Traditions Christmas

In IRELAND, children often put out Christmas sacks instead of stockings. It is tradition to leave mince pies and a bottle of Guinness out as a snack for Santa. In SPAIN, Papa Noel delivers his presents by climbing up balconies. On January 6, the three wise men come to visit and also leave gifts for the children. FELIZ NAVIDAD! In MEXICO, children sometimes leave their shoes out instead of stockings. On Christmas Eve there is a parade of singers carrying bells and candles on top of long poles. They wind through the streets until they get to the local church. FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO NUE VO!!! In NORWAY, on Christmas Eve, a bowl of porridge, "nisse" is left in the barn for the gnome who protects the farm. When the children first see their Christmas tree all decorated, with presents underneath, the family joins hands and circles the tree singing carols. In KENYA, the churches are decorated with balloons, ribbons, flowers and green plants as well as Christmas trees. Christmas dinner is often a barbecue with family members travelling from far away to be together again. In FINLAND, it is a tradition to have a sauna bath before Santa's visit. On Christmas day most people go to "Christmas Church" and afterwards visit the grave sites of their loved ones and light candles for them. Hyvää Joulua! In the UKRAINE, Father Frost visits all the children in a sleigh pulled by only three reindeer. He brings along a little girl named Snowflake Girl. She wears a silver blue costume trimmed with white fur and a crown shaped like a snowflake. In ITALY, on the evening of the day after Christmas, a good witch named Strega Beffana visits children. She flies around Italy on a broom and leaves treats for good children and coal for naughty children. It is tradition to give a bag of dried lentils to your good friends to make lentil soup. This is a soup is eaten to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

Country Who comes What people do What do they say What do they eat What do you like

Ireland Spain

Mexico

Norway Kenya

Finland

Ukraine Italy