CChristmas hristmas Around the Around the

WorldWorld

GermanyGermany

In GERMANY, children decorate their Christmas Lists with pictures and then leave them on the windowsill overnight, weighed down with a little sugar so they won't be missed by Father Christmas.There is a flower in Germany called the Christmas Rose which blooms even in the snow and ice.

FranceFrance

In FRANCE, young children leave their shoes by the fire on Christmas Eve for a gift from "le père Noël" while the older children and adults go to church at midnight and then return home for a late supper called "le réveillon".Christmas puppet shows are very popular in France, mainly in Paris and in Lyons

EnglandEnglandIn England, children write their letters to Father Christmas and then throw them into the fireplace so they will float up the chimney and fly to the North Pole. If the lists catch fire first, they have to rewrite them.At Christmas dinner, a plum pudding is served with little treasures hidden inside that bring their finders good luck. Britain was the first country to hang up mistletoe.

KenyaKenyaIn KENYA, the churches are decorated with balloons, ribbons, flowers and green plants as well as Christmas trees.Christmas dinner is often a barbecue with family members traveling from far away to be together again.

LebanonLebanon

In LEBANON, families plant seeds of grain in small pots a month before Christmas. When Christmas arrives they have little pots of green to place around the Christmas Cave and their Christmas Tree.

Italy Italy In ITALY, on the evening of the day after Christmas, children are visited by a good witch named Strega Buffana. She flies around Italy on a broom and leaves treats for good children and coal for naughty children.It is tradition to give a bag of dried lentils to your good friends to make lentil soup. This is a peasant soup and reminds them of their humble beginnings and is eaten to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

MexicoMexicoIn MEXICO, children sometimes leave their shoes out instead of stockings.On Christmas Eve there is a parade of singers carrying bells and candles on top of long poles. They wind through the streets until they get to the local church.

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO NUE VO!!!

NorwayNorway In NORWAY, on Christmas Eve, a bowl of porridge, "nisse" is left in the barn for the gnome who protects the farm.When the children first see their Christmas tree all decorated, with presents underneath, the family joins hands and circles the tree singing carols.

South AfricaSouth Africa

In SOUTH AFRICA, Christmas In SOUTH AFRICA, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer. comes in the middle of the summer. After a large Christmas lunch, After a large Christmas lunch, families visit the homes of friends to families visit the homes of friends to ask for and receive a "Christmas ask for and receive a "Christmas box" which usually has food inside.box" which usually has food inside.

Australia

In AUSTRALIA, Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight white kangaroos.

Christmas dinner is eaten outdoors and is followed by a visit to the

beach or a game of cricket.

United StatesUnited States

Christmas in the United States has evolved Christmas in the United States has evolved from the mixing of traditions, just as has from the mixing of traditions, just as has

the country as a whole. Although different the country as a whole. Although different ethnic and cultural groups continue to ethnic and cultural groups continue to

include their own traditions in their include their own traditions in their celebrations, an American Christmas is celebrations, an American Christmas is actually a celebration of the variety of actually a celebration of the variety of

cultures and traditions which makes the cultures and traditions which makes the country a unique place in which to country a unique place in which to

celebrate this holiday.celebrate this holiday.

FloridaFloridaThe first Christmas observance in the The first Christmas observance in the United States was celebrated in United States was celebrated in authentic Spanish style. Hernandoauthentic Spanish style. Hernandode Soto and his army set up winter de Soto and his army set up winter camp in the present day city of camp in the present day city of Tallahassee, Florida in 1539.Tallahassee, Florida in 1539.

A Susan Ging-Lent Production