Tracy Stanmore

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.”

These lines of the Christmas carol written by Isaac watts truly explain the joy and credness of the Christmas celebration. Christmas is celebrated every year on 25th of December and is observed as the birth date of Jesus Christ. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging not only to the Christian faith rather it is celebrated in many untries around the world. Christmas day is seen as the sacred day on which the Lord arrived on other Earth not only by Christian community but also by the non-Christians, 2010 calendars.

With the world becoming a global village; Caroling, feasting, presence of Santa, Christmas party and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes during Christmas Eve has given a cosmopolitan feel to christmas celebration. Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. People sing, dance, enjoy and distribute gifts and sweets among their near and dear ones during the Christmas party. They invite people in their homes to participate in Christmas celebrations. Relatives, friends, colleagues and family members gather together in the Christmas party to share their feelings with each other and enjoy the Christmas Eve.

Christmas greeting cards are one of the best parts regarding Christmas celebrations. Christmas is a joyous celebration and Christmas greeting cards add to the joy of this hilarious celebration. Elegant, new year, beautiful, sparkling Christmas greeting cards are capable of filling the Christmas of your loved ones with smiles. People rejoice the birth of Jesus Christ through these fascinating greeting cards and receive divine blessings. Nowadays people also send fascinating merry Christmas e-cards as a mark of Christmas greeting. Sparkling Merry Christmas e-cards brighten up the Christmas celebrations of the people.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or simply “Santa”, is the legendary figure who brings gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve i.e. on December 24.In United Kingdom and Europe, Santa is commonly known as Father Christmas. Christmas celebration is incomplete without Santa. Decorating the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve is considered to be an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Unique and personalized Christmas gifts are an important aspect of Christmas celebration. Various networking sites are available on internet that can help you to choose the best Christmas gift for your loved ones. Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve vary as per the age of the recipients. There are different gifts available for teens, babies, adults and kids as per their interests. Christmas celebration is truly means fun for all.

Get complete details about 2010 horoscopes, christmas gifts, christmas greetings, monthly horoscopes, christmas holidays, christmas art, chinese new year, and christmas celebrations

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Today, Christmas festival is celebrated on a grand-scale in India as well as in all over the world. Christians and even the non-Christian community take part with great enthusiasm in the different festivities associated with it. Christmas celebration varies in various parts of India. In some parts, small clay oil-burning lamps, mango leaves etc are used as Christmas decorations and banana and mango trees are decorated. Churches, Markets and homes take on a festive air. There is lot of activity to celebrate in all over the world. So much eagerness is witnessed everywhere that people get high on the spirit of the festival. Balls, elaborately decorated Christmas trees, delicious cakes and Santa Claus moving in the streets distributing goodies to the children are the main attractions of Christmas festival. People decorate their houses, erect Christmas trees with branches hung with gifts and decorations, Joseph, make cribs with figures of baby Jesus Mother Mary, the three kings who come to visit the baby and shepherd boys and their herds grazing around portraying the scenes of Jesus’s Birth in the Bible. The festival of Christmas is the celebration of the birth or Nativity of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity on 25th date of December every year. This festival is celebrated with lot of gaiety and fanfare all over the world. Christmas celebration includes various traditions such as arrival of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, display of nativity scenes, and exchange of gifts and cards. The Christmas Celebration conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It is also a celebration of humanity and mankind. Though Christmas is a major festival of the Christian calendar but still it has a special significance in everyone’s life. It is celebrated as a universal festival through out the nation. Christmas is the most important festival of Indian Christians, which is celebrated with enjoyment, excitement, eagerness and curiosity throughout the world. Though the main theme behind the celebrations is same everywhere, every country has slightly different customs & traditions related to Christmas celebration. However, the zeal, excitement and eagerness of Christmas celebration remain the same everywhere. Be it countries of Europe or the countries of Asia, or counties in America or Africa there is a special passion about the arrival of this festival. The party organized one day before Christmas is popularly known as Christmas Eve party. Planning the Christmas Eve party is one of the most essential aspects of the holiday, which is the perfect time to decorate the Christmas trees. But several people start setting up the Christmas trees much before Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is regarded as a shortened holiday in several countries as many people want to give a final touch to the Christmas preparations made by them. One of the most popular festivals celebrated in India & across the globe is Christmas transcending all the barriers of ethnicity, color, race, caste and religion. Christmas Celebration in churches, decorations at home, prayers, exchange of gifts, lighting, Christmas trees, Santa Claus are all integral elements associated with Christmas which make it one of the most popular and  fascinating festivals in the world. The Candy Cane stands as an important Christmas symbol, which is used during the Christmas holidays. How to Plan a Christmas Party Menu. Throwing a Christmas party for friends and friends is a joyful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Today, Christmas festival is celebrated on a grand-scale in India as well as in all over the world. Christians and even the non-Christian community take part with great enthusiasm in the different festivities associated with it. christmas celebration varies in various parts of India. In some parts, small clay oil-burning lamps, mango leaves etc are used as Christmas decorations and banana and mango trees are decorated. Churches, Markets and homes take on a festive air. There is lot of activity to celebrate in all over the world. So much eagerness is witnessed everywhere that people get high on the spirit of the festival. Balls, elaborately decorated Christmas trees, delicious cakes and Santa Claus moving in the streets distributing goodies to the children are the main attractions of Christmas festival.

