Christmas Traditions Around the World Flashcard

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In which country does St. Nicholas appear twice, once on December 4th and again on December 6th, to bring treats for good children and switches for those who have been bad?

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Belgium

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Which country is known for the tradition of Las Posadas, where statues of Joseph and Mary are carried to different houses for food and shelter for ten days, and the Dance of the Pastores symbolizes the shepherds bringing gifts to Jesus after his birth?

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Belize

Front

Which country celebrates Christmas on January 7 and traditionally wears a shamma to the church service for the Orthodox Church's celebration of the birth of Jesus called Ganna?

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Ethiopia

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In which country do children place their shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel to fill with presents, and Pere Fouettard accompanies Pere Noel to tell him how each child has behaved?

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France

Front

Which country is home to the first decorated Christmas trees and was responsible for spreading the tradition of decorating Christmas trees to England and around the world?

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Germany

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In which country does the Christmas season end with the Festival of the Three Kings on January 6, where children carry lighted stars while going from house to house singing carols?

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Slovenia

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In which country does the tradition of Sinterklaas arrive in the beginning of December, traveling from Spain to Amsterdam every winter bringing toys for the children?

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Holland

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Which country is known for the tradition of Noche-buena, which begins on Christmas Eve and continues through January 6, and where presents are exchanged on Epiphany, not Christmas Eve?

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Spain

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In which country does the Christmas season begin on St. Lucia Day (December 13) and continue through Saint Knut's Day on January 13, with Jultomten delivering presents on Christmas Eve?

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Sweden

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13 Days before Christmas, the Jolasveinar start appearing in our towns, and might play tricks on people or leave gifts in children's shoes. Where does this tradition originate?

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Iceland