Holiday Customs Around the World

United States Christmas traditions vary greatly across the country. Children wait for Santa Claus to bring them presents. American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe, stockings, and Christmas trees hung with bright lights and ornaments.

Mexico Celebration is called La Posada –held during the 9 days before Christmas –Leads to the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus The poinsettia is known as the Christmas flower, due to it’s beautiful red color. On Christmas Day, children break open a pinata to get candy. They also get gifts from the Three Wise Men on January 6 th.

Germany The Christmas tree is the center of attention. –Usually mom decorates it with apples, candy, nuts, cookies, & toys –When the tree is finished, they ring a bell and the children can go see December 6 th marks beginning of holiday with St. Nicholas’ Day Kids will put a shoe in the hall and will get treats if they are good and sticks if they are naughty Kristkind brings presents Hans Trapp goes with her and waves a stick to threaten all the naughty children Germans are known for making gingerbread cookies and houses

Sweden Christmas begins with the St. Lucia ceremony on Dec. 13 th –The oldest daughter in each family wears a white dress with a red sash and wears an evergreen wreath with 7 lighted candles on her head –She carries coffee or buns to each family member –St. Lucia is also known as the Queen of Light On December 24 th, they have a huge smorgasbord including ham, pigs feet, and rice pudding They get gifts from “Tomte” an elf who lives under the floorboards of the barn. Children often leave him a dish of the rice pudding. Besides the family tree, a tree is set up for the birds outside. Sheaths of grain are attached to a pole.

Africa Christmas day begins with carolers walking through the village. Everyone brings gifts to the Christmas service to honor baby Jesus. Christmas is during the summer in Africa. There is no snow. Homes are decorated and a Christmas fir is decorated in the corner. Many families have a Christmas dinner outside for lunch.

Italy The Nativity scene (Presepio) originated in Italy. Small presents are drawn from the Urn of fate on Christmas Eve. The main gift exchange takes place on January 6 th. Children wait for La Befana who brings gifts for the good & punishment for the bad.

France The Creche or Nativity scene is displayed in nearly every home & is the focus of the Christmas celebration. A huge Christmas feast is served on Christmas Eve after the midnight mass. Children receive gifts from Pere Noel. Sometimes he brings small gifts on Dec. 6 th (St. Nicholas Eve) and more gifts on Christmas Day. Usually adults wait to exchange gifts until New Year’s Day.

Holland Major celebrations are held December 5 th (the day before St. Nicholas Day. Sinterklaas (or St. Nicholas) brings the children presents. He comes with his servant Black Peter and rides a white horse. When they come into town all the church bells ring and there is a parade that leads them to the royal palace. On Dec. 5 th, children leave out their shoes to be filled with goodies Christmas Day itself is quieter with church services and family meals.