Germany
The time between the 1st of December and the 24th of December is called
Adventszeit,
which means the time before Christmas. During this period, all the houses
hang wreaths decorated with Christmas ornaments and four candles. The candles
are lit on every Sunday, until Christmas Eve.
The Germans believe that baby Christ sends a message on the eve of Christmas.
He is believed to appear in the form of an angel in white robes along with
gifts. The angel is called Christkind. The Christmas Eve is also marked by a
grand family dinner.
Another traditional Christmas figure is
Dur Weihnachtsmann
(The Christmas Man), who looks like Santa and also brings gifts. The German
children decorate their Christmas wish list and put it on the windowsill, along
with a little sugar, so that Dur Weihnachtsmann doesn't miss them.
Germany has a unique tradition called
Christbaumloben
in which people visit friends on the 26th of December to praise their
Christmas tree. The best part is that when a person praises the tree by saying
"Ein schöner Baum" (a very nice tree), the owner has to offer him brandy or rum
and some cookies. Not surprisingly, such visits are kept short.
The decorated market places of Germany have also become a part of the customary
celebrations. Lines of little traditional houses selling Christmas ornaments,
candies, jewelleries, toys and more, offer an attractive site.
Italy
In Italy, Christmas generally begins after the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception. By the second week of December decorating is in full swing across
the country. Christmas trees are lighted in most houses across the city. An
important part of the customary decorations is the
Presepe.
The Presepe is a nativity, and displays a hut with mother Mary, Joseph, baby
Jesus, a donkey and a cow. In addition to the holy family, some Presepes
include the three wise men from the East along with their respective gifts.
On Christmas Day at noon, the Pope gives his blessings to the crowd at the
Vatican square. The Christmas Day feast is an important part of Italian
tradition. Some families take the Christmas feast on the night of the
Christmas Eve while others enjoy it on Christmas Day. The turkey is the main
(and favourite) dish. Gifts are given to the loved ones before the feast
begins. The meal is usually followed by espresso and a couple of dried fruits.
To entertain themselves, some Italians play Bingo after the Christmas fest
while others enjoy themselves with firecrackers.
Santa Claus finds little reflection in the Italian Christmas. In fact they
believe that it is Jesus Christ, who visits their houses in person along with
gifts. Unlike children in many other countries, Italian children do not hang
stockings or sacks on the mantelpiece. The celebrations end with the removal
of the Presepe on the 7th of January.
France
In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase
les bonnes nouvelles,
which means "the good news" and refers to the gospel. It is a time of
festivities and celebrations. The story of Christ's birth is re-enacted at the
Cathedral square by players and puppets. The midnight service on Christmas
Eve is usually followed by a meal called
le reveillon.
The word reveillon means the first call of the day or in other words, the
call to wake up. The feast symbolizes the spiritual awakening that the birth
of Jesus Christ is believed to have brought in to our lives.
After the midnight service, the French head towards the many cafes and
restaurants serving the reveillon all night long. The meal, apart from its
significance, is delicious in itself. It includes delicacies such as oysters,
baked ham, sausages, roast fowl, wine, salads and more. The Christmas cakes
are usually decorated with sugars to resemble the holy child.
French children have their own Father Christmas in
Pere Noel.
The children leave their shoes out, before going to bed, hoping to find it
filled with gifts the next morning. Pere Noel has a partner named
La Pere,
who usually gives a spanking to the bad children. In northern France, it is
customary to give gifts to the children on December 6th (Saint Nicholas Day),
instead of on Christmas Day.
The French believe that the Virgin Mary might pass their way on the night of
Christmas, or anytime after. Therefore, they keep candles alight after all the
festivities are over.
Ireland
In Ireland, the Christmas season starts early. By the month of October people
begin to decorate the shops. As soon as the month of December sets in, the
Christmas trees are brought in and decorated lavishly.
