Christmas Around the World

France

In many areas of France, Christmas celebrations start with Saint Nicholas day on December 6. The children get sweets and little gifts. On Christmas Eve, children put their polished shoes out in front of the chimney and hope that 'Pere Noel' (Father Christmas) fills the shoes with sweets.

Why do the children put out their shoes?

• Santa takes them and gives them new ones.

• They hope Father Christmas will fill them with sweets.

• They want Father Christmas to put little toys inside.

• They want Santa to trip and fall.

Italy

In Italy a nativity scene is usually put up in churches, town squares, and homes. This is for many the most important part of the Christmas decorations. In Italy, 'Babbo Natale' hands out presents to children on Christmas Day. Many families exchange gifts on January 6.

Where is the nativity scene put up?

• homes

• churches

• town square

• all of the above

Germany

In Germany houses are decorated with fairy lights and festive ornaments. The Christmas tree, however, is usually put up and decorated on the 24th of December. The 26th of December is a public holiday in Germany too.

When do most people put up their Christmas tree in Germany?

• December 24

• December 4

• whenever they want

• December 26

England

In England. most people start with Christmas decorations as early as mid November. Often donations are given from visitors to help a local charity. The donation box is called an honesty box. England celebrates Christmas on December 25, but they also get together with friends and family to exchange gifts on Boxing Day, December 26.

Why do you think the donation box is called and honesty box?

• They trust people to be honest and not take from the box.

• They wanted a fun name for the box.

• The name was chosen by a group of kids at a school.

• The donations are given to help a good cause.

Norway

In Norway, children wait for 'Julenisse', the Norwegian Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, the 'Julenisse', brings presents to the children. The children call Christmas 'Jul', and wish each other God Jul! This means Happy Christmas.

What do the children call Christmas in Norway?

• Julenisse

• God Jul

• Jul

• Happy Christmas

Portugal

Portugal children celebrate Christmas on December 24. Houses are decorated and many people put up a nativity scene. Gifts are exchanged after the family has attended a Christmas service. The capital city, LIsbon, is known for its huge tree sparkling with thousands of green lights.

When are gifts exchanged in Portugal?

• Christmas morning after breakfast

• Christmas Eve when they wake up.

• Christmas evening after dinner

• Christmas Eve after attending a Christmas service

Iceland

In Iceland, children put their shoes on the windowsill so the 'Juletide Lads' the Santa Claus, can fill the shoes with little goodies. Christmas celebrations in Iceland start on the 24th of December. Families get together and enjoy good food.

Where do the children put their shoes?

• In front of the fireplace

• On the windowsill

• On the front porch

• By their bed

Phillipines

In the Phillipines there is a special tradition of having a Christmas lantern . The lantern is star shaped remembering the star of Bethlehem. It is mainly made of bamboo and paper. Many markets in the Phillippines sell them during Christmas time.

What does the Christmas lantern represent?

• star of Bethlehem

• all of the stars out at night

• bamboo and paper

• the gifts received

Australia

In Australia, there is a tradition to join in Christmas picnics and sing Christmas carols on the beach weeks before Christmas. It is summer in December during Christmas. This is why so many people gather at the beach.

What do people do at the beach to celebrate Christmas?

• swim in the ocean

• make Santa and reindeer from sand

• play beach volleyball

• have picnics and sing Christmas carols

Brazil

In Brazil you will often find a nativity scene in front of the church. Many cities display Christmas trees during the month of December. The largest Christmas tree in the world is found in Rio de Janeiro. It is a floating tree.

Where is the largest Christmas tree found?

• England

• Rio de Janeiro

• LIsbon

• New York City