阅读理解。

根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

      1  This date was the old mid-winter festival in pre-Christmas times, around the time of the longest night

and the shortest day. Christmas in the 21st century has many traditions: Christmas trees, cards and presents.

Shops can make about 60 percent f their year's income in the three months before Christmas, so most shops

get ready for it in October.   2   The first time this happened was in 1867 when Macy's famous shop in New

York, stayed open until midnight on Christmas Eve.

     By mid-December, almost every shop and street has a Christmas tree.   3   In the northern countries, winter

is cold and dark and most trees are decorated with lights and colored glass balls give people hope that spring

will come.

     Father Christmas is known across the world with his white hair, red coat and big bag of toys. Young

children are told that he lives in the north of Finland and makes toys for them.   4   

     On Christmas Day a traditional meal is eaten, usually a turkey and a rich, spicy cake. Some people hate

Christmas.   5   They love seeing family and friends; they also love the traditions. Love it or hate it, Christmas

is a time to look back over the old year and forward to the new one.

A. This tradition was started by the Germans as early as 700 AD.

B. Believe it or not.

C. Since about 400 AD, Christmas Day has been celebrated.

D. Others feel it is a magical and exciting time.

E. The shopping centers are beautifully decorated and stay open late at night.

F. It was really beautiful indeed.

G. By tradition, he brings the toys to children at night, on the night before Christmas.