Christmas Around The World

Christmas Around the World by Kusi Welch

Did you know that Christmas is celebrated all over the world? Milad Majid!

Feliz Navidad!

Feliz Natal! Joyeux Noel!

Nollaig Shona Dhuit!

Table of Contents I. Vocabulary II. “Feliz Natal” from Brazil III. “Fröhliche Weihnachten” from Germany

IV. Other Christmas Traditions around the Wo V. In America VI. Quiz

Some vocabulary first! • Tradition • Celebrate • Advent • Nativity • St. Nicholas • Christmas Eve • Christmas Back to Table of Contents

“Feliz Natal” from Brazil! • Former Portuguese colony, there are many traditions as a result of this heritage. • 1 tradition is setting up the “presipio” or nativity scene in churches, home and stores.

“Feliz Natal” from Brazil! • Papai Noel, or “Father Noel” is the person who brings the presents. • Brazilians believe he lives in Greenland, and when he comes down, he wears a red, silk suit because it is so hot!

“Feliz Natal” from Brazil! • Devout Catholics attend “Missa do Galo” or “Midnight Mass”

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“Fröhliche Weihnachten” from Germany! • Christmas magic begins with the Advent Calendar

• This is also accompanied by an Advent Wreath

“Fröhliche Weihnachten” from Germany!

• On the first day of Advent there is a huge market in all of the German cities. This market is almost like a fair. There is festive music, short plays being performed, and things to buy!

“Fröhliche Weihnachten” from Germany! • Highlight for children during Advent is St. Nicholas Day. Children put out their shoes in hopes that St. Nicholas will leave a small treat. • On Christmas Eve, 'Der Weihnachtsmann' or “Father Christmas” comes. When it becomes dark, someone rings a bell and the children come by the tree to open presents. Back to Content page

There are many other Christmas traditions that can be found around the world!

• In Latvia, people believe Father Christmas brings gifts on each of the 12 days of Christmas.

• In Australia, thousands of people enjoy the tradition “Carols by Candelight” on Christmas Eve. People gather in Melbourne to sing. • In Holand, farmers blow a horn at sunset each day during the Christmas season. • In Ehthiopia, present giving is not a major part of the holiday. Small, simple gifts are given.

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What about in America? • There are many different nationalities in America. Therefore, there are many different Christmas traditions.

For example… • In Arizona, many people celebrate the Mexican tradition Las Posadas.

Families play Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay.

Another example… • Polish Americans put hay under their table to remind themselves of the nativity scene.

• They also will set two extra places at the table, in case Mary and Jesus stop by.

Yet across America…

• Many believe in Santa Clause, who rides a sleigh, lives in the North Pole, and delivers presents on Christmas Eve. • Children around the country are told to behave well or they will end up on Santa’s “naughty list” • Families decorate their homes with a big Christmas tree. • For those who are Christian, many attend mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Back to Table of Contents

Quiz time! 1. This country believes that Father Christmas lives in Brazil Greenland________. Brazil Germany

No

America

No

Quiz Time! 2. Why do Portuguese Americans put two extra plates out at Mary and Jesus the tableForduring Christmas ___________________? For family and relatives

No

For Mary and Jesus For neighbors

No

Quiz Time! 3. “Fröhliche Weihnachten” Germany means Merry Christmas in what country__________? America

No

Germany Brazil

No

Quiz time! 4. What is Advent The four Sundays before Christmas __________________ The night before Christmas

No

The four Sundays before Christmas The week after Christmas

No

Credits!

 http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissai  http://www.santas.net/aroundtheworld.htm  http://www.soon.org.uk/christmas.htm  http://www.soon.org.uk/country/christmas.htm