s birthday: Bible doesn’t mention specific date of His birth. Many historians say He was probably born during spring season given the fact of description of shepherds herding animals. Finally Pope Julius I chose 25 for the Feast of Nativity.

The post 10 Things About Christmas You Probably Do Not Know appeared first on Youngisthan.in.

Christmas is knocking at the door and we will be ushered into festivities in a matter of 5 more days. Goosebumps here! While you are rolling up sleeves and the preps are in full swing, where to party, what to wear, which cathedral to visit, you are also ought to know the places in India where Christmas is celebrated with all the pomp and grandeur.

The biggest benefit of living in a secular yet diversified country as ours is that you can be a part of each other’s festivities. Like Muslims, Christians or Sikhs take part in Durga Puja with equal zeal as the Hindus, Hindus too pile up plum cakes and attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, dig into yummiest of Biriyani during Eid, that’s how we roll!

Now, here are the names of some places where you can completely attend the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and have a gala time thereafter:

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata:

It is known to be the largest Cathedral in Kolkata. Seat of the Diocese, St.Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 1847 which is the first Episcopal Church in all of Asia, flocked in by the Anglo-India community of Kolkata during Christmas-Eve. The name of the street itself is Cathedral Road where St. Paul’s is located.

Christ the King Church, Kolkata:

This happens to be one of the oldest catholic churches of India which is located in the heart of Park Circus, Kolkata. You transcend the barriers of real and drench in spirituality once entering the place. The interiors are beautiful and tranquil.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi:

This Roman Catholic Cathedral is located at the Connaught Place and happens to be the largest and oldest Church of Delhi. It holds the biggest ceremony during the Christmas Eve, with thousands of people attending it.

Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Delhi:

It is located in a fleeting distance of Rashtrapati Bhavan this church was visit by the viceroy of pre-Independence India. This is unmistakably one of the beauteous churches of India which opened for general public on January, 1931.

Mount Mary’s Basilica, Mumbai:

This is one of the most popular churches in Mumbai for holding the gorgeous midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The church is located in Bandra where the carols start around 11.30 pm. The main attraction, however is that this Church is 100 years old and the Statue of Mother Mary probably belongs to the 16^th century which was brought by Jesuit Priests from Portugal.

St. Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai:

St. Thomas Cathedral is one of the first Anglican Churches in Mumbai located in the Veer Nariman Road. It was built in 1718 by the East India Company. The place Churchgate derived its name from the Church.

St.Mary’s Basillica, Mumbai:

Located in Shivaji Nagar, St. Mary’s Basillica  is deemed as one of the oldest churches in India. The crowd is beyond measure during the Christmas Eve because there is a common belief that Mother Mary grants all the wishes of devotees made during the Christmas Eve.

Holy Trinity Church, Bengaluru:

Back in 1851, the church was built by the British Regiment stationed in Bengaluru which can easily house up to 700 people. It is also believed to be the largest of the Military Churches in South India.

San Thome Church, Chennai:

It was built on the tomb of St. Thomas, Chennai’s Christian community flock in here during the Christmas Eve. This church has a museum, a library and a book shop in tow.

St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Thiruvanthapuram:

Staunchly known as the Palayam Palli, St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral is renowned for the Gothic-style architecture. It is the Seat of Diocese in Thiruvanthapuram.

The Basillica of Bom Jesus, Goa:

This one holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Hence, it was declared as the World Heritage Sight by UNESCO. It holds true with the Baroque style architecture in India. Basically a tourist attraction, the Church is overly crowded during Christmas Eve.

These are the places you can visit to attend the Christmas Carol. So, gear up and go for it. Ring in Christmas in style. Oh, Merry Christmas in advance.

The post 11 Popular Places in India Where Christmas is Celebrated in Style appeared first on Youngisthan.in.

It is not everybody’s wheelhouse to float witty one-liners that impress. There is a thin demarcation between being witty and sounding corny and many would shy away in the fear of being interpreted as a doucheknuckle. Then again, there are those genteel lots who charm hearts effortlessly with their smooth-talking and you turn green with envy. It is an art to woo women like a boss and it’s given that you will have your bad days in pursuit of mastering the skill. Sometimes ideas won’t sprout, sometimes the best thought zingers will fall in deaf ear. But your day will come too and it will come sooner if you get load of these below mentioned ones and use them in the opportune moment.

