Christmas Around the World Created by Miss Pflaumer; 2002 Revised: 2010

Countries of the World United States Mexico Italy Sweden Netherlands Great Britain Germany Israel

United States Continent:North America Capital: Washington, D.C. Language: English Religion: Christianity & Catholicism

Christmas In America Santa Clause comes on Christmas Eve. He comes down the chimney. He leaves gifts under the tree or in the stockings. Most families have a decorated Christmas tree. Santa has eight reindeer. Nine if you count Rudolph. Many families celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day.

Mexico Continent: North America Capital: Mexico City Religion: Catholicism Language: Spanish

Christmas in Mexico Feliz Navidad! Las Posadas begins on December 16 th. It lasts 8 nights until Christmas Eve. At the last house, they celebrate and have a party (fiesta). The piñata is a fun games used during the party.

Germany Continent—Europe Capital—Berlin Religion—Christianity & Catholicism Language—German

Christmas in Germany Martin Luther is said to have discovered the first Christmas tree by bringing a tree inside on putting real candles on it. St. Nicholas leaves candy or twigs in shoes on December 6 th. Advent begins the Sunday after November 26 th and is displayed on a calendar.

Netherlands Continent—Europe Capital—Amsterdam Religion—Catholicism & Christianity Language—Dutch

Christmas in the Netherlands On Christmas Eve, they have dinner and go to church. Sinterklaas, Santa’s cousin, brings gifts on December 5 th. Black Peter assists Sinterklaas and tells him who’s bad or good.

Israel Continent: Asia Capital: Jerusalem Religion: Judaism Language: Hebrew

Hanukkah in Israel Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. The menorah has nine candles. One for each night of Hanukah and one to light the others. Potato latkes with applesauce are a favorite Hanukkah treat. Dreidel is a fun game they play during Hanukkah.

Italy Continent: Europe Capital: Rome Religion: Catholicism Language: Italian

Christmas in Italy La Befana was asked to look for the Christmas Baby with the three Kings, but she was too busy so she still searches for the Baby to this day. La Befana leaves gifts in shoes on Epiphany Eve. The nine days of Christmas is called Novena.

Sweden Continent: Europe Capital:Stockholm Religion: Lutheran Language: Swedish

Christmas in Sweden The Feast of St. Lucia begins on December 13 th. It ends on St. Canute’s Day which is January 13 th. The oldest daughter dresses in white and wears a lighted wreath on her head on St. Lucia Day.

Great Britain (England) Continent: Europe Capital: London Religion: Catholicism Language: English

Christmas in Great Britain Christmas cards and Christmas carols are said to have begun in Great Britain. Father Christmas fills the stockings. Stuffed turkey or goose is served on Christmas Day.