2. MERRY CHRISTMAS Written by: DREW PORTELLI

3. I participate in various traditional Christmas preparations:- i.Novena ii.Christmas procession iii.Food and Sweets iv.Crib/Presepju v.Christmas decorations

4. NOVENA 1.Play 2.Candles 3.Carols

5. PLAY The play recounts Christ’s birth. We all impersonate the various personalities who were a major part in the birth of Christ.

6. CANDLES During the Novena, sometimes it will be my turn to light one of the nine candles in church. When they are all lit up, they look very bright and shiny.

7. Carols Lots of people and children join in the christmas carols. The songs are all beautiful and joyful. I love being part of a choir especilly during christmas time because I enjoy going round my village and sing carols.

8. CHRISTMAS PROCESSION We celebrate Jesus’ birth by doing a Christmas procession. We go through the village with baby Jesus’ statue to show respect. Some children like to take part in this celebration.

9. FOOD & SWEETS Chicken broth (”Brodu tat-tiġieġa”) Baked chicken with potatoes (”Tiġieġa bil-patata il-forn”) Baked macaroni (”Imqarrun il-forn”) Baked pork with potatoes (”Majjal bil-patata il-forn”)

10. FOOD & SWEETS Oranges and tangerines (”Larinġ u Mandolin”) Chestnut pie (”Pastizzotti tal-qastan”) Treacle rings (”Qagħaq tal-għasel”) Chestnut puree (”Imbuljuta”) Coffee (”Kafe’”)

11. CRIB/PRESEPJU We also prepare the crib/presepju. The crib/presepju is all about baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph around him.

12. DECORATIONS One of the most expected moment is when we start decorating our house. I love this time. In late November we start putting up the christmas tree, the crib. I start buying presents for my family from early December after saving all year round. I also love decorating my own room with a small Christmas tree and various other decorations.

13. MERRY CHRISTMAS THANK YOU