How people celebrate Christmas in different countries of the world
Πώς οι άνθρωποι γιορτάζουν τα Χριστούγεννα σε χώρες του κόσμου
Ομοιότητες και διαφορές:
Class D2
Australia:
In Australia, Christmas celebrations are during summer. A week earlier summer holidays start. The feast takes place on beaches where people barbeque or eat seafood and drink beers. People decorate the houses with Christmas Bush, a native Australian tree and Christmas bellflowers. They sing carols but they change the words related to cold and snow. Santa Claus comes riding a kangaroo and not a reindeer. Anastasis-Sofia
Crotia:
In Crotia, They go to church after Christmas dinner and say “Sretan Bozic” in Croatian which means “Merry Christmas”. On January 6th, they celebrate the feast of Epiphany. They open presents either on Christmas Day or 6th December, St Nicholas Day. On Christmas Eve, they eat fish, stuffed cabbage, ribs, baked ham and a cake with figs. Their decoration is mainly dried fruits. There is a tradition that boys used to give apples to the girls as a present. Katerina P
Russia:
After 1991, people were free to celebrate Christmas. In Russia, people fast for 39 days until Christmas Eve. At Christmas dinner they put 12 plates on the table –representing the 12 Apostles. Their traditional dishes include pies meat, mushroom, fish, or vegetable fillings or pickles. A drink called сбитень (ZBEEtyn’), made with spices and honey, is also served. On Christmas Day they go to church and sing carols. At midnight the bells ring and people make wishes and open campaigns. George B
Sweden:
In Sweden, celebrations start on 13th December, the Lucia’s Day. Lucia is the oldest daughter of the family who is wearing a long white dress and a crown with candles on her head. Swedish started decorating the Christmas tree in 1700. At dinner people drink a hot, spicy wine with almonds and raisins – and gingerbread biscuits or ham, pork or fish. Jim
Italy:
In Italy, “Buon Natale” means Merry Christmas. Many people choose to exchange gifts on Christmas Day, but in some other cities, children open gifts on the 13th of December, Saint Lucia Day. Some people wait until the 6th of January, the Epiphany, to open gifts left by the witch. They believe that Santa Claus is a witch. Her name is Befana and she brings the presents to children. She is an ugly but very kind witch. Aggelos
Germany:
In Germany, people use a candle stick with for candles decorated with fir leaves. The candles are the 4 weeks of Christmas. St Nicholas brings the gifts. The dinner feast includes mashed potatoes, vegetables and rice. The children open the presents on 6th December or 12th. Sonia A
Mexico:
Christmas is like a carnival for the Mexican people from 16 December until Christmas Eve. The event is known as “Las Posadas” (it means inn). In Mexico you can see mangers decorated with flamingos and prickly pears. Children sing carols, have donkeys, hold candles and carry statues of Mary and Josef. A famous event that Mexicans and visitors enjoy is piñata challenge. Charalampos
China:
In China, Christmas is on 25th of December. People use red and gold because they used these colours for good luck in old times. People decorate Christmas trees and eat together. They eat roast duck and have rice too. To celebrate New Year’s Eve, they have firework shows. Thalia
Spain:
The first public tree was decorated in Madrid in the Christmas of 1870. Carols are known as villancicos and they are very melodic. On December 22nd Christmas lottery marks the beginning of the Christmas decorations. Also at dinner, the Spaniards have their 12 sour green grapes ready to eat, one for every strike of the clock. It is said that if you manage to eat the twelve grapes in the 12 strikes before midnight, you are guaranteed good fortune for the New Year. Charis
