Christmas in Canada

By Patrick Chris Kramer  Γ2

Around December there are many religions that celebrate something important to them. One of those celebrations is Christmas and Hanukah. Canada is a multicultural country so many people celebrate different things and have different customs. Below, I shall describe how Canadians celebrate Christmas and what customs they follow.

First of all, on the 24^th of December most Canadians leave work early to do their last-minute shopping and decorate the Christmas tree.

Stores are open until 5 or 6 pm. Then they will wrap their present and in the middle of the night, while everyone is sleeping, they place the presents under the tree. Parents fill the children’s stockings with candies, treats and little toys. They also leave out some milk and cookies for Santa Claus.

On Christmas morning, it is custom for the children to open the presents. Children usually wake up early waiting for Santa Claus and his gifts. Usually, the cookies have been eaten and the milk drunk. Some parents even leave fake Santa footsteps on the ground or even coal from the fireplace. After the exchanging of the gifts the whole family prepares dinner. Christmas dinner usually includes roasted stuffed turkey, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. “Traditional favorite Christmas desserts reminiscent of England include Christmas plum puddings and mincemeat tarts. Christmas crackers are popular favors. A rich fruit Christmas Cake is also a traditional Christmas sweet.”

For some the best day is Boxing day, the 26^th of December, when all stores are open and usually have fantastic prices and deals. Often many stores have endless lines of people waiting to buy their favourite items.

          Very often, Canadians may travel around Christmas and New Years or even look for warmer countries to visit such as Mexico. Prices on these days are usually cheap so if people do not have large families or obligations, they may find themselves choosing to travel during this time.

Finally, some of the most popular festivals during this time are: The Niagara Falls of Festival Lights, Christmas Lights Across Canada in Ottawa-the capital city, the Vancouver Festival of lights and many more.

The Niagara Falls of Festival Lights

Christmas Lights Across Canada in Ottawa-the capital city

   The Vancouver Festival of lights

Overall, there are many similarities between Greece and Canada, but I think that out of everything I like the Canadian dinner the most. What is better than having a large delicious dinner with all the people you love.