Celebrating Christmas Around the World
Christmas is one of those holidays that just seem to be filled with cheer and wonder. Christmas is a day of fun, love and happiness. But do you know how celebrating Christmas around the world is done in each country? Below are just a few.
Christmas in USA
Many people in the US celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 and 26. On the eve of Christmas Day, many people erect Christmas trees, decorate their homes and families usually get together for a festive meal after exchanging gifts. On Boxing Day, the 26th, friends and family are usually visited to exchange gifts.
Christmas in France
In France, Christmas celebrations begin as early as December 6 with the marking of St. Nicholas day. Father Christmas/Santa Claus/St. Nicholas is called Pére Noel. Children get sweets and gifts while on the Christmas Eve, families gather for a meal of Réveillon, which includes dishes such as roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, venison, lobster, cheese and more.
Christmas in Italy
In Italy, Christmas is celebrated best through the Navity crib scene. A ‘presepe’ is usually put up in churches, town squares and in homes to help tell the Christmas story. Father Christmas (Babbo Natale) hands out presents to children on Christmas Day but gifts are exchanged only on January 6, the day of Epiphany,
Christmas in the UK
In the UK, families often celebrate Christmas together so that they can see each other open their gifts. Many people decorate their houses with lots of fairy lights and sparkling displays. Most villages, towns and cities are decorated with Christmas lights over Christmas. The most famous Christmas lights in the UK are in Oxford Street in London. Thousands of people go to watch the big ‘switch on’ around the beginning of November.
Christmas in Germany
Christmas celebrations in Germany begin with the setting up of Christmas Markets on main squares where all sorts of Christmas foods and decorations are sold. Christmas Trees are very important in Germany and is usually put up in the homes only in the morning of the 24th of December. Santa Claus/Father Christmas brings the main Christmas presents on December 24th.
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