People decorate their houses, erect Christmas trees with branches hung with gifts and decorations, Joseph, make cribs with figures of baby Jesus Mother Mary, the three kings who come to visit the baby and shepherd boys and their herds grazing around portraying the scenes of Jesus’s Birth in the Bible.

The festival of Christmas is the celebration of the birth or Nativity of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity on 25th date of December every year. This festival is celebrated with lot of gaiety and fanfare all over the world. Christmas celebration includes various traditions such as arrival of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, display of nativity scenes, and exchange of gifts and cards. The Christmas Celebration conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It is also a celebration of humanity and mankind. Though Christmas is a major festival of the Christian calendar but still it has a special significance in everyone’s life. It is celebrated as a universal festival through out the nation.

Christmas is the most important festival of Indian Christians, which is celebrated with enjoyment, excitement, eagerness and curiosity throughout the world. Though the main theme behind the celebrations is same everywhere, every country has slightly different customs & traditions related to Christmas celebration. However, the zeal, excitement and eagerness of Christmas celebration remain the same everywhere. Be it countries of Europe or the countries of Asia, or counties in America or Africa there is a special passion about the arrival of this festival. The party organized one day before Christmas is popularly known as christmas eve party. Planning the Christmas Eve party is one of the most essential aspects of the holiday, which is the perfect time to decorate the Christmas trees. But several people start setting up the Christmas trees much before Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is regarded as a shortened holiday in several countries as many people want to give a final touch to the Christmas preparations made by them.

One of the most popular festivals celebrated in India & across the globe is Christmas transcending all the barriers of ethnicity, color, race, caste and religion. Christmas Celebration in churches, decorations at home, prayers, exchange of gifts, lighting, Christmas trees, Santa Claus are all integral elements associated with Christmas which make it one of the most popular and  fascinating festivals in the world. The Candy Cane stands as an important Christmas symbol, which is used during the Christmas holidays. How to Plan a christmas party menu. Throwing a Christmas party for friends and friends is a joyful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Mukesh Kumar is the author of Christmas Traditions around the World. Get complete details about christmas sayings, christmas gifts, christmas greetings, christmas symbol, christmas holidays, christmas art, christmas gifts, and christmas celebrations

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All over the world, the most celebrated events for Christians is Christmas. Christmas is the annual holiday in many nations to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. And Christmas is one of the biggest religious festivities of the world . Each year over 400 millions of people all over the world celebrate Christmas with great pomp and show. And people will get a couple of days leave in the holidayfor holding many activities to celebrate christmas.

