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People go to the church with family, then come back to a family gathering. At midnight after eating they toast, then the adults dance while younger people go out to see the fireworks. After this they go to sleep, but before opening the presents under the Christmas tree. That day is very special for because they are Christian and celebrate Jesus' birth on the 24th of December.
The dinner food is pork, turkey, and a great variety of meals. Then the table is covered with sweet things, cider, beer, juice for consuming while waiting for the time of the toast. After the toast all the family chat, others play.
Houses are decorated with red and white garlands; on the door Father Christmas's Boots are placed. The Christmas tree is decorated with coloured lights, ornaments and Father Christmas placed on top of it. Mothers make different kinds of meals such as roasted turkey, roasted pork, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas's bread and puddings. The toast: drink prepared with different kinds of fruit which is cut into pieces, then it is mixed with juice and cider.
Imagine a Christmas season thats in the middle of summer!! Well, if you were to travel to Australia, thats exactly what you would get! This is one of the many countries that does not get to enjoy a "White Christmas"! This is a time of year where its a double treat for the children though! Not only are they looking forward to Christmas, but they are also starting their summer break from school! The Aussies enjoy most of the other traditional activities of the day! Although, they have been known to substitute a gum tree branch for the evergreen, and as far as hanging a stocking over the fireplace, well these are in short supply! A turkey dinner with steamed pudding! Christmas "down under" was first celebrated officially on December 25th in 1788 in the area known as Sydney Cove.
The feast of St Nicholas marks the beginning of Christmas in Austria. The saint accompanied by the devil, asks children for a list of their good and bad deeds. God children are given sweets, toys and nuts. Gifts which are placed under the tree are opened after dinner on Christmas Eve.
Brass instruments play chorale music rom church steeples, and carol singers, carrying blazing torches and a manger from house to house, gather on the church steps.
Brazilians hold their traditional celebration of Christmas with "Los Pastores" This is a folk festival that involves the whole community on Christmas Eve.
Father Christmas instead of Santa Claus visits this area of the world! The children in this country write their letters to him instead of Santa Claus. And they toss them in the fireplace instead of in a mailbox! Legend has it, that Father Christmas reads their messages in the smoke! The children here also hang a stocking over the fireplace! Caroling is also a big part of of the British traditions. Traveling house to house and singing was a way to spread the holiday cheer! Most of the holiday songs we now know, were composed during the nineteenth century and came from this corner of the globe! The traditional meal at Christmas for many centuries was a roasted boars head! December 26th is also a big day for this country! Boxing Day! Originally, on this holiday, the custom was for the rich to give a tip to the servants or tradespeople, but this started to get out of control, so they modified the custom, and now give cash gifts to the poor or less fortunate.
Christmas Eve is as important as Christmas day in Bulgaria. A special diner, consisting of at least twelve dishes is prepared. All of them are without meat and each of them represents a separate month of the year; in this way if the dishes are more that twelve the people from the house have what to eat during the whole year. The dishes consist of beans, different kinds of nuts, dried plums, cakes, and the traditional for our country Banitza. On this day the whole family gathers, eat on straw and get off the table in the same time.
In the past Christmas was celebrated differently. There were boys and non-married young men who were visiting the houses, singing songs for wealth and health for the hosts. They were rewarded with money, food and so on. They were bringing long sticks to put kravai (round breads with hole it). They were called RkoledariS. In the houses the families gathered sitting on the ground or on dry grass and eating meatless food. There were 7 or 12 meals: wine, rakia ,sarmy and so on. There always was a huge round bread where all the cattle, the house and things like that were carved.
The Evergreen Tree is the centerpiece of the Canadian decorations, and this is traditionally decorated as part of the Christmas Eve celebrations! To say that Canada enjoys a White Christmas, is a BIT of an understatement! Being so far north, its always a safe bet that there will be snow for Christmas! The traditional meal is a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and is served on Christmas Eve! The family will then exchange gifts with each other. and the following morning, the gifts from Santa are opened!