Food forms an important part of the festivities. Plum pudding is the
traditional Christmas desert and is made a few weeks before the day of the
Christ. Many special foods like the Christmas fruitcake, mince pies etc. are
also made. The most popular drink for the feast is the mulled wine. The main
course of the feast is quite heavy and it generally includes turkey, ham,
sausage, bread sauce, potatoes and vegetables along with the traditional spiced
beef. And the desert consists of Christmas plum pudding with rum or brandy.
It is a tradition in these parts to keep mince pies and a bottle of Guinness as
a snack for the loving guest, Santa. Children often hang sacks or even pillows
instead of stockings, in anticipation of more gifts. Most of the adults go for
a midnight mass or a midnight service on Christmas Eve.
The pantomimes are the traditional forms of entertainment, and usually begin on
St. Stephan's Day (the day before Christmas.) Here, men generally play the
role of women, while women act the part of men occasionally. Stories like
Cinderella, Snow White are enacted upon at the pantomimes. All the festivities
generally end by the 6th of January, which is the official day to remove all
the decorations.
Finland
Though not celebrated as fervently as in many other European countries,
Christmas in Finland has its own charm. Their houses fill with the aroma of
holly and fir. The Christmas tree is usually decorated a few days before
Christmas. At breakfast on the morning of Christmas Eve, natives of Finland
have rice porridge, cinnamon and sugar and milk. An almond is hidden in the
porridge and whoever finds it first is believed to have great luck all through
the following year, and can even get married.
Visits are paid to relatives and friends on Christmas morning. It is also
customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members and light candles.
Before the Christmas dinner, children play the piano and sing Christmas
carols. Boys often put on a play called the
Tiernapojat,
which is about the three wise men from the east. The Christmas meal is
customarily quite heavy and delicious.
Unlike most parts of the world, the presents are opened on Christmas Eve. They
believe that since Santa Claus lives in Finland, he visits them first.
Children give special treats to their pets for Christmas. It is not uncommon
for people living in the countryside to go to the church on Christmas morning
riding a horse-drawn sleigh.
Switzerland
Christmas in Switzerland resounds with the ringing of bells. The tinkling of
the bell heralds the arrival of the white clad angel called the
Christkindli
, who comes bringing presents. Three candles are lit when she comes and she
hands the presents from the baskets held by her helpers.
People in the village compete with the next village in inviting people for the
midnight mass. Doughnuts and hot chocolates are favourite treats after the
prayer.
Romania
The Christmas tradition in Romania is for children to travel from house to
house - singing carols, re-telling legends and reciting poetry throughout the
Christmas season. The head of the group carries a big wooden star called a
steaua,
which is covered with gleaming paper and decorated with colored ribbon and
bells. A picture of the Holy Family is pasted in the center of the star and
the entire creation is attached to a broomstick or a long pole. A special
cake, the
Turta,
is prepared for Nosterea Domnului Isus, or Christmas Eve. It is composed of
slender layers of rolled bread, which is symbolic of the swaddling clothes of
the Christ Child.
Spain
In Spain, each house has its own manger, akin to the churches and cathedrals in
other parts of the world. Families and friends gather together around the
manger to sing Christmas carols and hymns. Children dance and play the
tambourines. Shoes are hung outside the balconies in the hope that the wise
men will fill them with gifts.
Russia
On the Christmas Day, people gather in the churches to sing the carols and the
Christmas hymn. The Christmas tree is called the
Yelka.
The traditional figure that distributes the gifts of the season is known as
the
Baboushka.
The Dedushka Moroz (which means Grandfather Christmas) plays the role of
Father Christmas. Goose and suckling pig are the favourites for a Russian
Christmas dinner.
Some orthodox churches continue to celebrate January 6th as the day when Christ
was born. The celebration on January 6th is also called the Epiphany or Three
Kings Day. The name
denotes the three wise men, who found Jesus in the manger.
Brazil
Brazilians are a mix of people from many different parts of the world, and as
such, they have many Christmas customs. The people of Northern Brazil, as in
Mexico, enjoy a version of the folk play
Los Pastores.
In the Brazilian version there are shepherdesses rather than shepherds and a
gypsy who tries to kidnap the Christ Child. Friends and family members may
also take part in these plays. People make a special meal and decorate their
houses. Many go to church to attend services in line with family tradition.