Christmas is hugely celebrated on December 25th every year. It is not exactly known as why this particular date has been associated with birth of Jesus. The Old Testament actually has no mention about the specific date of the event. While the winter chill tends to be at its peak, the market tends to be filled with a huge collection of Christmas costumes to satisfy the sky touching demand of the fashionable section of the society. The demand for new designs always seems to looking up whether it’s an elf Christmas dress or the Imperial Santa Clause suit.

Gifts exchanging is worth mentioning among the most remarkable activities of the festive. It is associated with this occasion since the time when the three wise men (the Magi) came to Jesus with their very unique gifts in Bible.

Either by enjoying special Christmas cakes or by freaking out for a Christmas vacationing or by throwing parties, people tend to make the most of the Christmas holidays. However, although loads of other pockets are afford, Walt Disney World is one of the perfect spot for spending a memorable Christmas vacation. Another great choice for the Christmas vacationers is “North Pole”, which is just north of Lake Placid in NY .

It is beyond all controversies that the true fun of celebration lies in planning no matter what way they want to celebrate Christmas, whatever the Christmas fashion in vogue may be.

You can find the finest quality hand painted christmas ornaments on our website, and all of these christmas ornaments are painted from the inside by artists.

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Christmas, a day dedicated to religion and reverence,is the biggest festival of the year in western countries. It is not just confined to cakes, trees and gifts. It should be celebrated in an exceptional manner since the incredible aura and significance of the occasion are one of their kinds. Going outside and travelling may be a good idea for Christmas celebration.

When talking about celebrating Christmas out of home, expense is the first thing people fear . Christmas vacations are commonly deemed to be quite expensive. But there are several other amazing but economical destinations to hit besides the overpriced places such as New York, London and Paris etc.

Celebrating Christmas vacations away from home is not all about giving a different dimension to your merriment but it is also a brilliant idea to explore some of the most delightful places on earth. It is a lifetime experience to cheer this great day at ideal Christmas fete destinations.

Christmas celebrations can be really cool on the ice-laden streets of New England. Apart from usual partying, adventurous activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, sled riding etc. are a superb way to rejoice the day. The Killington Ski Resort in Killington, Vermont is a perfect hub for these doings

Christmas celebration is exclusive and memorable at several historical destinations. In order to cheer Christmas with music, shopping and holiday teas, the Amelia Island in Florida is just the right place. Christmas festivity at Amelia is basically centered on a Historic Tour of Christmas Bed and Breakfasts.

All those for whom Christmas celebrations mean sharing love and affection with their partner, the Stone Hill Inn is just the exact place to go. The Inn offers special package for the newly wed couples that act as a great pull. While staying at the Inn, you can try your hand out at several other activities.

Without a Santa, Christmas is incomplete especially for kids. A visit to the Canterbury’s Winter Wonderland Lapland, a Santa’s paradise, is a more outstanding Christmas present to your child . By virtue of Santa and his gifts and many other activities like skidoo-riding, tobogganing etc, children not only acquire a real feel of the festival but also get to move out of their houses and enjoy their vacations at a wonderful place.

So many finest quality hand painted christmas ornaments can be found on our website, and each one of these christmas ornaments is unique, no two are exactly the same.

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Christmas in United States

The United States of America integrates different elements from different places in its Christmas celebrations. The Christmas tree tradition comes from Germany, parades from Latin America, carols from the English and Australians, Santa Claus from the Europeans and more. Apart from the general celebration with feasting, caroling, decorating and gift-giving, each family in the US has their individual christmas celebrations. And even the traditions vary from one place to another within the US. In Washington DC for instance, there’s this central celebration with lighting of the tree on the Ellipse. Here you’ll find one big tree (which represents the nation) and other smaller trees (standing for other states). In New Orleans, caroling is the focus of thousands throng the Jackson Square each year on Christmas to have a huge group/ community caroling around big bonfires lit along the river Mississippi. The oldest city in the US, St. Augustine, Florida, has the whole of the city lit up in white lights on .No lights except white are allowed on

Then again, many Americans love to hit Hollywood, California to treat their eyes to the annual Parade of Stars, while others entertain themselves at Christmas concerts or caroling festivities in and around the cities.