Everybody enjoys celebrating this holiday. Here,we spend this holy day in family. First, we decorate a tree (may be evergreen or artificial) with lights, tinsels, beautiful figures, candies etc.
On Christmas Eve, Catholic people go to hear Midnight Mass (Misa del Gallo). Later on the family enjoy together the Christmas Dinner, it may be with: turkey, chicken, meat, salad, rice etc. It depends on likes and people's resources. People also drink "ROMPON". It is a liquor with milk, eggs and alcohol. There is another drink called "Cola de Mono". It is made with milk, eggs, coffee and alcohol. They eat Christmas pudding made with dried fruit.
At Midnight, the family sit around the Christmas tree to open the presents.
On December 25, we usually go to the beach, the park or any other interesting place. In general we have a great and a fun time.
Paper Lanterns are the decoration of choice in China! Beautiful paper lanterns are made an a candle inside lights them make for quite a site! The Christmas trees here are known as "Trees Of Light", and are decorated with paper lanterns, paper flowers, and paper chains. Muslin stockings are hung by the Chinese children as the await a visit from Dun Che Lao Ren, when this is translated, it means Christmas Old Man, This is their version of Santa Claus!
The Christmas Feast is the highlight of the celebrations here. After a traditional feast, a special rice pudding is served. Baked into this pudding is a single almond. Whoever finds this almond is said to have good luck during the following year! Gifts are delivered by the jolly gift bringer known as Julemanden. He arrives in a reindeer driven sleigh with a sack of gifts on his back! He has helper elves called Juul Nisse who are rumored to live in the attics!
The Coptic Church is an Orthodox Church and in the Coptic Church Christmas is celebrated on the 7th December. Advent is observed for forty days and during this period people are expected to fast eating no meat, poultry or dairy products. Some people only do this during the last week of Advent.
On the Eve of Christmas everyone goes to church wearing a completely new outfit. The christmas service ends at midnight with the ringing of church bells, then people go home to eat a special Christmas meal knwon as fata, which consists of bread, rice,garlic and boiled meat.
On Christmas morning people in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East, visit friends and neighbours. They take with them kaik which is a type of shortbread, which they take with them to give to the people they visit and eaten with a drink known as shortbat. Christmas Day is a public holiday for Christians.
The Ethiopian CHristmas known as Ganna is celebrated on January 7th. This celebration takes place in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock and also in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit seperately from girls and women. Also the choir sings from the outside circle.
People receive candles as they enter the church. After lighting the candles everyone walks around the church three times, then stands throughout the mass, which may last up to three hours.
Food served at Christmas usually includes injera, a sourdough pancake like bread. Injera serves as both plate and fork. Doro wat, a spicy chicken stew might be the main meal. A piece of the injera is used to scoop up the wat. Baskets decorated beautifully are used to serve the wat.
Gift giving is a very small part of Christmas celebration. Children usually receive very simple presents such as clothing.
Everybody's house is given a very good clean in readiness for Christmas. Hours are spend in the kitchen cooking and baking special treats for the festive season. Fir trees are felled, tied onto sleds, and taken home to be decorated. A sheaf of grain is often ties to a pole, together with nuts and seeds and placed in the garden for the birds. Many of the peasants will not eat their Christmas dinner until the birds have had their dinner.
The main holiday decoration in France is a Nativity Scene. Traditional figures for these are made of clay, or wood. The Christmas tree here is not especially popular here, although the Yule Log still has quite a roll! This Yule log is a log shaped cake and is part of the "Le rveillon" which is a late dinner eaten after midnight! This traditional meal may have goose, turkey, oysters or pate! The children in France will receive gifts from Pere Noel. Pere Noel travels with his companion Pre Fouettard.
Pre Fouettard is there to remind Pere Noel how the children have behaved during the year! The adults in this country have to wait until New Years Day to exchange their gifts.