If beauty were time, you would be forever

Now this sounds super cute coming from a cute guy. You will leave the girl blushing, take it from us!

You are flawless apart from your lips, their crime is that they are not touching mine.

This line will make her heart thump like a railway engine.

Forget discounts, you are the best deal this Christmas for me.

Now who doesn’t want to feel special and this quote just serves the purpose.

How are you doing? (she answers fine), you say ‘I said how are you feeling, I didn’t say how am I looking?’

This is going to break the ice!

I am baking a cake so you would do me a favour? She says sure, what kind? You say, ‘just dip your finger in it for extra sweetness’

She will melt like butter hearing this.

I think kissing you would be drinking ocean water because the more I drink the thirst will increase

Hmm.. this will soar up the heat for sure!

Wait, there is something in your eye, got it, it’s the sparkle.

She will blush crimson instantaneously

Can you suggest me a good doctor? I am hurt because everytime I see you, I fall you.

Things will be sassed up already!

Do you believe in love at first sight or should I pass by again?

That’s flirtatiously quirky!

You are living in my heart for quite some time and you need to pay the rent, the amount is one date!

You will get her rocking and reeling!

You deserve a poetry, not just words!

Now that sums her up, completely.

Is your dad a terrorist? For he produced a bomb like you.

That’s syrupy!

The only thing your eyes haven’t told me is your name.

That’s sweet!

I think you are Delhi smog because you take my breath away.

Woot woot.

Girl you dropped something, my jaw!

She will smile coyly.

Try these super cute pick-up lines on your crush this Christmas and she will brood over you for long!

The post 15 Pick-up Lines to Impress Girls This Christmas appeared first on Youngisthan.in.

We all have heard about one of the best cities in the world – London.

I am sure a lot of you have seen London precisely in Bollywood movies because every second movie is filmed there.

Apart from those beautiful locations and weather that our movies have shown us about London, there are some other things that London has it store for you and it really wants you to visit there just once in your life time. Especially, on New Year’s Eve, as this place is no less than a heaven during Christmas and New Year.

Need some more reasons to visit London? Here they are:

London Offers Amazing Places To Explore

Be it the historic Tower of London or the modern London Eye, this place offers you an unending list of attractions that will leave you mesmerized.

• There is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London where you can explore everything behind the scenes of our favourite Harry Potter.
• Want to see the London skyline? Simply hop on the London eye and take the breathtaking tour.
• Head to the Madame Tussauds Museum and watch all your favourite celebs in their wax statues looking totally lifelike.
• Opt for The View from The Shard and have a look at the best of London from over the top.
• Dig in to the World Heritage at Westminster Abbey that holds the history of Kings and Queens of London.
• Face the 90 minutes of London’s Dark Past and explore its part of terrifying history at the London Dungeon.

These are just few of the places that you can go to, apart from that, there are so many other interesting places where you can go by just hopping onto the London Tourist Bus.

One Of The Best Places To Shop In World

As we all know, London is also the home to some of the world’s best designers and brands. Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Hamleys, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty are not just some attractions to see in London, but also some of the best places for shopping lovers.

Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Camden Market, High Street Kensington, Kings Road, Knightsbridge and many more are some of the places where you can treat your shopping bug.

If shopping is on the top of your list while going London, then choosing British Airways is the best option for you.

They provide some great discounts and vouchers for various shopping places in London and you can’t get any better deal than that, right?

Ideal Place To Enjoy Christmas & New Year Celebrations

You must have heard from a lot of people that Christmas and New Year Celebrations in London are something that you should never miss.

There are a lot of Christmas markets that are planned in various areas of London where you can get everything of the festive theme.

Apart from that, from London eye to Westminster to any other place, everywhere you can see an amazing decoration with never seen before lights co-ordination.

There is also festive special ice-skating and some special Christmas shows that are held to full festivity with a lot of fun.

And when you want to see something unusual, do not miss the fireworks at Thames on both Christmas and New Year.

What’s more? Well, London has become cheaper post the exchange rate gains (1 GBP = INR 100 earlier this year and now 1 GBP = INR 82), which will give you the best value to rupee and there’s nothing better than being in London at this point of time.

So, what are you waiting for? Just book your tickets on British Airways and fly for a great experience.

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