In Germany, the festive season kicks off with advent. Many families have an advent calendar or wreath with four candles, lighting one each Sunday before Christmas. On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, children leave out their shoes or boots in hopes of finding that they will be filled with sweets and small gifts by morning. The Christmas tree is often decorated on Christmas Eve. Families gather for a hearty meal that typically includes roast, goose, and stollen ( a fruit bread.)
Mexico celebrates Christmas with Las Posadas, a nine-day event from December 16th to the 24th that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. Each night, people go from house to house, singing carols and seeking shelter, culminating in a festive party with pinatas, food, and fireworks. On Christmas Eve, known as much as a noche buena families attend midnight mass and enjoy a late-night feast featuring tamales bacalola ( salted cod), And ponche a warm fruit punch.
In Italy, Christmas festivities began on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Nativity scenes or presepi, are an essential part of decorations, often elaborate and handmade. On Christmas Eve, Italians enjoy a light meal, often featuring Seafood before attending midnight mass. The main Feast on Christmas day includes dishes like lasagna, roasted Meats, and panettone, (a sweet bread with dried fruits.) The holiday season extends to January 6th, epiphany, when La Befana, a kindly witch, delivers gifts to children
Japan has adopted Christmas as a festive, secular holiday, with a focus on spreading joy and goodwill. Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day, with couples viewing it as a romantic occasion similar to Valentine’s Day. A unique tradition in Japan is enjoying a meal from KFC, a practice that started from a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. Christmas lights and decorations are popular and children may receive gifts but the main winter holiday remains New Year’s.
In Sweden, Christmas celebrations begin with St Lucia’s Day on December 13th. A girl dressed in a white gown with a wreath of candles on her head leaves A procession, singing carols and serving saffron buns and coffee. The main Christmas celebration, Julafton, time is on December 24th when families enjoy a smorgasbord of dishes like ham, meatballs pickled herring, and let fish ( dried fish. After the meal, they exchange gifts and might watch the traditional broadcast of Disney’s “From all of us to all of you.”
In Australia, Christmas Falls during the summer, so many Traditions reflect the warm weather. Australians often celebrate with outdoor activities like barbecues, beach chips, and picnics. Carols by candlelight events are popular where people Gather in Park season Christmas carols under the stars. The Christmas meal may include seafood, ham, and Pavlova a Maringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.
Last, but not least, America! American Christmas traditions are pretty diverse, but some of the most common ones include decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings by the fireplace, and exchanging gifts. Many families also enjoy baking cookies, singing carols, and watching classic Christmas movies. Of course, a big dinner with family and friends is a highlight for many people too!
THE PAW PRINT PRESS would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
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