Christmas preparations often begin on the eve of December 6th. People often set aside special evenings for baking spiced cakes and cookies, and making gifts and decorations. Little dolls of fruit are traditional Christmas toys.
Children leave letters on their window sills for Christkind, a winged figure dressed in white robes and a golden crown who distributes gifts. Sometimes the letters are decorated with glue and sprinkled with sugar to make them sparkle.
Germans make beautiful gingerbread houses and cookies. The German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, is a white dough that can be moulded into shapes and baked for tree decorations.
In parts of Germany, people believe that the Christ Child sends a messenger in Christmas Eve. He appears as an angel in a white robe and crown, bearing gifts. The angel is called Christkind There is also a Christmas Eve figure called Weihnachtsmann or Christmas Man He looks like Santa Claus and also brings gifts. Some homes in Germany have several Christmas trees, and in all towns across Germany, they can be seen glittering and glowing.
Christmas is a big holiday for this country! These people will observe a fast for 40 days, ending it with the the Christmas Feast! This feast is made up of roast pig, and loaves of large sweet breads. These breads are decorated or engraved with symbols that reflect the family's profession. Christmas trees are not common in Greece, most homes will have a wooden bowl with basil, a cross and water. Gifts are exchanged here, but not on Christmas day. In Greece, they wait until January 1st. This is St Basil's Day, and the custom here, is to replace all the water in the house with fresh water!
Throughout Christmas several religious statues are taken for an elaborate procession. At the rear of the parade is an image representing God, this white-bearded man may also resemble a department-store Santa Claus. Marimbas and chirimias accompany the procession.
On Chirstmas Eve festivities end ar midnight with a Misa de Gallo or the Mass of the Rooster.
Nacimientos or Manger scenes, are displayed in churches and public arenas. The Christ child is added on Christmas Eve.
< /font>St Nicholas arrives early in Holland with h is gifts, in November. He is dressed in Bishop's robes and journeys in a boat with his helper who is called Black Peter and who wears Spanish clothes. It is said that the pair live most of the year preparing lists of presents and writing every child's behaviour in a very large book. Many people go to Amsterdam docks to greet him. He mounts a snow horse and rides through the streets in a great parade, amid many festivities.
December 5th is Sinterklass Eve, and presents are given and received.
Farmers in Holland blow long horns at sunset each evening during the Christmas period. The horns are blown over water wells which makes the sound extremely loud. This is done to announce the coming of Christmas.
All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas lived in Spain, where he spends his time recording the behaviour of all the children in his little red book, while Piet stocks up on the presents.
Christmas in the Holy Land where Christ is beleived to have been born is often full of travellers come to celebrate christmas. Here in a grotto there is a 14 pointed silver star on the floor is where the birth place is supposed to have been.
There are three Christmas Eves in the Holy Land. One on the 24th December celebrated by the Protestant and Catholic Churches. The second for the Greek Orthodox, Coptic (Egyptian) and Syrian churches. The third is the Armenian church. At times, all three services are going on at the same time, but, in different parts of t he church, as well as in different languages. For lunch they eat turkey, spiced with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg and stuffed with rice, meat,, pine nuts and almonds.
Early in the evening, members of the Protestant church groups would go around singing carols. On christmas morning children would open their presents before breakfast. After breakfast Protestant people would go to church, and visit fri ends to wish them a happy christmas.
The Catholic church priests would come a bless water from which all members of the family would take a sip.
The members of the Greek Orthodox church Epiphany is very important. They have a special church service at which a cross was dipped into water to bless it. People would take the water home with them a drink three sips before eating anything.
The Traditional Christmas tree in India is a decorated mango tree or a decorated banana tree! Mango leaves are also used to decorate the home. For holiday lights, clay oil-burning lamps are used, by putting them on the tops of walls, and the edges of flat bottomed roofs. Poinsettias are also used as part of the decorating!
Christmas here is also known as St.Stephen's Day. This day is similar to Boxing Day in England, due to the soliciting of money! Young men dress up in extravagant costumes, and occasionally masks. Then they begin to parade up and down the streets in what is known as the Wren Boy's Procession. A wreath or holly bush with a captured wren inside is placed upon a long pole, and this is carried during the procession!
