Christmas Around the World

All around the world, people celebrate Christmas. And all around the world people have taken the celebration of the birth of Jesus and made a Christmas that fits their own country. Christmas is celebrated in many different ways-and even on different days.

At Christmastime, in all these lands, people are celebrating the birth of a baby named Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem long, long ago. Each year people tell the story of Jesus’ birthday over again.

No one knows exactly when Jesus was born, but that it is thought to have been almost 2,000 years ago. The number of this year is almost the number of years since Jesus’ birth.

Italy The children of Italy believe that early in January, the kind old witch Befana comes down the chimney on a broom and fills the pockets of good children with toys.

Netherlands The people in the Netherlands tell a story about Saint Nicholas. He was a very kind man. He loved children, and liked to give them gifts. They say that one night long ago, he came riding through their country on a big white horse.

Santa Claus When people from Holland came to live in America a long time ago, they brought with them their winter holiday. Years later two men in the United States helped change our idea of Santa Claus. One of these men was Clement C. Moore. He wrote a Christmas poem called “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” It begins: “T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house…”

Norway Jule-nisse Many of the little boys and girls in Norway believe in a special Christmas elf called a Jule-nisse. Most of these jolly little elves live out in the country in the attics of old farmhouses or in the lofts over the barn. Every year on Christmas Eve, the families of Norway put out special bowls of porridge for the Jule-nisse. The children may not see the real, live elf, but they know he must be there, because when they come downstairs on Christmas morning, the porridge is all gone! There is only the Jule- nisse’s friend, the cat, purring happily.

Australia Christmas Down Under is never white! 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. Boxing Day, December 26, is a public holiday in Australia.

Mexico Christmas festivities begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties starting December 16. Holiday festivities end on "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) when families head home for a traditional Christmas supper of "tamales" and opening of gifts for the children. They take turns trying to break open the pinata.

Germany No one really knows who first thought of the Christmas tree. Some people believe the first Christmas tree was used many years ago in Germany.

In Washington, D. C., the capital city of our nation, there is a special tree that belongs to all Americans. It is a tall tree that stands near the White House, and it is covered with hundreds of lights. Every year the President of the United States light up out nation’s Christmas tree. This tree is called the Tree of Peace.

Sweden December 13 is the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. This is a special day called St. Lucia’s Day. It was named for a brave, young girl who wanted to spend her life helping others. Her story is that in the days of early Christian persecution, Lucia carried food to Christians hiding in dark underground tunnels. To light the way she wore a wreath of candles on her head.

Puerto Rico Boys and girls on the island of Puerto Rico celebrate Christmas, too, but they have another exciting holiday during the Christmas season. This special day is called Three Kings’ Day It is celebrated after Christmas Day, on January 6.

Merry Christmas from Around the World