Christmas in France

Joyeux No?l ! For all the curious, that’s ‘Merry Christmas’ in French. In France, Christmas is called No?l and Father Christmas is known as P?re No?l. Christmas trees are decorated with red ribbons and candles. Fir trees are also lighted on Christmas. People gather together and feast on meat and fine wine. The French kids put shoes and boots by the hearth for Santa to keep Christmas goodies in them. And nearly every family sets up a Nativity scene at home on Christmas.

Christmas in Spain

Feliz Navidad! Now that’s ‘Merry Christmas’ for the Spanish-speaking population. Spanish Christmas is essentially religious in spirit and celebration. Virgin Mary is the country’s patron saint and hence, Spain observes a pious Christmas festivity. Here, Christmas officially begins from December 8, the day of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Each year, the Spanish celebrate Christmas in front of Seville’s Gothic cathedral with a ceremony known as ‘los Seises’ or the ‘dance of six’.

Christmas in Portugal

Portuguese Christmas is much in the same street as Christmas in Spain. Whatever gifts Father Christmas brings to the kids, are kept at the base of the Christmas evergreen or in shoes by the fireplace. At midnight on Christmas Eve, the Portuguese have a special Christmas meal of dry and salted cod-fish and boiled potatoes. And in the early morning of the Christmas day, they have a meal called ‘consoada’, where seats are left empty at the table for the ‘alminhas a penar’ or the ‘souls of the dead’. This comes from the ancient practice of leaving seeds to the dead ancestors in hopes of getting rewarded with a more bountiful harvest. So boas festas ! Have a great party this Christmas and New Year !

Christmas in England

England holds claim to the origin of hanging stockings on Christmas. It’s believed that Father Christmas once dropped some gold coins while coming down a chimney and the coins landed on one stocking hanging out to dry. Since then, the idea of hanging stockings on Christmas held ground and children today, make it a point to hang their stockings for Santa Claus to fill these up with Christmas goodies. In some parts, ‘pantomime’ is also a popular Christmas tradition. And the wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ and gift-giving is of course there in England.

Christmas in Germany

In Germany, the St. Nicholas Day celebration of December 6 is similar to the Christmas celebrations of the English. Apart from wishing each other a ‘Froehliche Weihnachten’ or ‘Merry Christmas’, the Christmas customs and traditions of Christmas vary from one region to another in Germany. The St. Nicholas Day is primarily a day reserved for the young ones to have fun and get pampered in gifts. After this, the actual Christmas gift-giving kicks off at the Christmas Eve night. Gifts are usually kept under the Christmas tree and people enjoy a traditional roast goose in their Christmas meal. The Weihnachtsmann (a look-alike of St. Nicholas) brings gifts on Christmas and sometimes these are brought by the Christkind (a fairy child often like baby Jesus).

Sean Carter writes on holidays, christmas and celebrations around
the world. He also writes on family, relationships,womens issues birthdays, inspiration, religion, love and friendship. He is a writer with special interest in ecard industry. He writes for 123greetings.com

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Here comes the Christmas…Season of winter festivity and celebration. Christmas is celebrated around the world on the 25th December. The day is celebrated in high spirits to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. As the Christmas fever approaches closer it drapes the entire world in its magical colors. On the Christmas Eve, everyone visit churches to offer prayers. Houses are decorated with stockings, flower wreath, beautiful centerpieces and Christmas tree. Families sing Christmas carols in and present each other fabulous gifts. Christmas Celebration are universal and celebrated around the world in with pomp and pageantry.  

Christmas celebration in USA:

Feasting, caroling, decorating and gift-giving are the core elements of Christmas celebration in each family in the USA. Within the US, traditions vary from one place to another. In New Orleans, revelers throng the Jackson Square to partake in caroling around big bonfires lit along the river Mississippi. In Washington DC the central of celebration is lighting of one big tree (which represents the nation) and other smaller trees (standing for other states). In other parts of US, the whole of the city lit up. The glitziest of all is the base of Hollywood, Los angles, where the annual parade of stars, Christmas concerts and caroling festivities are organized in and around the cities.

