2. So if you spend Christmas in Malta, you will experience a healthy mix of local religious traditions together with modern times holiday cheer and activities.

3. Christmas cribs feature heavily practically everywhere during the holiday season. Some churches put up mechanized cribs which are virtually works of art. Cribs are in fact one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Malta and Gozo. Many Maltese people, especially in Gozo, decorate their windows with little Christmas displays which include small statues of baby Jesus in a crib, elaborate cribs and sometimes impressive light decorations and arrangements.

4.  The climax of all the religious activities comes on Christmas Eve, when practically everyone goes to the Midnight Mass Service.  Local Christmas carols are sung in the beginning and an interesting highlight is when a little boy or a girl tells the story of the nativity in the form of a sermon, instead of the priest!

5.  Christmas Day in Malta is largely a family affair and is a special occasion for families to reunite.  It’s part of the Maltese culture and tradition for all extended members of the family to assemble in one house for Christmas lunch and practically spend the whole day together, eating, drinking and celebrating Christmas, the Maltese way.

6.  The Maltese Christmas menu consists generally of dishes that were inherited during the British rule in Malta. So for lunch, you will most likely see things like turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies being served, together with other traditional Maltese food.  A local Christmas dessert is the 'Qaghaq ta’ l- Ghasel', which means honey rings. This is something that you have to try if you’re spending Christmas in Malta. Simply delicious!

7. Due to the proximity of Italy, the traditional Italian Christmas favourite, the panetone (sweet bread often covered in chocolate) has also become very popular over recent years.

8.  Like most countries, Christmas on the Maltese Islands is a busy time, but it's also a time to spend good quality time with your family and friends.