Ever wonder how many countries actually celebrate Christmas? How do their traditions compare to ours? Do we all celebrate on December 25^th?

Traditions & Customs

Candy Canes

• Began in Germany about 250 years ago
• One story says a man was concerned kids wouldn’t sit quietly so he gave them the “J” shaped candy to eat
• Around 1900 red stripes were added along with peppermint flavor

Christmas Eve

• Many attend a midnight Church service, exchange gifts, sing Christmas carols or bring the Yule Log into the house
• Superstitions include that animals would kneel at midnight in honor of Jesus and that girls in the UK would find out the initials of the man they would one day marry by baking a special cake

Mistletoe

• Used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology
• Some tried to ban it when Christians came to Western Europe
• Kissing under the mistletoe began in England when you picked a berry
• The name comes from two Anglo Saxon words, Mistel and tan

Christmas Presents

• Reminds us of how the three Wise Men presented gifts to Jesus, frankincense, gold and myrrh
• Kids around the world await St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkind, the Wise Men or Befana to bring gifts
• The earliest gifts are opened on St. Nicholas’ Eve December 5^th and the latest on January 6^th Epiphany
• Secret Santa gifts are popular in workplaces and schools

Christmas In Other Countries!

Australia

• Christmas picnics occur the week before Christmas
• It is during the summer so many families gather on the beach
• Neighborhoods compete with light and decoration displays

Brazil

• Papai Noel comes from Greenland to bring presents to the kids
• Os Pastores plays are performed like in Mexico
• If you leave a sock near a window, it’ll be replaced by a present

France

• Many start the French Christmas celebration on December 6t, St. Nicholas Day
• They believe the first Christmas trees appeared in the Alsace region back in the 14^th century
• When Christmas eve is here the kids put their polished shoes out so Père Noël can fill them up with sweets

Germany

• Shops close early so all Christmas shopping must be done by lunch
• Markets take over main town and city squares
• The people’s houses are decorated with lights and ornaments all of December, but they save the tree for the morning of December 24^th

Italy

• The nativity scene is scene in many town squares, houses and churches as an important Christmas decoration
• The day of Epiphany, January 6^th, many families exchange gifts
• Boun Natale, or Merry Christmas, is said to everyone they see

Philippines

• Markets sell special Christmas lanterns on sale called paróls that represent the star of Bethlehem
• Many folks stay awake all night Christmas Eve or attend Church and a midnight feast called Noche Buena
• This is their most important holiday due to so many Christians

South Africa

• Many celebrate with a braai, like a barbeque
• Some go camping, caroling, and have many UK traditions
• Fir trees are the most traditional and popular in towns and cities