Christmas in France:

Enter France and you will be greeted with “Joyeux Noel,” means Merry Christmas. The centre of celebration- a Christmas tree of fir in France- is decorated with lights, red ribbons and candles. In France there’s a tradition kids follow by placing shoes and boots by the hearth for Santa Claus to keep Christmas goodies. On this day, families come together to feast on meat and sip wine.

Christmas in England:

The tradition of hanging stockings on Christmas Celebration originated from UK. This tradition evolved and now it’s customary for children to hang stockings. It said that Saint Nicholas once dropped some gold coins while coming down a chimney and the coins landed on one stocking hanging out to dry. Besides hanging stockings beside the fireplace other customs of Christmas involve wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas’ and gift-giving.
Christmas Celebration originated from UK. This tradition evolved and now it’s customary for children to hang stockings. It said that Saint Nicholas once dropped some gold coins while coming down a chimney and the coins landed on one stocking hanging out to dry. Besides hanging stockings beside the fireplace other customs of Christmas involve wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas’ and gift-giving.

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While Christmas is the most universally recognized holiday in the world. It has become a celebrated affair of magic, myth and religion. Most of the Christmas festivities that we know today actually sprang from pre-Christian festivals that had been celebrated for centuries. The birth of the sun celebrated on the 25th December was replaced with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on this day. For Christians “Christ” was the new “Sun” the “Son of God” the new “light of the world”.

While there are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in a total world population of 6.6 billion, making it the largest religion worldwide, there are many other cultures and religions holding sacred celebrations during December today. Here are some of the most celebrated festivals:

· Jewish people commemorate Hanukkah (the Hebrew word for “dedication”). This feast is also referred to as “Feast of Dedication” or “Feast of Lights”. It is an eight day festival which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews reclaimed and rededicated their temple in 165 B.C. after a victory which drove the Syrian army out of Jerusalem. A primary ritual during this time is to light a single light each night for eight nights and the number of lights lit is increased by one each night. The extra light lit each night is called a “shamash” meaning “guard” or “servant” and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. Special blessings are recited over the lights each night. There are approximately 14 million Jews worldwide.

· Muslims are observing Ramadan when it falls during the Christmas season. It is noted that Ramadan moves all over in relation to our calendar. Considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. Believed to be the month in which the first verses of the Koran (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to the prophet Muhammad. It is a month where fasting, inner reflection, devotion to God and self control is observed. In Saudi Arabia it is 100% Muslim and Islam is the only accepted religion and non-Muslim religious activities are banned in public thus no Christmas celebrations. Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam is responsible for protecting the faith’s holiest shrines at Mecca and Medina. There are approximately 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide.

· African Americans are celebrating Kwanzaa which means “first fruits” and is based on African festivals. It started in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, an American academic. Celebrations over seven days from 26 December to January 1st that reflect on and reaffirm traditional African values, ancestors and culture. There are seven guiding principles reflected upon. One for each day of the festival: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa is observed by more than 18 million people. Kwanzaa is not celebrated in Africa, as it’s an African-American holiday.

· In Hong Kong the festival of a Ta Chiu is held (a Taoist festival of peace and renewal) held on 27 December each year. Participants summon all their gods and ghosts of their ancestors so that the collective power will renew their lives and fulfill wishes for the coming year. At the end of the festival, priests read aloud the names of every person living in their area. Then they attach the list of names to a paper horse and set it aflame, letting the smoke carry the names up into the heavens to reach the Gods so they will remember them.

