Christmas Around the World

There's a town called North Pole, New York, where you can visit "Santa Workshop" it was built in 1949, on a side of Whiteface Mountain.

There's a town called "Santa Claus" in Indiana, His statue can be found on Kriss Kringle Street.

And Yes there is a town called "Christmas" near Orlando, Florida. only 250 people live there, It doesn't snow very often, But there is a permanent Christmas Tree. A fort in the vicinity was completed on Christmas Day in 1835.

Dewsbury England, For hundreds of years "The Devil's Knell" has been heard on Christmas Day. Long ago a young boy was slain there, and his body was thrown into a brook. The murderer was caught. As penance, he gave the Dewsbury parish church a tenor bell. Each year, the bell tolls one time for every year that has passed since the Birth of Christ.

In Holland- Sinterklaus ( St. Nicholas) rides a white horse. With him in Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). Who carries a rod to keep children in line. The two visit houses, leaving candy in shoes. On Christmas Eve, Sinterklaus hides gifts all over the house. Rhymes give children clues in their search for gifts, which may be hidden under the bed or in the bathtub.

In France- Pere Noel (Father Christmas) and his assistant Pere Fouettard (Father Whip) visit on Dec.6 to put gifts in shoes that children leave by the fireplace. On Christmas Eve, some French children receive second gifts from Le Petit-Jesus.

In Italy- La Befana (Old Witch) brings gifts on the eve of the Epiphany. A kind old witch who hesitated to follow the Wise Men, she repents by flying on her broomstick and giving candy and gifts to good children.

In Denmark- Jule-Nissen (Christmas Elf), a mischievous Elf, lives in a manger in the stable and takes care of the family livestock. He arrives riding Jule-Buken (Christmas Goat)

In Mexico- Los Tres Reyes (The Three Kings) ride camels and bring gifts to the children on Jan. 6. Children put straw out for the camels and leave shoes on balconies to be filled with toys.

In Russia- D'yed Moroz (Grandfather Frost) brings gifts on Jan.1. With a white beard, fur-trimmed hat and red robe spangled with stars, he arrives at the Kremlin celebration aboard a Sputnik-drawn Sleigh

In Scotland Nollaigh Chridheil (Merry Christmas)  religious services and quiet family fatherings dominate the celebration of Christ's birth. Hogmanay,New Year's Eve is a time for joyous revelry. At midnight, church bells ring as people join hands and sing "Auld Lang Syne" in remembrance of friends past and present. The first person to cross the threshold after midnight is called the first-footer, and traditionally brings gifts of coal, bread, money or salt to ensure warmth, food and wealth for the coming year. The Scottish wisely believe that the year is best begun this way; rise early pay your debits and borrow no more, dine well and cheerfully resolve to work hard.

In Ireland Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Merry Christmas) on Christmas Eve, in honor of the infant Jesus, the youngest family member is chosen to light a candle in the window. The light is a welcome to any who, like Mary and Joseph, might be looking for shelter.The candle burns all night long. And wanderers who pass by are given food and money. After church services on Christmas Day, families distribute baked goods to friends and relatives. On December 26th; St Stephen's Day, children participate in a custom called "Feed the Wren". With a Wren in a cage they proceed from door to door singing carols and collecting money for charity. The season ends on January 6th, which is known as "Little Christmas".

In Germany celebrations begin with pageants and fairs, featuring cookies, breads , sausages, decorations and toys.Many observe Christ's coming by lighting candles on an Advent Wreath. On Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) families decorate the Tannebaum with white candles and ornaments of wood, foil and glass. A nativity is placed under the tree. Children recieve gift from the (Christ-Kind)  (Christ-Child) The season ends with Epiphany.

In Poland the first star in the Christmas eve sky signals the beginning of the Wigilia (Christmas Eve) celebration. Before the Christmas Eve meal is served, the head of the house distributes an oplatki (Peace Wafer) symbolizing friendship and peace. A straw-sewn place setting is reserved for the humble Christ. Decorations include an elaborate Christmas Tree, colorful wycinanki (paper cut-outs). Often young men carry a white star on a pole to Pasterka (Shepherd's Mass) at midnight.

How Do You Say Merry Christmas?

Merry Christmas   --         ~~      USA

Boas Festas         --         ~~    Portugal

Kilisimasi Fiefia      --       ~~    Tonga

Mboni Chrismen    --        ~~    Morocco

Feliz Navidad         --       ~~     Mexico

Mutlu Noeller         --       ~~     Turkey

Froliche Weinhnachten      ~~     Germany

Zalig Kerstfeest     --        ~~     Holland

Glaedelig Yul         --       ~~     Denmark

Meri Kurisumasu   --        ~~      Japan

Joyeux Noel          --        ~~      France

Ewadee pe-e mai   --        ~~       Thailand

Buon Natale           --       ~~       Italy

Nollaig Shona Dhuit   --          ~~    Ireland

Wesolych Swiat       --        ~~    Poland

Kaxa Xqiotovyevva   --          ~~     Greece

Linksmu Kaledu          --      ~~   Lithuania