Christmas Traditions Around the World By: Tina Grandizio

Mexico In traditional Mexican homes, Christmas is an important holiday. (Catholic Religion) Very religious holiday, celebrates the Nativity. In order to prepare for the day of symbolic commemoration, Mexicans have "Posadas". These celebrations are a "Novena" or nine days before the 24 th of December which is the "Noche Buena" or "Holy Night". Traditionally, The presents are not received on Christmas, for Christmas is a celebration of Life of the Savior, Jesus. The children's celebration of receiving presents is not until January 6th, "el día de Reyes", the day of the Kings, or the Wise Men Day. Currently, these traditions have changed to an extent. One example is that the Posadas are now nine parties that are celebrated in friends homes before Christmas.

Mexico Continued The Poinsettia

Germany/Europe Hang up advent wreaths of Holly with four red candles in the center. Light one candle each Sunday and last on Christmas Eve. Children count the days until Christmas using an Advent calendar. They open one window each day and find a Christmas picture inside. This is also a common tradition here in the United States. December 6th is St. Claus day; leave out a shoe or boot outside the door December 5th and the next morning the children find presents (good) or a rod (bad). The rod is a lot like an American child receiving coal instead of presents.

Germany/Europe Continued FUN FACT: Did you know that Silent Night was originally composed in Austria in 1818? Christmas in Berlin: Santa made out of lights

Russia Traditional Russia celebrated “Festival of Winter” but is being replaced more and more by the celebration of Christmas. In the “Fesitval of Winter” Russians would fast for thirty-nine days, until January 6 th when the first evening star appeared. After a twelve course dinner begins (one course representing each of the twelve apostles)

Russia Continued Another “Festival of Winter” tradition; hay is spread on floors and tables. This is to encourage horse feed to grow for the new year. Also, people would make clucking noises to encourage their hens to lay many eggs. “Babushka is a traditional Christmas figure who distributes presents to children. Her name means grandmother and the legend is told that she declined to go with the wise men to see Jesus because of the cold weather. However, she regretted not going and set off to try and catch up, filling her basket with presents. She never found Jesus, and that is why she visits each house, leaving toys for good children.” – "Christmas in Russia: Around the World at Santa's Net." SANTA CLAUS OF THE NORTH POLE. Father Christmas. Australian Media, Web. 05 Nov

Australia Christmas is Australia is celebrated on December 25 th, right in the middle of summer. People often spend part of Christmas day with their families at the beach. People will host “barbies” (barbeques) on the beach. Santa comes on a surfboard onto the beach, very different then coming down the chimney in the United States! Decorations can include imageries of kangaroos and koala bears with Santa. Christmas cards even vary; some can be seen as the traditional Victorian images to a summer Santa!