Christmas Around The World
In less than one week, families and friends around the world will be celebrating Christmas. While your family may celebrate with extravagant presents under the tree and fabulous turkey dinners, countries around the world celebrate Christmas differently. Here are a few ways different countries celebrate this beloved holiday.
Germany
Similar to us in Canada, German celebrates Christmas with a Christmas Tree, but this is one of many traditions they have. If you ever visit Germany around Christmas, you will quickly realize they are well known for the extravagant Christmas festivals they have. Children in Germany write letters to the ‘Christkind/Christkindl’ (The Christ Child) asking for presents, similar to how children write Santa Claus in Canada. Typical Christmas meals often consist of carp or goose.
Frohe Weihnachten!
China
In China, a very small portion of the population is Christian. Because of this, only about one percent of the Chinese population celebrates Christmas. Despite this, it is celebrated in larger cities throughout the country. For families who do celebrate Christmas, they often have a “Tree of Light” more commonly known as a Christmas Tree in North America. Their Trees of Light are often decorated with paper decorations. A tradition that is becoming popular throughout China, is giving apples wrapped in colourful paper.
Sheng Dan Kuai Le!
Australia
If you think Australians have a ‘White Christmas,’ think again! Christmas comes in the middle of their summer, which means it is very hot through the Christmas holidays. Australia celebrates Christmas like we do in Canada – with carol singing, Christmas trees, and visiting family and friends. They also have Santa, who is said to use kangaroos instead of reindeer to deliver presents, across Australia, so his reindeer can have a much-needed rest.
Merry Christmas!
France
In celebrating Christmas, those in French often use Nativity Cribs to decorate their house for the holiday season. Throughout their homes, Yule Logs made of cherry wood are burned. They sprinkle the log with red wine to help their home smell good, and it is then left burning all night in case Mary and Baby Jesus stop by their home.
For Christmas dinner, the French eat something called Réveillon, is eaten after people have returned from the midnight Church Service. Alongside this dish, roast turkey or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses are also served.
Joyeux Noël!
From all of us at Pendleton Translations, we wish you all a very Happy Holiday season!
References
http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/france.shtml