· In Japan no official celebrations of Christmas as less than 1% of the population is Christian. The major religion in Japan is Buddhism and Shinto. December in Japan is a time for preparing for their most celebrated day of the year “New Year’s Day”. People prepare by thoroughly cleaning their houses on new year’s eve then adding special decorations. People dress in their finest clothes often being traditional Japanese kimonos. A tradition is for the father of the house to be followed by all the family as he marches throughout the house driving away evil spirits. Custom is for the father to throw dried beans into the corners of each room as he bids evil spirits to withdraw and good luck to enter. The family then attends the Shinto Shrine where they clap hands to get the attention of the “Gods” and request good fortune. People send new year’s day cards like people send Christmas cards in west. There are 376 million Buddhist world-wide and 4 million Shinto world-wide.

· The indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, being one the oldest cultures and people on earth, do not celebrate Christmas (even though Australia is largely a Christian country widely celebrating Christmas). The Aborigines have their own rich and honored culture in particular the “Dreamtime” storytelling which is an integral part of their life. It plays a vital role in educating children with stories of history, culture, the land and their people. Stories which have been handed down from one generation to the next over thousands of years. December celebrations include in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Yolngu Aboriginal people who observe the last season of their six-season cycle. Gudjewg, the wet season which begins in late December. There are less than 500,000 Aborigines in Australia today.

Visit http://www.TheFamilyYak.com to listen to ‘Conversations with Mrs Claus’ podcast show with Mrs Claus (aka Christmas author Bernadette Dimitrov) – a family show that provides a weekly stream of inspiration, insight and connection to fascinating guests world-wide. Listeners can share in the inspirational insights from experts and coaches about life, Christmas and transformational secrets for living a happy and fulfilled life. It’s a fun show with something for both young and old with prizes to be won! Also come visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com and join ourr free Christmas newsletter & receive free gifts!

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Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. This feast was created by the pope to promote Christianity and remove pagan festivals celebrated at the winter solstice.

During the IVth century, the pope decided to bring the Christmas day on December 25th.

Christmas has always been represented by religious ceremonies and gifts and greetings exchange.

Here are some Christmas symbols:

* The Advent consists of a burning candle each Sunday four weeks before Christmas; which symbolize the rebirth of light after the winter solstice.

* The December 24th Christmas Mass; which celebrates the birth of Jesus.

* The Christmas Crib; which symbolizes the birth of Jesus in Christian homes.

* The Christmas tree, a symbol from the pagan celebration and representing life.

* The Yule log; which represents the log that we put in the fireplace to warm up on Christmas Eve.

* Santa Claus, an American creation, inspired by the Christian Saint Nicholas (celebrated in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Alsace. This character wears a luxurious red cape, he has a long white beard and wears a red miter, he also holds a golden crosier. Saint Nicholas rewards good children while his companion Père Fouettard/Black Pete punishes nasty children) and the elf Yule Goat, celebrated in Scandinavian countries.

Over the centuries, Christmas has evolved and Christmas Eve with our family, replaced the religious ceremonies.

The gift exchange: luxurious for the rich people and useful – sometimes only one orange – for the poor people, has been replaced by the modern marketing. People not only buys gifts but also spend lots of money in decoration items, food, drink…

The secularization of our society removed the true meaning of Christmas Time; which is, obviously, becoming a pagan feast.

Here are some countries which celebrate Christmas:

Belgium:
We have a festival especially dedicated to children; which is Saint Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) on December 6th. The Great Patron of Schoolboys, who is supposed to bring candies in their shoes, brings in fact toys by the thousands to our children.

In Belgium, Christmas is rather reserved for adults: the streets are decorated and illuminated, we decorate our houses, windows, gardens, Christmas trees. Belgium seems to forget that it is a Catholic country and closes more and more churches, therefore, the Midnight Mass on December 24th usually happens at 6 or 8 PM. We then eat with our family and at 12 PM we exchange our gifts. Children usually receive a book or some clothes.

Christmas Day has little meaning but practicing Catholic go to church. Belgian people visit their family on January 1st. In the Belgian Ardens, people celebrate December 31st and not Christmas.

