Here are some examples:
Christmas in Bulgary
At Christmas people from Bulgary spend the day cooking and putting a Christmas tree full of ornaments. Children like playing in the snow and waiting for Santa Claus (there are no Magic Kings). There are thousands of letters traveling each day to Bulgaria's capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi (where the office of Santa Claus is).
Dani, Anna and Clàudia
CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE
On Christmas Eve children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel. In the morning they also find sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys hung on the tree.
In the cathedral squares the story of Christ's birth is re-enacted by both players and puppets.
Nearly every French home at Christmas time displays a Nativity scene or crèche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The crèche is often peopled with little clay figures called santons or "little saints." In addition to the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magic Men, the craftsmen also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries and characters.
Helena and Carla
CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY
In Germany the typical tradition of Christmas are Saint Nick and the Christmas Markets.
-Saint Nick: In Germany Saint Nick is like Santa Claus. Saint Nick brings presents to children.
-Christmas markets: In Germany the Christmas market are old.
In a town called Rotenberg there is a big shop full of Christmas toys.
Roger, Eloi and GerardCHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN ITALY
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
— Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Each country has different customs and traditions. Different countries celebrate in their own way including different dates, food, drinks…
CHRISTMAS FOOD IN ITALY
— Christmas traditions in Italy: Festive food varies from region to region, although there are some common dishes. On Christmas Eve, 'Vigilia di Natale', a traditional Italian dinner consists of fish and seafood with the "feast of the seven fishes" (meat is not eaten on Christmas Eve). A typical Christmas lunch, ‘il pranzo’, or dinner in Italy would typically have dishes of crostini with liver pate, lamb (l'agnello) with vegetables or tortellini. Homemade fettuccine and ravioli are often served. Desserts include il panforte, a gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Torrone is also a favorite, it is a nougat desert made of honey, sugar and egg white which is topped with toasted almond.
Anna and Àngela
Chritsmas in Poland
Christmas in Poland is a very important celebration.
In Poland Christmas is very similar to our country. In some aspects there are differences:
· In Poland there are no “Magic Kings”, they celebrate St. Nick instead.
· The dinner doesn’t begin until the first star leave.
· Dishes are always served in 12, due to the 12 months of the year.
Júlia, Emma and Núria
Christmas in Romania
In Romania Christmas Eve is a holiday which is celebrated the 25th of December. Families meet in the evening and celebrate the holiday with a typical meal, singing Christmas Carols and giving gifts.
Typical Dinner on Christmas Eve:
- Ciorba Burt (soup broth)
- Sarmale cu smantana (bundles cabbage with pork, rice and sour cream sauce)
-Cozonac (chocolate cake with nuts)
Different types of cakes: honey, chocolate…
Drinks: Wines, Tuica (plum brandy or pear), Juices, Coca Cola and Champagne.
SPAIN
Christmas celebrations begin on the 22nd, with the Spanish Christmas lottery. On Christmas Eve some people have a family dinner. At the end of the year we eat grapes at the rhythm of the ring bells. In January the Three Wise Men bring gifts to the children.
Andreu, Marc and Guillem
Christmas in Turkey
IN TURKEY IT IS FORBIDDEN TO PRACTICE CHRISTIANITY BUT THERE IS ONE SMALL TOWN AS LISTED BELOW WHO DOES STILL CELEBRATE.
In the Turkish town of Demre, Santa Claus or St Nicholas birth is celebrated every year during the three-day festival held in early December. Born in the nearby town of Patara, St Nicholas is remembered not only as a famous Turkish archbishop, but also for his kindness to children.
This statement is completely false. Turkey is a laic country where all religions are respected. Turkey has many groups of various religions, and everyone is completely free to perform their own religous rituals. Historically Anatolia is a land where Muslims, Christians and Jews live in harmony -a rare thing in the world - even today, as it was hundreds of years ago.
Manel, Valentí and Alejandro
Christmas in United Kingdom
Most families have a Christmas Tree in their house for Christmas. The decoration of the tree is usually a family event and everyone helps.
Children believe that Father Christmas or Santa Claus leaves presents in stockings or pillow-cases. These are normally hung up by the fire or by the children's beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave out mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas to eat and drink when he visits them. Now some people say that a non-alcoholic drink should be left for Santa as he has to drive! Children write letters to Father Christmas listing their requests, but sometimes instead of putting them in the post, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draught carries the letters up the chimney and Father Christmas reads the smoke.