You will know you are in Rome for Christmas, when you hear the cannons fired at the Castel St. Angelo on Christmas eve to let everyone know that the Holiday Season has begun! after fasting for 24 hours, the people of Rome sit down and enjoy an elaborate feast! During this meal, each person present will draw a small present out of the Urn of Fate that is passed around. With the main exchange of gifts taking place on January 6th. The children are anxious at this time of year, as they anticipate a visit from La Befana. La Befana brings the gifts to good children, and punishment to the bad children!
The exchanging of gifts is a very big part of the Japanese Christmas celebrations! Many of the western customs have been adopted by these people. The Turkey Dinner, decorating the home with an evergreen or mistletoe and some even sing the English Carols! A community Christmas tree is also a bit hit here! Following Christmas is New Year's Eve. In Japan, tradition calls for cleaning the house top to bottom, then decorating it. The family will then dress in their finest clothes, and the head of the house will scatter dried beans about and into corners to rid the house of bad spirits, and bring good luck in!
About two weeks before Christmas people in Lebanon and else where in the Middle East plant seeds - chick peas, wheat grains, beans, lentils - in cotton wool. They water the seeds every day and by Christmas the seeds have shoots about 6 inches in height. People use the shoots to surround the manger in nativity scenes. Figures are made from brown paper, as well a star is placed above the scene.
Traditionally throughout the Middle East people visit friends on Christmas morning and are offered coffee, liqeurs and sugared almonds. Lunch at Christmas is the most important meal of the season and the whole family gathers together for it, usually at grandparents or the eldest sons home. The meal consists of chicken and rice, and Kubbeh, which is made up of crushed boiled wheat (burghul) mixed with meat, onion, salt and paper.
Christmas here starts several weeks ahead of the actual date. The plazas in each city or town have markets or "puestos" set up. Some people may travel for days to get to one of these! Puestos offer foods, flowers and crafts of all kinds! The Poinsettia is a flower that is native to Mexico and is used heavily in the decorating! The focus of the Mexican Christmas Celebration is called "las posadas" In this celebration, travelers will go house to house looking for shelter. They are refused at all houses or inns until the final one where they are granted shelter, and the parties begin! A great feast of traditional foods are served, then the children will take turns breaking open a pinata!
While the children in many other countries may leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus, and hang a stocking, the Dutch children have a different custom! They fill their wooden shoes with hay and sugar for Sinterklaas's reindeer. In return, they will find their shoes filled with candy and nuts! Occasionally, Sinterklaas has been known to visit the children's homes, but looks a lot like the father, or an uncle. He will ask the children how they have behaved during the past year. Another custom in this country, is that of blowing special horns made out of entire trees to chase away evil, and announce Christmas!
Children in the Scandinavian country of Norway will receive their gifts from an elf, or gnome called Julebukk! This tradition dates back to the Viking times, and is still enjoyed today!
Christmas is celebrated in much the same way as in Australia. However, for many villagers in the more remote areas, Christmas passes as just another day.
The only Asian nation in which Christianity is religion chosen by the people. Christmas celebrations start nine days before Christmas with a mass known as Misa de Gallo. At this mass the story behind the birth of Christ is read from the Bible.
The Panunuluyan pageant is held each Eve. A coupl is chosen to reenact Joseph and Mary's search for shelter.
Mass is held hourly on Christmas Day so that everyone can attend. Religious services include pastore, or play, based on myth of the birth of the Christ Child. The pastore closes with a star from the upper part of the church sliding down a wire and coming to rest over the church's Nativity scene.
Christmas celebrations may have evolved from old tribal customs mixed with other influences. Serenading cumbancheros, or strolling ministrels, end their performances by singing Maligayang Pasko to the tune of "Happy Birthday".