France:
Christmas is dedicated to children. The streets and the houses are decorated several weeks in advance. French people have lots of Christmas customs: Christmas Markets, the Christmas tree, the Christmas Dinner, Père Noël, Christmas gifts, stories, songs, Christmas turkey, The Christmas Crib, the Yule Log, and so on. In Alsace, however, Saint Nicholas predominates on Santa Claus.

The Netherlands:
They organize their St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) festival: the old bearded man traveling by boat and accompanied by many black aids, who distributes gifts to good children. Dutch people reserve the big gifts for Christmas Time because they profit for some great bargains after Sinter Klaas.

Germany:
Christmas in Germany lasts two days. On December 26th they visit their family and their friends. Christ-Kind offers gifts to the children on December 24th families and friends. Germany has also a Saint Nicholas festival on December 6th.

Great Britain:
Christmas is celebrated in England with enthusiasm. Children sing “Christmas Carols” in the streets, they eat the famous “Christmas Pudding” at the end the Christmas Dinner. In England, Santa Claus fills the English children socks with gifts. British people also exchange greeting cards; which are a British creation.

Spain:
If Santa Claus has little importance in Spain (Magi distribute gifts to children on January 6th), Spanish people decorate the streets with lights during the month of December. The windows of the shops are filled with lots of gifts and Spanish celebrate the Christmas Evening with their family.

Portugal:
Christmas Eve is a holiday. The Portuguese attend the Christmas Midnight Mass; which is the “Missa Do Galo.” If there is no Christmas tree in Portugal, there is nevertheless a “Wooden Christmas”.

Italy:
Christmas lasts three days, from December 24th till 26th. However, Christmas traditions vary from one region to another one and, depending on the region it is Babo Natale (Father Christmas) or the “Gesu Bambino” (Little Jesus) who brings gifts on December 25th. The Italian Christmas dessert is “Panettone”.

Scandinavian Countries:
During the Christmas Dinner, Scandinavian people reserve a place for the souls of the deceased members of their family. Once they finish to eat, they read the bible. The whole family is singing Christmas songs and dance around the Christmas tree.

Other European countries:
In Romania, on December 24th, there is a Christmas candle burning until the morning of December 25th. In Russia, Christmas Day happens on January 7th, according to the Orthodox calendar. In Greece the Christmas period begins on Christmas Eve and ends at the Epiphany. Christmas is less important than Easter.

USA:
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus is coming to announce the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. American people love to celebrate Christmas and set up a decorated Christmas in their home. Children hang empty stocks empty on the fireplace and on the Christmas morning they find them filled with candy and small toys.

Canada:
Houses, shops and streets are decorated with lights. Canadian people decorate their house with a Christmas tree, a Christmas wrap, a Christmas Crib… After the “Midnight Mass” people have a Christmas Eve with their family. Turkey and the Christmas log are the essential ingredients of a Canadian Christmas Dinner. They send greeting cards to their friends and family who live far away.

South America:
Peruvian people have Christmas parties but also learn to live better on christmas time. Their Christmas season lasts a full week. Mexican people celebrate Christmas with Las Posadas (pilgrimages representing the path by the Mary and Joseph). They celebrate the last Posada on the Christmas morning and then start the Christmas dinner. I Guatemala, immigrants have imported their German customs and the Christmas tree is essential but the Christmas gifts are reserved to the children. Gift exchange for adults is on January 1st.

Australia:
Christmas happens during the summertime, so Australian people celebrate Christmas at the beach. People eat cold turkey and pudding.

New Zealand:
If there are few decorations, New Zealand people organize Christmas parades and people sing in the parks. They also organize their famous “Christmas barbecue”.

Japan:
Christmas is merely commercial significance in Japan. This festival represents Saint Nicholas and it is an opportunity to offer gifts to small children.

China:
If Christmas Day is not a holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Chinese cities. This festival was imported into this country by foreign missionaries. For the Chinese people who celebrate it, Christmas is a religious event.

Prosperity66 is an European History, Holidays and Tarot cards passionate. For more Christmas Informations feel free to visit Christmas Time and receive a free Christmas Gifts Check List.

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