Families attend a Christmas celebration at church before coming together to
share Christmas dinner.
Christmas picnics and barbecues are very common. A huge Christmas dinner,
unusual in the hot summertime, includes turkey, colored rice, ham, and
fantastic fruit and vegetable dishes. Special items and usual holiday recipes
are tried along with the delicious cakes and wines.
Argentina
Argentina is a country with many enriching cultural influences to its Christmas
customs. Argentina, unlike the United States, has a summer time Christmas.
Yet, despite this the customs and traditions are quite similar. People
celebrate it with dedication and delight. In some areas evergreen trees are
decorated with cotton to replicate the snow found on the trees in the forests
of the Northern Hemisphere. Gift giving, picnics and banquets, champagne and
cakes, and fireworks at midnight are some of the popular practices during the
Christmas season in Argentina. Christmas trees are ornamented with colored
lights, knick-knacks and candles. All Christmas gifts are placed under the
tree. Many people set up a Nativity scene, a model of the manger where Jesus
Christ was born. Most Argentines also attend a Christmas church service.
Families attend a Christmas celebration at church before coming together to
share Christmas dinner. Many plan a picnic or barbecue as their Christmas meal
to take advantage of the lovely weather. Christmas dinner in Argentina may be
served in a garden area. After dinner delicious cakes are served along with
Sidra or Champagne to drink.
Venezuella
Christmas in Venezuela reflects its rich tradition. Christmas starts on the
December 24th with a grand conventional dinner on Christmas Eve. At the stroke
of midnight the mass is held. An interesting blend of modernity and customs
become visible, as youngsters roller skate to the mass. The celebrations also
involve the singing of the traditional songs called Parrandas o Aguinaldo.
Nicaragua
Like many other countries in Latin America, Nicaragua celebrates many of the
customs of old Spain. The official language is Spanish. In the weeks leading
up to Christmas people leisurely walk on the streets where there are many
attractive things to purchase: Nativity pictures, candles, toys, and foods.
Children carry perfumed bouquets to the alter of the Virgin and sing carols.
On Christmas Eve, church bells beckon the people to Midnight Mass. Families
attend a Christmas celebration at church before coming together to share
Christmas dinner on January 6th (the Feast of the Epiphany). It is the three
wise men who brings lovely presents for the children. The Holiday season
usually concludes with a dazzling display of fireworks.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, Christmas is known as
Kisimisi.
Celebrated on December 25th, fellowship is a big part of the day. Fathers
give gifts to their children, and husbands give gifts to their wives. The
service is held very early in the morning. Singing of the Gospel songs are
followed by the sermons.
India
Christmas in India is calm in comparison to most western countries. The season
is cheerful with decorations with colourful poinsettia flowers and other
tropical plants. Children wear colourful dresses. Gifts are exchanged on
Christmas morning along with many wishes of the season and for a happy and
prosperous life.
The important part of the festival is the midnight service, or mass, given in
the church, which can last for three to four hours. The tribal Christians in
the northeast and the western parts of the country go out night after night,
for about a week, to sing their equivalent of the Christmas carols. Christians
in the south, light clay oil lamps in the evenings, giving the house a
twinkling look.
Egypt
Unlike western countries, Christmas is not a public season in Egypt, and is a
holiday only for the Christians. Nonetheless the Christmas spirit is felt in
the Churches and the homes of Egyptian Christians. The Egyptian Church is a
Coptic orthodox church and celebrates Christmas on December 7th. Advent is
observed for forty days and during this period people are expected to fast,
eating no meat, poultry or dairy products.
The midnight prayer is held in the Church and ends with the ringing of the
bells. After the prayer, families gather at home to have a grand meal known as
fata. It consists of rice, bread, garlic, boiled meat and soup. Generally,
people in Egypt and the Middle East visit friends and relatives on Christmas
morning. They take with them Kaik (a kind of shortbread) on these visits.
They have the Kaik with a drink known as Shortbat.