Christmas in Poland starts off with a 24 hour fast which begins on Christmas eve. Once this time is over, an elaborate feast of traditional foods is offered. To signal that the 24 hours is over, all must wait until the first star in the sky is seen! The feast is a 12 course one, with each course having its own meaning. Tradition here also calls for one empty place at the table, in case a stranger should appear.
Throughout the Christmas season, the children of Romania will travel house to house singing carols, reciting poetry, and legends of their lands. A special star made of wood, is decorated with shiny paper, colored ribbon and bells are added. This star is placed atop a wooden pole, and is carried by the leader.
St. Nicholas is especially popular in Russia, although he was renamed Grandfather Frost during the communist times. The children would receive their gifts from Babouschka, Rumor has it, that she visits all the children during the Christmas season! Christmas trees were banned during the communist times, so people started the tradition of trimming New Year's Trees! The Christmas feast is started off with a special porridge called Kutya. This porridge is made with many ingredients,each of the ingredients has a specific meaning. This porridge is eaten by all from one bowl, to symbolize unity.
The tradition of the Yule log starts here. Originally, an entire tree was brought into the home, and the stout end of the tree was placed into the fire on the start of the Yule season. They would then slowly burn the whole tree, being careful to make it last the entire season. The word Yuletide means turning of the sun, and the Yuletide season is started at the Winter Solstice. On this night, the entire family would sleep on a fresh bed of straw in order to insure good luck and fortune during the upcoming year.
Nochebuena which means "the good night" is Christmas Eve in Spain. Family members will gather for a feast and then share an almond candy called "turron", a traditional Christmas treat. December 28th is yet another feast and festival for the entire community. Bonfires are lit, and all participate in community service, such as sweeping the streets. Those who do not participate, are fined! Children here also receive gifts, by leaving their shoes on the windowsill, and filling them with barley, straw or carrots. These fillings are removed and gifts left in their place!
Sweden has many customs and traditions surrounding the Christmas Season. Festivities start with the feast of St. Lucia on December 13th and lasting until January 13th! St Lucia will dress in her costume which includes a red sash, on her white dress. On top of her head, she wears a wreath made of evergreen, and 7 lit candles! In costume, she will deliver food, typically coffee and buns, to all members of the house. On Chr istmas Eve, the Christmas Gnome, will sneak out from under the floorboards of the house or barn, and leave gifts for all!
A tinkling of a silver bell heralds the arrival of Christkindli - a white clad angel, with a face veil held in place by a jewelled crown. The tree candles are lit as she enters each house and hands out presents from the basket hled by her child helpers.
The week before Christmas, children dress up and visit homes with small gifts. Bell ringing has become a tradition, and each village competes with the next when calling people to midnight mass. After the service, families gather to share huge homemade doughnuts called ringli and hot chocolate.
The Christmas season in America appears to kick off at Halloween, at least if you enter a department store you would think so! Actually, the holiday season kicks off at Thanksgiving, with the annual Macy's Day Parade in New York! This parade is sponsered by the Macy's Department Store also of New York. This day is followed by the official Pre-Christmas sales everywhere, where Americans flock en masse to the stores in hopes to find $2 off on an item thats been marked up $3!!
America seems to have adopted many of the customs and traditions from countries all over the world, and mixed these to create her own! As you read through the countries and see the traditions and their origins, you will notice this! Please enjoy yourself as you see wher e Sinterklaas comes from, or learn what the meaning of hanging a stocking near the chimney, and why the poinsettia seems to be the flower of choice during this time of year!
Tradional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucanism. However, during French rule, many people became Christians.
Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year, htey being the birthday of Buddha, the new year and the mid-autumn festival. Although the christians observed the religious rituals of Christmas.
On Christmas Eve the Christians would attend a midnight Mass. After Chruch people would return to their homes for the most important meal the Christmas supper. The dinner usually consisted of chicken soup, and wealthier people ate turkey and Christmas Pudding.
The European customs of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree were popular and children would leave their shoes out on Christmas Eve.
